TFC welcomes Crew in 2018 season opener; Whitecaps host Impact

Toronto FC will kick off the 2018 MLS season by welcoming the Columbus Crew back to BMO Field on March 3 in a rematch of this season’s nervy Eastern Conference final.

Following a Week 2 bye, the Reds will travel to Quebec for an anticipated 401 Derby matchup with the Montreal Impact at Olympic Stadium on March 17.

On Tuesday, Major League Soccer unveiled home openers for each of its 23 clubs — including the expansion Los Angeles Football Club — as the loop enters its 23rd season.

LAFC will travel to Seattle’s CenturyLink Field for its inaugural fixture on March 4.

The MLS newbies won’t host their first match at newly constructed Banc of California Stadium until April 29 when Seattle comes calling.

The Vancouver Whitecaps are home to Montreal at BC Place Stadium on March 4.

The Columbus Crew open what could be their final season in Ohio on March 10 against the visiting Impact. Owner Anthony Precourt appears to be moving forward with potential relocation to Austin, Texas, in time for the 2019 MLS season.

Another notable fixture is DC United’s “home opener” against Houston on March 17. The Black and Red don’t yet have a venue for the match as Audi Field won’t be completed until next summer.

The Washington Post reported this week that MLS turned down DC’s request to play its entire home slate during the final four months of next season.

Toronto FC learned earlier this week they’ll open next year’s CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16 on the road at Colorado during the third week in February before hosting the return leg a week later.

The winner of Toronto FC’s twoleg series with the Rapids will advance to meet either Costa Rica’s Herediano or Mexican side Tigres.

Notes: After winning MLS Coach of the Year for 2017, Toronto FC bench boss Greg Vanney was named CONCACAF’s Men’s Football Coach of the Year.