FRISCO, Texas - It may still be 2022 but the 2023 MLS season isn't too far away. FC Dallas starts its 2023 campaign at home on February 25 against Minnesota United. And with the full schedule now released, let's take a look at some of the most exciting matchups awaiting FC Dallas in the coming months.
And remember, all MLS games will be available on MLS Season Pass on the Apple TV app, launching Feb. 1.
Minnesota United FC at Home | February 25
The Home Opener is always special. It's living, breathing proof that MLS is back. Hopes are high and there's a sense of optimism in the air, especially this year after an encouraging 2022 season in Dallas. In 2023, the Home and Season Opener will also offer a fun reminder of one of the best recent FCD memories: a matchup with Minnesota United FC at Toyota Stadium. Minnesota returns to Frisco barely four months after seeing their 2022 season come to a dramatic end with Alan Velasco's panenka in a penalty shootout. They'll want revenge. Dallas will want to run it back. You'll want to be there.
Los Angeles FC Away | March 25
It may be an away game but this one may also be worth the trip. It's certainly worth tuning in on Apple TV's MLS Season Pass at 9:30PM. LAFC are the reigning champs, they've got the star power and, from what I'm told, Banc of California Stadium is great this time of year. Regardless, it'll be FCD's first chance to knock the MLS Cup holders down a peg before they visit Toyota Stadium on July1. Plus, LAFC vs. Dallas games are typically quite the spectacle.
St. Louis CITY SC at Home | May 6
St. Louis are the new kids on the block and they make their first journey to Toyota Stadium in early May. New teams are always interesting, some come flying out of the gates and some take time to put it all together. STL may have an advantage over most incoming franchises, though, as they competed in MLS NEXT Pro last season with their second team, St. Louis CITY2. It was the very same St. Louis CITY2 that knocked FCD's second team, North Texas SC, out of the inaugural MLSNP playoffs last September. St. Louis' new first team will likely feature some of the same players that knocked off North Texas so FC Dallas will have a chance for revenge on behalf of its little brother on May 6.
Austin FC at Home | August 26
As an Austinite and FC Dallas fan this is always the matchup I'm looking forward to most. But after last season, it's probably the matchup both fan bases are most looking forward to. Austin and Dallas are inherently rivals to due proximity but the heat was cranked up a notch after three meetings over four months in the latter half of 2022. The clubs drew both regular season games (although Austin was named Copa Tejas champs for beating Houston once more) but it was Josh Wolff's team that had the last laugh with a 2-1 win over Dallas in the Western Conference Semifinal. This matchup in August could decide Copa Tejas once again at Toyota Stadium and serve as the perfect venue for FCD to exact some revenge.
This year also has an extra wrinkle. Austin is the only team FCD will face three times in the regular season (it faces every other Western Conference team twice) because there is an odd number of clubs in the league with the introduction of St. Louis CITY. Two of the Austin games will be at Q2 Stadium, with this Aug. 26 matchup being the only one in Frisco.
Houston Dynamo FC Away | September 30
This list wouldn't be complete without the Texas Derby. FC Dallas hosts Houston for the first time on May 20 but this second meeting late in the season at PNC Stadium could have more impact on playoff spots and Copa Tejas standings. The match is FCD's final away game before its Decision Day road trip to LA Galaxy on Oct. 21. It very well decide FCD (and Houston's) playoff fate, the winner of El Capitán, as well as the Copa Tejas champion. Yep, there's a lot on the line.
