CARSON, Calif. – Start counting the days.
Major League Soccer announced the LA Galaxy’s complete 2016 MLS regular season schedule on Thursday, setting the course for an exciting season ahead. The LA Galaxy will begin their docket on March 6 at StubHub Center against old foes D.C. United.
As we get ready for the upcoming season, I’ve picked my top five games on the docket that I’m most looking forward to this year.
5) DC UNITED AT STUBHUB CENTER – Saturday, March 6 (UniMas)
Whether you’re a player, a supporter or even a journalist, few games the same allure as a season opener. Optimism will be high on both sides when the Galaxy and D.C. United open their season on March 6.
A total of 130 days will have passed between Galaxy matches by the time that Los Angeles kick off the 2016 season against D.C. United. After the frustrating manner in which the Galaxy’s 2015 campaign ended, enthusiasm will be high when LA steps on the field at StubHub Center for the first time in more than four months.
United will be keen to stop the Galaxy from starting the season on the right foot, however, as they seek to compete in a much-improved Eastern Conference.
4) PORTLAND TIMBERS AT STUBHUB CENTER - Sunday, Apr. 10 (FS1)
The defending MLS Cup Champion, Portland Timbers come to town for the first time in 2016 on April 10.
Bruce Arena might not admit it, but his LA Galaxy will be itching for some payback after Portland’s 5-2 win over the Galaxy at StubHub Center last September . The Timbers head into 2016 with the bulk of their squad from their 2015 MLS Cup win and will be eager to be the first team since the Galaxy in 2012 to repeat as league champions.
The match might also be the start of a real rivalry between the two teams as the Galaxy look to take back their title from the Timbers.
3) ORLANDO CITY SC AT STUBHUB CENTER - Sunday, Sept. 11 (FS1)
Brazilian maestro Kaká and Orlando City SC will make their first trip to StubHub Center to face the LA Galaxy on Sept. 11.
The arrival of Kaká, a former Ballon d'Or, and FIFA World Cup winner is certain to draw plenty of attention when he lines up against the likes of Keane, Gerrard and Dos Santos. Orlando City SC smashed a youth-laden Galaxy squad 4-0 at the Citrus Bowl last May in their only meeting between the two sides. Don’t expect a reserve team this time around, however, as the Galaxy figure to trot out a much stronger side with the game taking place in the heart of the season.
Kaká isn’t the only player on Orlando to keep an eye on, as Galaxy fans should make particular note of 2015 Rookie of the Year winner, Cyle Larin, who notched 17 goals in his first season in Major League Soccer.
2) SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC AT CENTURYLINK FIELD - Saturday, July 9 (ESPN)
The LA Galaxy walked off the turf pitch at CenturyLink Field last October with their heads lowered after their playoff defeat , but they’ll make their first trip to Seattle in 2016 eager for revenge.
There’s no love lost between the Galaxy and the Sounders, but LA’s first-ever postseason defeat to the Sounders should add plenty of vitriol to the contest on and off the field. Seattle head into 2016 with plenty of motivation to compete for a first MLS Cup after watching their archrivals, the Portland Timbers lifted the trophy last year.
Fans of one of the league’s fiercest rivalries will get two helpings of the Seattle vs.Galaxy matchup as the two teams will face off again on July 31 at CenturyLink Field.
1) NEW YORK CITY FC AT YANKEE STADIUM - Saturday, Aug. 20 (ESPN)
Try to keep the baseball jokes to a minimum because the Galaxy taking on New York City FC at historic Yankee Stadium is sure to be an exciting spectacle.
There will be no shortage of star power for this nationally televised match that will feature the likes of Robbie Keane, Andrea Pirlo, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Giovani dos Santos, and David Villa. NYCFC were trounced 5-1 at StubHub Center in 2015 , and will look to bounce back when the Galaxy make their first trip to the Bronx.
Both teams are talented enough to make a major push for silverware in 2016 making their lone matchup of the year a must watch.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
