MLS has released the dates of each team's home opener for the 2012 season, and all but one team will play its first home match by Week 3.
The Houston Dynamo are the only team that will have to wait a while for their home opener next year, as they'll be on the road until their new soccer-specific stadium opens in Week 10 on May 12. The scenario they face is much like the one Sporting Kansas City did last season, when the club was forced to play its first 10 games on the road.
The Los Angeles Galaxy won't have to wait long to return to the Home Depot Center. The Galaxy begin their MLS Cup title defense at home on the first day of the season on March 10. Five other teams will open the season at home that day as well.
The expansion Montreal Impact have their first-ever MLS home game in Week 2 on March 17. They'll play at the Olympic Stadium to start while renovations to Stade Saputo continue.
Here are all of the dates for 2012 MLS home openers:
WEEK 1
Saturday, March 10: Colorado Rapids, D.C. United, LA Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Sunday, March 11: Chivas USA, FC Dallas
Monday, March 12: Portland Timbers
WEEK 2
Saturday, March 17: Sporting Kansas City, Montreal Impact, Real Salt Lake
Sunday, March 18: Philadelphia Union
WEEK 3
Saturday, March 24: Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, New England Revolution, Toronto FC
Sunday, March 25: New York Red Bulls
WEEK 10
Saturday, May 12: Houston Dynamo
———–
What do you think of these dates? Expecting Houston to struggle until it plays at home? Planning on going to your team's home opener?
Share your thoughts below.