RSL to meet San Jose, DC United, Colorado Rapids in first three matches

Real Salt Lake will start the 2013 campaign with two early March road trips, heading off to San Jose Earthquakes on March 3 and D.C. United on March 9. The home opener is March 16 against Colorado Rapids as RSL looks to continue their holding of the Rocky Mountain Cup.

RSL opened the 2012 season with a 3-1 road win against LA Galaxy and a 2-0 home win against New York Red Bulls.

The opening match against the Earthquakes marks the third time in four years that the two met on the first day of the season, with RSL running out 1-0 winners in 2011 and 3-0 winners in 2010.

Given San Jose's considerable uptick in form and demolition of RSL in all three 2012 meetings, things could be considerably tighter.

Home openers

2010: RSL 2-2 Seattle

2011: RSL 4-1 LA Galaxy

2012: RSL 2-0 New York Red Bulls

Read more: MLS announces 2013 home openers