PORTLAND, Ore. — The Portland Timbers will open their second season in Major League Soccer at home on Monday, March 12, at JELD-WEN Field, it was announced today as MLS unveiled the home-opening dates for all 19 clubs ahead of the league’s 17th season in 2012.
Portland’s 2012 season opener will be the featured match on March 12, closing out the first week of the regular season and First Kick, presented by Dick’s Sporting Goods. Details regarding the opponent, a kickoff time and broadcast information for First Kick will be included as part of the entire regular-season schedule, which will be announced upon its completion in the coming weeks.
The Timbers are one of nine clubs making their home debut in Week 1 of the regular season. Portland has sold out 17 consecutive league matches at JELD-WEN Field, dating back to its inaugural MLS home opener on April 14, 2011. Season tickets for the Timbers 2012 season are sold out.
In 2012, the Timbers will play a 34-match, conference-based schedule, with 17 matches at home and 17 on the road. Portland, one of nine Western Conference clubs, will play 24 in-conference games and face each of the 10 Eastern Conference clubs once. Click here for details on the playoff format for 2012.
The dates of the 2012 home openers for all 19 MLS clubs are below.
WEEK 1
Saturday, March 10: Colorado Rapids, D.C. United, LA Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Sunday, March 11: Chivas USA, FC Dallas
Monday, March 12: Portland Timbers
WEEK 2
Saturday, March 17: Sporting Kansas City, Montreal Impact, Real Salt Lake
Sunday, March 18: Philadelphia Union
WEEK 3
Saturday, March 24: Chicago Fire, Columbus Crew, New England Revolution, Toronto FC
Sunday, March 25: New York Red Bulls
WEEK 10
Saturday, May 12: Houston Dynamo (new stadium opener)
