2018 in Focus: A closer look at this season's Chicago Fire schedule

MLS fans did not need to wait long into 2018 to chart their team’s course for the upcoming season, with the unveiling of the league-wide schedule coming earlier today. With the pieces now in place, here’s a look at some of the dates, games, road trips and oddities that stand out for the Chicago Fire’s 2018 campaign:

Off the Top

It seems natural to start at the beginning, where Fire fans will notice a change from the season-opener details announced several weeks ago. Because of the Colorado Rapids’ participation in the CONCACAF Champions League -- which sees Colorado travel to fellow MLS foe Toronto FC on Tuesday, Feb. 27 -- the league has rescheduled the Fire’s trip to Dick’s Sporting Goods…