Willie Nelsen’s “On the road again” doesn’t do this justice.

Toronto FC knew it was coming. On Thursday, the club learned its itinerary. The Reds open the 2016 season on an exhausting eight-game trip with BMO Field renovations extending into May.

President Bill Manning was clear before the holidays: Eight points from eight games is the minimum requirement.

Anything else and, well, we’re not sure what will happen with head coach Greg Vanney.

Major League Soccer announced late last month the Reds will open the 2016 season at Red Bull Arena on March 6. On Thursday, their next seven (straight) road opponents were revealed.

After opening in New Jersey, Toronto FC travels to New York City and Sporting Kansas City on consecutive Sundays. Following a bye week, the Reds then head to Colorado, New England, D.C., Montreal and Portland over five weekends before returning home to open the new, new BMO Field against FC Dallas on May 7.

The Reds host five different Western Conference clubs this season than in 2015, including Vancouver, L.A., Seattle, Salt Lake City and Dallas.

Additionally, they’ll travel to the New York Red Bulls, Montreal and Orlando twice this year.

Although the Reds are set to embark on a massive trip this spring, they’ll benefit later in the season. Schedule-makers offered relief in the form of four straight home fixtures on three different occasions.

Other items to keep in mind: Reigning MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco will likely miss four to six matches if he’s called up to the Italian national team during this summer’s Euro tournament in France ... U.S. internationals Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore are in jeopardy of missing two to three games in late May and June if the U.S. advances beyond the group stage at the Copa America Centenario ... Toronto FC will host Chicago on Decision Day – the final day of the regular season — on Oct. 23.

TOP FIVE TFC FIXTURES TO WATCH IN 2016

Lookings at the critical matches you won’t want to miss this season

SUNDAY, MARCH 20 – @ SPORTING K.C.

Toronto’s first two matches — both on the road in New York — will be big, no doubt. But the Reds, historically, haven’t fared well in New York. That means the third match of the season could have massive implications in terms of early season momentum, especially in a market that turns on its managers at the first sign of trouble. Sporting Kansas City isn’t what it was in 2013, the year it won MLS Cup. And the Reds might head into this one needing an early-season result.

SATURDAY, MAY 7 – FC DALLAS

Not exactly a marquee matchup in terms of a visiting opponent, but this will be most TFC fans’ first glimpse at the newly renovated BMO Field. The roofing looks fantastic and it will be interesting to hear how well it retains sound. For the first time ever, fans will be shielded from the elements. The Reds put in a pitiful effort during last season’s home opener. This is their chance at redemption — a first impression they need to take advantage of.

SATURDAY, JUNE 18 – L.A. GALAXY

Steven Gerrard, Giovani dos Santos and, perhaps, Ashley Cole arrive in Toronto with the L.A. Galaxy, a club that hasn’t played many league fixtures in Toronto. The five-time champs are always a draw. Be prepared for the plethora of annoying Liverpool fans, who will undoubtedly be screaming for Stevie G.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24 – @ ORLANDO CITY

The Reds embarrassed Orlando City three times in 2015, beating the expansion side by a combined 11-1. Don’t for a second think the Lions won’t want to save face considering what the Reds did to them last year. Aside from employing Brazilian star Kaka, Orlando City recently traded for ex-TFC ’keeper Joe Bendik, who was more or less thrown overboard by TFC coach Greg Vanney. Bendik will want to make his ex-club regret its decision.

SUNDAY, OCT. 16 – @ MONTREAL IMPACT

The league’s head honchos hope this fixture will have massive playoff implications. You’ll remember the Reds were embarrassed by the Impact to end the 2015 season. Given the opportunity, they’d love to return the favour on the penultimate weekend of the coming season.