Likes/Dislikes on the Fire's 2013 MLS Schedule

So the Fire’s 2013 regular season schedule OFFICIALLY came out earlier today and while I’m crushed that the league didn’t go for my MLS Cup re-match on October 25 idea, there are still some dates beyond the three we already knew about that I’m looking forward to.

As always, there are also some things I dislike about the schedule…

DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE SCHEDULE (PDF)

Four games I’m looking forward to…

April 14 at Houston – A rematch of the Fire’s 2012 MLS Cup playoff defeat. Houston outplayed the Fire back on Halloween and though they were a #5 seed went all the way to the final. I’d hope that every player that went through that defeat has the game circled.

April 27 at Montreal – What can I say except that I’m a sucker for French Canada? The trip to Montreal to begin the 2012 season was one of my favorite Fire memories and now with the Impact back into Stade Saputo, I have something else to look forward to.

June 2 vs. D.C. United – Though I’d prefer this game to be played on October 25, the first game against United should be another one Fire players mark on their calendar after drawing with them 1-1 at home to end the 2012 season. Despite an onslaught at the end of the match, the team couldn’t find a second goal to avoid the knockout playoff match. The addition of Maicon Santos also makes this one more interesting

September 7 at Seattle – I put in my Fire New Year’s Resolutions that whenever the team traveled to Qwest Field, the goal should be to come away with three points. Having gone 0-5-3 against the Sounders since 2009, its time to put that winless streak to bed.

Things I don’t like…

• I love Montreal so I don’t like that though the Fire play the Impact three times this season, the only trip to Quebec will come on April 27. There’s always 2014 I suppose…
  
• Though a common occurrence in the old days of MLS when there were 10-12 teams, that odd back-to-back home and home series in mid-May with Philadelphia just feels strange…
  
• The Fire only play Toronto FC twice and the away game is on a Wednesday, making away supporters travel difficult. The two teams met on the same Wednesday the year before and I believe the combination of TFC’s poor form and the midweek match were at fault for really poor attendance.
  
• For the second straight year, the Fire will have to venture to Houston in the dead heat of summer for their fixture on July 27… Is there any way BBVA Compass can build a dome for the summer months?
  
• Down the home stretch, only one of the team’s last four matches is being played at Toyota Park (October 19 vs. Toronto FC). If the playoff race is as tight as it was last season, this could be difficult.