As the MLS All-Star Game on Thursday marks the halfway point of the 2016 season, fans get to experience MLS Direct Kick for free as the teams return to action over the weekend. MLS Direct Kick is a pay TV sports package that allows fans to follow out-of-market MLS matches.

All the major cable and satellite providers that offer MLS Direct Kick will participate, including DirecTV, DISH, Comcast, Time Warner, RCN, Bright House, Blue Ridge and others.

As with all sports packages, blackout rules apply. Nationally broadcast matches as well as some in-market matches are not available on MLS Direct Kick (the MLS Live streaming service offers these matches 48 hours after completion of game). With that in mind, here is the detailed list of matches offered during the Free Preview July 29-31:

 

Saturday, July 30–

New York City FC vs. Colorado Rapids, 3:00pm ET 

MLS Direct Kick blackout: NYC & Colorado

In market: Yes Network (New York) & Altitude (Colorado)

 

Sunday, July 31–

FC Dallas vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, 6:00pm ET 

MLS Direct Kick blackout: Dallas & Canada

In market: TXA-21 & TWCSC (Dallas) & TSN2 (Canada)

 

 

DC United vs. Montreal Impact, 6:30pm ET 

MLS Direct Kick blackout: DC

In market: News Channel 8 (DC)

 

Chicago Fire vs. New York Red Bulls, 7:00pm ET

MLS Direct Kick blackout: Chicago & NYC

In market: CSN (Chicago) & MSG (NYC)

 

Philadelphia Union vs. Real Salt Lake, 7:00pm ET 

MLS Direct Kick blackout: None

In market: Comcast Network (Phily) & KMYU (Salt Lake)

 

Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew, 7:30pm ET 

MLS Direct Kick blackout: None

In market: SN360 (Toronto) & CW & TWCSC-OH (Columbus)

 

SEE MORE: Schedule of MLS games on US TV and streaming

 

Orlando City FC vs. New England Revolution, 7:30pm ET 

MLS Direct Kick blackout: None

In market: TV27 (Orlando) & CSN-NE (New England)

 

Houston Dynamo vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 9:00pm ET 

MLS Direct Kick blackout: Houston

In market: Root/SW (Houston) & CSN-CA (San Jose)

 

Ed Perovic is the publisher of soccertvblog.com – a source for schedules and US TV information for major European Leagues and International competitions.