The Colorado Rapids 2015 schedule has been released by Major League Soccer and includes a home opener against the expansion New York City FC and two home games against Rocky Mountain rivals Real Salt Lake.

The Rapids will open on the road against Philadelphia Union on March 7, before returning home to host NYCFC, led by former RSL head coach Jason Kreis.

Univision will air four of the Rapids matches in 2015, the first coming in the club’s April 10 match against FC Dallas. ESPN will air the first two Rocky Mountain Cup matches (June 7 and July 12) and Altitude has the broadcast on all other 2015 Rapids matches.

The Rapids will again host a Fourth of July match, this year against Canadian opposition, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

The defending Supporter Shield and U.S. Open Cup Champion Seattle Sounders FC visit Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on April 18, while the defending MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles Galaxy will make their lone visit to Commerce City on Aug. 1.

Twelve of the Rapids’ 17 home matches will be against Western Conference foes.

The Rapids will make their first trip to face Orlando City SC during the Lions’ inaugural MLS season on June 24.

RAPIDS 2015 SCHEDULE (home games in bold)

Saturday, March 7 at Philadelphia at 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 21 vs. New York City F.C. at 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 28 at Houston at TBD

Saturday, April 4 vs. New England at 5 p.m.

Friday, April 10 at FC Dallas at 5 p.m. (Univision)

Saturday, April 18 vs. Seattle at 7 p.m.

Friday, April 24 vs. FC Dallas at 8 p.m. (Univision)

Saturday, May 2 at Los Angeles at TBD

Friday, May 8 vs. San Jose at 8 p.m. (Univision)

Saturday, May 16 at Kansas City at TBD

Saturday, May 23 vs. Vancouver at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, May 27 at Seattle at TBD

Saturday, May 30 vs. Portland at 7 p.m.

Sunday, June 7 at Real Salt Lake at 3 p.m. (ESPN)

Friday, June 19 vs. FC Dallas at 8 p.m.

Wednesday, June 24, at Orlando City SC at TBD

Saturday, June 27 at Sporting KC at TBD

Saturday, July 4 vs. Vancouver at 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 12 vs. Real Salt Lake at 5 p.m. (FOX/ESPN)

Saturday, July 18 at Seattle at TBD

Saturday, July 25 at New York Red Bulls at TBD

Saturday, Aug. 1 vs. LA Galaxy at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 8 vs. Columbus at 7 p.m.

Friday, August 14 at San Jose at 9 p.m. (Univision)

Saturday, August 22 at Chicago at TBD

Wednesday, Aug. 26 vs. Houston at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 29 vs. Kansas City at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, September 9 at Vancouver at TBD

Saturday, Sept. 12 vs. DC United at 7 p.m.

Saturday, September 19 at Toronto at TBD

Saturday, September 26 at Houston at TBD

Saturday, Oct. 3 vs. Real Salt Lake at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 10 vs. Montreal at 7 p.m.

Sunday, October 25 at Portland at TBD

Daniel Boniface: 303-954-1104, dboniface@denverpost.com or twitter.com/danielboniface