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Today, the United Soccer League released its long-awaited, bigger-than-ever, 2017 schedule. Featuring 32 games and 30 teams as announced earlier this month, the schedule delivers some intriguing goodies for long-time league observers and newbies alike.
Expansion club Reno 1868 FC, playing its 16-game home slate at Greater Nevada Field, will have a relatively-balanced schedule, playing three games each against Orange County, Real Monarchs, Sacramento, and Portland, and two against every other club in the Western Conference.
Ottawa Fury FC and the Tampa Bay Rowdies are new to the USL this season, but renew a three-year-old rivalry with three matches beginning Saturday, April 8 in St. Petersburg.
Speaking of Ottawa, the newest Canadian member of the USL will play three total games against regional adversary Toronto FC II, the first time the Fury will face another Canadian team in regular season play without leaving Ontario.
Similarly, Tampa Bay left in-state rivals Jacksonville and Miami back in the NASL, but gains Orlando City B, and will renew the I-4 Derby three times this season.
What’s most shocking to you? What do you like? What made you say “WTF”? We’ll have more as we dive deeper into this behemoth, but go ahead and leave your thoughts in the comments below.