Following Los Angeles' first ever MLS Cup triumph in November, the 2023 Major League Soccer campaign gets underway later this month. Unlike most years, the league campaign kicks-off on the back of a successful World Cup performance by the USMNT.
Gregg Berhalter's side progressed through their group containing England, Wales and Iran before pushing the Netherlands to the distance in the round of 16. The impressive display has forced figures across the globe to take notice of USA in the football scene.
Over a month since the nation's antics in Qatar, attention now diverts back to 28th season of MLS action and this year, we have 29 clubs following the addition of St. Louis City SC.
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As anticipation continues to build, there is plenty for you to get excited for ahead of the 10-month campaign. With that in mind, football.london brings you all the information you need on dates, how to watch the action and the stars to keep a watchful eye for.
When does the 2023 MLS season start?
The 2023 MLS season campaign will get underway on Saturday February 25 with a full round of fixtures taking place. Nashville SC host Nick Cushing's New York City in the first game, kicking-off at 4:30pm (EST) with 12 games following.
What games are played on the opening weekend?
Last season's champions, Los Angeles FC, face a mouth-watering trip to LA Galaxy in the first 'El Traffico' of the season. League newcomers St. Louis travel to Austin FC whilst David Beckham's Inter Miami welcome Montreal to the DRV PNK Stadium.
1998 winners Chicago Fire are not in action in the opening week due to the un-even number of teams in the league.
Here is the full fixture list:
Saturday February 25 (all times EST)
Nashville SC vs New York City - 4:30pm
D.C United vs Toronto FC - 7:30pm
Philadelphia Union vs Columbus Crew - 7:30pm
Orlando City vs New York Red Bulls - 7:30pm
FC Cincinnati vs Houston Dynamo - 7:30pm
Atlanta United vs San Jose Earthquakes - 7:30pm
Inter Miami vs CF Montreal - 7:30pm
Charlotte FC vs New England Revolution - 7:30pm
FC Dallas vs Minnesota United - 8:30pm
Austin FC vs St. Louis City- 8:30pm
La Galaxy vs Los Angeles FC- 9:30pm
Vancouver vs Real Salt Lake - 10:30pm
Portland Timbers vs Sporting KC - 10:30pm
Sunday February 26
Seattle Sounders vs Colorado Rapids - 8pm (EST)
Where can you watch the 2023 MLS action?
Every MLS regular-season match will be streamed live on Apple TV. Selected matches will also be available to watch on cable TV via FOX and FS1.
Supporters can purchase a MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app for $14.99 per month during the season or $99 per season. Subscribers of Apple TV+ can sign up for $12.99 per month or 99 per season. You can find out all the information on the passes, here.
What is the scheduling for the 2023 season?
The regular season will run from February until October. In July, however, the campaign will pause for the month-long League Cup, which sees MLS sides take on Mexican opponents.
The dates for the play-offs is TBC, though last season, they started on October 15 before concluding at the start of November.
Who are the standout players?
Last season, the MLS was greeted with Wales legend Gareth Bale. The former Real Madrid man, who retired from professional football after the World Cup, played a crucial role in LAFC's title win with a 128th-minute equaliser to send the game to penalties.
Now, there are plenty of players to get excited about. Long-time icon in the league Carlos Vela will be hoping to add to his 79 goals scored for LAFC in the final year of his current deal whilst 2020 Premier League winner Xherdan Shaqiri will be looking to add to his prestigious list of titles with Chicago Fire.
2018 most valuable player and golden boot winner Josef Martinez has left Atlanta after six seasons to bolster Phil Neville's attacking ranks at Miami. Former Premier League strikers Christian Benteke and Cucho Hernandez will be looking to set the league alight following their recent moves to D.C United and Columbus Crew respectively.
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