The 2019 MLS schedule was released today, allowing fans to finally start planning their weekends for the upcoming season.
With 12 teams in each conference for 2019, the MLS schedule is just about as balanced as it's ever been: Every club plays its conference opponents twice while facing cross-conference foes once once. Still, not every schedule is made the exact same, hence the strength of schedule rankings below.
Another factor that impacts this calculation is the entrance of expansion side FC Cincinnati. Even though Cincy are on every team's schedule, their effect on this number cannot be calculated. Below you'll find the complete table courtesy of MLSsoccer.com, calculated by taking the 2018 average points per game at home and on the road for each team's opponent.
Sporting come in tied for the 12th toughest schedule on paper going into the 2019 campaign, although the differences from team to team are small.
The New York Red Bulls enter 2019 with what appears to be the easiest schedule, while Orlando City SC have the toughest. This should come as little surprise: the defending Supporters' Shield winners have the benefit of not having to play themselves, and the Lions can't benefit from playing one of the league's worst teams from a year ago.
