For the first time in team history, Toronto FC will play its first match of the Major League Soccer season at home.

The team announced on Tuesday that their MLS Cup title defence will begin against the team they vanquished in the Eastern Conference Championship - the Columbus Crew - on March 3 at BMO Field.

The Reds are 6-4-1 all-time in season-opening matches.

Toronto FC defeated the Crew 1-0 over a two-legged conference final, thanks to a Jozy Altidore marker in the home leg. The Reds went on to defeat the Seattle Sounders 2-0 at BMO Field on December 9 to capture their first MLS Cup and complete an historic treble, having already won the Canadian Championship and Supporters' Shield.

Since 2008, the Crew and TFC have competed annually for the Trillium Cup, awarded to the team that collects the most points from the season series between the two clubs.

The Crew hold a 6-4 edge overall in the competition, but the Reds have won the last two editions.