Setting a tone in any home opener is big, but the Sounders getting blown out in the MLS Cup final and sputtering early in CONCACAF Champions League play has the fan base on edge. Expansion Los Angeles FC is banged-up a bit as well, but threw some cash around this offseason and can’t be taken lightly.
May 9 at Toronto FC
A rematch of the past two MLS Cup finals in the same place they were played. The Sounders were humiliated at BMO Field in December’s title game and can exorcise a demon or two.
July 15 at Atlanta United
Owner Arthur Blank’s team is going for it all in its second season, and the Sounders will have to keep pace with elite teams if they hope to make the final again, let alone host it.