MLS Schedule 2015: Week 1 Match Listing and Preview of Top Games

The 2015 Major League Soccer season gets underway on Friday night when the reigning MLS Cup champion Los Angeles Galaxy take on the Chicago Fire. That matchup kicks off a slate of weekend action that also includes the debuts of New York City FC and Orlando City SC.

There were some tense moments this week, as the threat of a player strike loomed over the league until Wednesday. That's when MLS announced an agreement with the players union on a collective bargaining agreement that will be in place through the 2019 campaign.

With the dark cloud lifted, it's time to look forward to the opening week of play. So let's check out the complete schedule for Week 1 followed by a preview for three of the most anticipated matchups as MLS enters its 20th season.

Week 1 Fixtures

Date	Time (ET)	Home	Road
March 6	10 p.m.	L.A. Galaxy	Chicago
March 7	3 p.m.	D.C. United	Montreal
March 7	4 p.m.	Philadelphia	Colorado
March 7	6 p.m.	Vancouver	Toronto
March 7	8:30 p.m.	Dallas	San Jose
March 7	8:30 p.m.	Houston	Columbus
March 7	10:30 p.m.	Portland	Real Salt Lake
March 8	5 p.m.	Orlando	New York City
March 8	7 p.m.	Sporting KC	NY Red Bulls
March 8	9:30 p.m.	Seattle	New England

Top Games to Watch

LA Galaxy vs. Chicago Fire

The Galaxy head into their title defense with most of the key players who helped them win last year's title. They edged the New England Revolution in the final thanks to a Robbie Keane tally in extra time. He'll take on an even larger leadership role this season with Landon Donovan retired.

Finding a way to replace Donovan in the midfield is one of the keys to the campaign. Phil Collin of Inside SoCal Sports passed along comments from head coach Bruce Arena, who said it will probably be a committee approach until Steven Gerrard arrives:

Chicago is a tough team to forecast at the outset. The Fire finished ninth in the Eastern Conference last term but made several changes to the squad in hopes of a quick turnaround. Kennedy Igboananike and Shaun Maloney should provide a nice attacking boost.

A road trip to face the champions as they celebrate their accomplishment is a tough opening draw, though. The Galaxy will want to secure all three points and start their journey toward another title on a positive note.

Orlando City vs. New York City

The MLS' two expansion teams will begin with a clash against each other. Both sides will start with moderately high expectations thanks to rosters that should immediately be competitive. Orlando features Brazilian star Kaka, and New York City has David Villa.

Since they come into the league together and are in the same conference, a rivalry is likely to emerge between the sides. Orlando is clearly ready for that, as it sent a shot across the bow of NYCFC on social media involving Frank Lampard:

Lampard was originally expected to join Villa in New York to create a dynamic veteran presence for the new club. Instead, he's sticking with Manchester City through the end of the campaign after a contract ruckus before coming stateside.

New York City won't be at full strength until he joins the squad. Add the fact Orlando gets to play the first meeting at home, and it sets up well for Adrian Heath's side. It should be a highly entertaining debut match for both, regardless of the result.

Seattle Sounders vs. New England Revolution

The first match on the list features the champions, and the second involves the expansion teams. The match between the Sounders and the Revolution could very well be the best of the opening weekend, though, at least in terms of the level of play.

Seattle finished atop the Western Conference during the regular season last year, and New England reached the championship match. Based on the early odds provided by Paul Carr of ESPN, they are both strong contenders once again:

Clint Dempsey has been streaky since returning to MLS after an extended stay in Europe. Sometimes, he looks like the best player in the league. At other times, he fails to make even a minor impact. A more steady campaign could land him the MVP award and bring the title to Seattle.

For New England, the return of Juan Agudelo is a story worth watching. His potential is sky-high, but he's struggled to realize it so far. A consistent role with the Revs could allow him to find a comfort zone and lead the club to the top of the East.

All of the questions begin to get answered for these two teams and all the rest this weekend.