Philadelphia Union's schedule is released

The MLS released its full schedule yesterday and the Union will have to play only two home games outside of their soccer-specific stadium in Chester.

The Union announced yesterday that they will play their first game in the new Chester facility June 27, against the Seattle Sounders FC.

"The league really worked with us because we wanted to have as many home games as possible in our stadium," Union president Tom Veit said last night. "I think this is the best possible situation."

Veit said the team is excited to play at Lincoln Financial Field, especially for the opening game, when the demand for tickets could well exceed the 18,500 capacity in their stadium.

"Lincoln Financial Field is a great place, but on the other hand, you also like to be in your building," Veit said.

The Union will play 30 games, two each against the other 15 MLS teams. Before yesterday, the MLS had released only home openers for teams.

The MLS season will open March 25, when the Union visit Seattle. The Union's home opener will be 3 p.m. April 10 at Lincoln Financial Field against D.C. United.

Toronto FC will host the Union in its home opener, April 15.

The Union's only other home game before June 27 will be when they host Dallas FC on May 15 at Lincoln Financial Field.

Veit said that the Union have sold nearly 9,500 season tickets at its new stadium, which is under construction, and that the team will cut off season-ticket sales at around 12,000.

The MLS All-Star Game will be played in Houston this season. No date has been set, although league officials say it will come sometime after the World Cup.

The Union's final regular season game will be Oct. 24 at the Columbus Crew. The MLS playoffs will begin the next week, with the MLS Cup scheduled for Nov. 21 at a venue to be determined.

Follow soccer on the blog, The Goalkeeper at http://go.philly.com/tgkEndText