
The year is winding down, but 2016 MLS preseason matches are only a little over a month away.
Action between MLS clubs begins in early February, although several clubs still have yet to announce preseason plans. Announcement of preseason plans still lay in wait for the Montreal Impact, D.C. United, New York Red Bulls, New York City FC, FC Dallas, Columbus Crew, Orlando City, Philadelphia Union, and Toronto FC.
Here’s a closer look at the preseason schedule as it stands:
Feb. 3-9: DESERT FRIENDLIES
Ahead of the Desert Diamond Cup, Arizona PDL club FC Tucson is hosting several friendlies at Kino North Stadium. Starting Feb. 3, the Vancouver Whitecaps will take on the Seattle Sounders while the Portland Timbers face the Houston Dynamo. Three days later, the Dynamo face the New England Revolution, the San Jose Earthquakes take on the Whitecaps and the Timbers take on the Sounders. Rounding off the action on Feb. 9 will be a clash between the Whitecaps and Dynamo, while the Sounders take on Celaya FC.
Feb 6: PHILADELPHIA UNION vs. JACKSONVILLE ARMADA
The Union will open their 2016 preseason schedule with a visit to the NASL’s Jacksonville Armada. The clash will serve as a rematch from last year’s friendly between the two in what served as the Armada’s first ever game.
Feb. 9: LA GALAXY vs. TIJUANA
In preparation for its CONCACAF Champions League knockout stage tie against Santos Laguna on Feb. 24, the Galaxy will play its first of two scheduled friendlies against Miguel Herrera’s Tijuana, which features Americans Michael Orozco, Greg Garza, Paul Arriola and Alejandro Guido.
Feb. 13: LA GALAXY vs. SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES
In Las Vegas, the LA Galaxy face in-state rival San Jose Earthquakes in a preseason California Clasico at Cashman Field.
Feb. 13: COLORADO RAPIDS vs. SACRAMENTO REPUBLIC
The Colorado Rapids take on MLS expansion candidates Sacramento Republic in Sacramento, California, at Bonney Field.
Feb. 17-27: DESERT DIAMOND CUP
Matchups for the Desert Diamond Cup have not been announced yet, but the tournament will include the New England Revolution, Real Salt Lake, Colorado Rapids and Sporting Kansas City as well as Sporting KC’s new USL side Swope Park Rangers and host FC Tucson of the Professional Development League.
Games will take place starting with a triple-header on Feb. 17 . On Feb. 20 the tournament continues with another triple-header, while a third is set for Feb. 24. First, third, and fifth-place games close out the tournament Feb. 27.
Feb. 21-27: SIMPLE INVITATIONAL
The Portland Timbers will host the second annual Simple Invitational at Providence Park. After inviting Bob Bradley-coached Stabaek last season, the tournament now includes more games and only brings together American teams. Portland hosts the Chicago Fire, Vancouver Whitecaps and future MLS, now-NASL club Minnesota United FC.
The competition starts Feb. 21 with a doubleheader as the Timbers face Minnesota United before the Fire take on the Whitecaps. On Feb. 24, the Fire take on Minnesota before the Timbers plays against their Cascadia rival, the Whitecaps .Concluding the Invitational on Feb. 27 will be the Timbers vs. the Fire and the Whitecaps vs. Minnesota.
Feb. 27: SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES vs. NEW YORK COSMOS
In a clash for original NASL sides, the San Jose Earthquakes host the New York Cosmos at Avaya Stadium.
Still waiting for the full regular season schedule- MLS should have released it months ago. MLB releases their schedule nearly 200 days in advance; NHL about 100 days; NFL 140 days; MLS 2015 only 60 days in advance. Come on MLS, we want to plan our roadtrips!