Kick Off: Home openers and Week 1 schedule released | Clubs make big moves

Greg Seltzer

Here is everything you need to know about MLS and North American soccer this morning:

Home openers released

MLS on Wednesday announced the home openers for all 22 clubs in 2017 and in the process unveiled the entire Week 1 schedule for the upcoming season. Sam Stejskal breaks down the top storylines of opening weekend, while Ben Baer breaks down the numbers to find out which team has the best record in home openers.

Fired up

The Chicago Fire have inked a new Designated Player, Legia Warsaw goal monster Nemanja Nikolic.

Dynamic day

Houston sealed a loan move for CF Monterrey's Honduras striker Alberth Elis. Meanwhile, the Dynamo are also said to be chasing Saprissa skipper Adolfo Machado.

Jose, can you DC?

D.C. United also strengthened their forward line after completing the loan acquisition of Herediano forward Jose Guillermo Ortiz.

Trade wins

As expected, Portland have swung a deal to snare netminder Jeff Attinella from Minnesota United. The question remains whether the Twin Cities expansion side also picked up the discovery rights to Club Leon's US attacker and former Loon, Miguel Ibarra.

Cap crushes

Metro scribe Kristian Dyer has unearthed links between the Vancouver Whitecaps and a few potential signings: Burnley's Canada midfielder Scott Arfield, Queretaro's US international Luis Gil and former LA Galaxy standout Juninho.

Or-landings?

The local Sentinel reports that Orlando City are closing in on the capture of Bordeaux defender Gregory Sertic. At the same time, FourFourTwo's Paul Tenorio says free agent midfielder Will Johnson, who played most recently with Toronto FC, has been visiting the Lions for a couple days.

Loan application

An Argentine report claims that Atlanta United have a loan agreement in place for young Velez Sarsfield playmaker Yamil Asad.

Next year's stars

Bleacher Report has come up with a list of five MLS players they feel will break out next season.

Fork in the road

Local blog Massive Report has noted how the injury that will keep Columbus defender Gaston Sauro on the sidelines for all of next season has given the club a few ways to go with roster construction.

Welcome aboard, again

Former New England Revolution defender Carlos Llamosa has joined the club's staff as their new assistant coach.

Another notch

Hamburg ace Bobby Wood scored for the second time in four days, netting the late winner to help the suddenly warming side top Schalke.

On the move

It was announced on Wednesday morning that Bayern Munich and US national team attacker Julian Green will be moving to Stuttgart. But would he have made for a better fit in MLS?