2016 MLS schedule released; RSL to play 6 consecutive road games in May, June

Real Salt Lake's 2016 schedule was finally released (late schedules and MLS go together quite well), and we can finally get a real lay of the land.

The first big news out of the release? RSL will have six consecutive road games in May and early June. Now, that's probably because there will be a new pitch laid at the stadium, and that will probably take some time to take root.

The other big news? Don't expect a lot of national TV action. This is the standard for RSL. No matches are scheduled for ESPN, three are on UniMas, and two are on Fox Sports 1. The more things change, after all, the more they stay the same.

Full schedule available here

CCL

Feb. 24 (A), March 2 (H) — Real Salt Lake vs. Tigres (CCL)

We've known about this date for a while, but it's still the most important one of the season. It's a CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal, and it's been a while since we've been in one of those. The odds aren't particularly in our favor, of course, and that sort of makes it more exciting — and a little more terrifying.

The openers

Sunday, March 6, 12 p.m. — Orlando City (A)

Here's another big one, and that's just because it's the opener. Remember last time we played each other and Kaka earned a suspension for stomping on Javier Morales? Yeah, that was fun. Except, you know, for Javi, who really is great.

Saturday, March 12, time TBD — Seattle Sounders FC (H)

Two words: Home opener. Another word: Kindofarivalry. Or is that cheating? Anyway, this will be fun. And you already knew about it, so, you know. Yeah.

The closers

Sunday, Oct. 16, 5 p.m. — Sporting KC (H) Fox Sports 1

This is the only home Sunday match in 2016 currently scheduled — and after the backlash from some fans over that very thing last year, this will surely be a breath of fresh air.

Anyway, we still have that tricky issue of true revenge to deal with, and hopefully RSL will be fully stocked for this one. Oh — and it's on national TV. That should be fun, right? Right?

Sunday, Oct. 23, 2 p.m. — Seattle Sounders (A)

RSL closes the season with two consecutive Sunday games. Both are sure to be exciting match-ups,

Rocky Mountain Cup — Colorado Rapids

Saturday, April 9, 7:30 p.m. — Colorado Rapids (H)

Saturday, May 7, 7 p.m. — Colorado Rapids (A)

Friday, August 26, 6 p.m. — Colorado Rapids (H) UniMas

Selected highlights

Friday, July 1, 9 p.m. — D.C. United (H) UniMas

Revenge is a dish best served in the middle of the summer.

Friday, July 22, 9 p.m. — San Jose Earthquakes (H) UniMas

Another national match. That's good, at least.

Sunday, Aug. 14, 5p.m. — Seattle Sounders (A) Fox Sports 1

On national TV against one of our kinda-fierce rivals? This sounds fun.