Toronto FC home opener moved to April 15

BLAH BLAH BLAH... This story seems to be everywhere right now.

Here it is from the Toronto Star

Toronto FC is going to get a little southern exposure on its new grass field.

The Major League Soccer club announced Wednesday that the team's home-opener in mid-April is being moved from Saturday afternoon to Thursday night in order to accommodate a national broadcast in the United States on ESPN2.

TFC will now play the expansion Philadelphia Union at 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 15.

The game will be the official debut of the grass pitch at BMO Field.

Club owner Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment is now in the midst of a $3.5 million conversion of the city-owned stadium from artificial Field Turf to Kentucky bluegrass.

The new field, complete with its elaborate drainage and heating system, is to be ready for the home opener.

TFC is scheduled to kick off its fourth MLS season Saturday, March 27 in Columbus, Ohio against the Crew.

But with the contract between the league and its players union set to expire on Jan. 31, there are questions whether the season will be marred by a strike or lockout.

Both sides are refusing to talk publicly but reports are that the negotiations are not going well despite months of talks and the league may lock out the players Feb. 1.