five united games to circle

Sporting Kansas City 12:30 p.m. • May 7 • TCF Bank Stadium

The Loons will potentially foster a now-major league rivalry with their former U.S. Open Cup opponent. The teams also play June 3 and Oct. 7. United midfielder Bernardo Anor played for Kansas City in 2015.

Orlando City SC 7 p.m. • May 27 • TCF Bank Stadium

This is United coach Adrian Heath's only scheduled faceoff with his former team, which fired him halfway through last season. United players Kevin Molino and Patrick McLain will also match up against their old club.

New York City FC 6:30 p.m. • June 29 • Yankee Stadium

Probably the most alluring road game because of New York City, Yankee Stadium and all that. NYCFC also has two World Cup winners on the roster, Spanish star David Villa and Italian legend Andrea Pirlo.

Columbus Crew SC 6 p.m. • July 4 • TCF Bank Stadium

Skip baseball this year (or watch the Twins' matinee at Target Field, too) and celebrate Independence Day with a match against the 2015 MLS Cup runner-up. United midfielder Mohammed Saeid played for Columbus.

Seattle Sounders FC 7 p.m. • Aug. 5 • TCF Bank Stadium

This will be the first matchup with the current MLS Cup champions, with a trip to Seattle scheduled at the end of the month. U.S. national team star Clint Dempsey plays for the Sounders.

Megan Ryan