LAFC and LA Galaxy released their schedules for the unprecedented 14-match 2027 MLS Sprint Season, running from February to May to bridge the gap before the league shifts to a summer-to-spring calendar in July 2027, Los Angeles Times en Español reported.
Los Angeles Football Club Kicks Off Against San Diego FC at BMO Stadium
LAFC opens the short campaign on Sunday, February 21, at 4 p.m. at BMO Stadium against San Diego FC, according to Los Angeles Times en Español. Before competitive play begins, the club holds its preseason at the Coachella Valley Invitational from February 7 to February 13. Other notable dates for the Exposition Park squad include a home match against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday, March 6, and a regular-season finale on Decision Day, Saturday, May 8, away against the Portland Timbers. Los Angeles Times en Español noted that LAFC will also compete in the U.S. Open Cup and Leagues Cup 2027.
LA Galaxy Opens at Home Against St. Louis City SC and Anticipates Riqui Puig’s Return
The six-time MLS champions open the Sprint Season on Saturday, February 20, at 7 p.m. at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson against St. Louis City SC, Los Angeles Times en Español reported. The team hosts the San Jose Earthquakes for the 107th edition of the California Clásico on March 6, plays Seattle at home on April 21, visits San Diego FC at Snapdragon Stadium on May 1, and wraps up the phase against Austin FC on May 8. Los Angeles Times en Español highlighted that the major news for Galaxy supporters is the potential return of Riqui Puig, who missed two consecutive seasons due to a knee ligament injury sustained in the 2024 Western Conference final and a subsequent 2026 setback.
El Tráfico Comes to Carson in April for the Only Regular-Season Meeting
The marquee matchup for Los Angeles soccer fans arrives on Saturday, April 10, at 7 p.m. Pacific time at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Los Angeles Times en Español reported. This encounter marks the 29th edition of El Tráfico and serves as the sole meeting between LAFC and LA Galaxy during the 2027 Sprint Season.
Sprint Season Format Leads Directly to Single-Elimination Playoffs in May
Under the interim 2027 structure reported by Los Angeles Times en Español, each club plays its Western Conference rivals once, totaling seven home matches and seven away matches. The top eight teams from each conference—16 clubs overall—advance to the MLS Cup 2027 playoffs starting in May under a single-elimination format. All postseason matches, including the final, will be hosted by the team with the higher regular-season finish in the Supporters’ Shield standings, replacing the previous wild-card round and best-of-three series format. The short tournament also awards berths for the Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2027 MLS Sprint Season
Why is MLS playing a short tournament from February to May 2027?
The 14-match Sprint Season serves as a bridge tournament to align U.S. professional soccer with the international FIFA calendar, paving the way for a permanent summer-to-spring schedule starting in July 2027, according to Los Angeles Times en Español.
Where can fans view the complete team schedules?
Both clubs published their full fixture lists on their respective official platforms, with Los Angeles Times en Español directing supporters to the team websites for full match breakdowns.