MLS Rivalries and Non-Rivalries
Everyone loves to be shy with the"R" word when it comes to soccer in North America. Some are too liberal with the word "rivalry" and some are too conservative. So i've decided to lay out some matchups that I think are and are not rivalries. (Disclaimer: I am not going to mention every rivalry. There are tons of contests in American soccer so I'm just naming the noteworthy ones)
Rivalries
Timbers vs Sounders-The two best supporters in MLS, the two defending MLS cup champions, very close geographically, lots of history between the two cities both on and off the pitch. This is the poster child for rivalries and the most obvious example.
Toronto FC-Montreal Impact-This rivalry has existed for as long as the clubs have but it really solidified itself with the Eastern Conference finals last season. Two great teams with excellent fan bases. Alexi Lalas said the best atmosphere he ever experienced in MLS was Montreal@Toronto in the Eastern conference finals. There is true hatred and passion among both sets of supporters. The second most obvious rivalry in the league.
San Jose Earthquakes-LA Galaxy-The Cali Classico, in my opinion, are the most underrated matchups in the league. The supporters have real hatred for their opposition and the play on the pitch is always very chippy as well. This rivalry is fueled by pure hatred and it is very evident. Always an incredibly fun game to watch as a neutral.
Red Bulls-Union-DC United- These northeastern teams really same to dislike each other. The supporters really hype up the games between these teams and the play seems more chippy on the pitch as well. This whole triangle of teams up north is more of a combined rivalry than it is individual. Another of example of something like this would be Whitecaps-Sounders-Timbers in the Cascadia Cup.
Orlando City-Atlanta United- Probably the least obvious rivalry so far due to the lack of history but in the two recent meetings, it has become very clear in the stands and online that the supporters have nothing but distaste for the other. The play on the field is also passionate for these games which results in rough tackles and controversy-a rivalry must.
Not a Rivalry
Red Bulls-NYCFC- People like to talk big online about how this is a colossal battle for New York but I just don't see the rivalry here. The whole ordeal seems forced by MLS and the supporters. It was never given time to turn into an organic rivalry. Instead its generic "Pink Cows" or "Man City B" jokes back and forth online. The real rivalries I mentioned earlier have more atmosphere in the stands and more passion on the pitch. Now I need to mentally prepare myself for the backlash i'm going to get for this.
DC United-Atlanta United- No one thinks this is a rivalry besides the social media intern at MLS. "They're both 'United's and they're both black and red" is the logic behind this. The desperation for rivalries by MLS is comical.
Columbus Crew-Toronto FC-Chicago Fire- There may be some history behind this matchup that I don't know about but they always like to hype up these games with trophies like the Trillium Cup (?) to make it seem like a rivalry. I don't buy it. I haven't seen much (if any) animosity the teams and the supporters and the games aren't especially chippy. The MLS Montreal Impact joined the league in 2010 so I suppose Columbus and Chicago were the "geographic rivals" to Toronto before then.
Future MLS Rivalries
LAFC-LA Galaxy- I expect LAFC to really revitalize the supporters culture in Los Angeles. We've already seen alot of banter online as well as the graffiti wars on the streets of LA. Should be a good matchup when LAFC joins in Spring.
Orlando City-Miami/Tampa Bay (If one is eventually an MLS expansion side)- Orlando City and the Tampa Bay Rowdies are already massive rivals thanks to Orlando's days in USL and their US Open Cup games against Tampa. That rivalry will be taken up several notches if Rowdies move to MLS. Florida rivalries are inevitable, especially with Orlando and Miami. The cities themselves already compete with each other and there's a small scale rivalry on the basketball court with the Magic and the Heat.
FC Cincinnati-Columbus Crew- I think it's a safe bet that Cincinnati will be granted MLS expansion and the already existing Ohio rivalry (see: US Open Cup game) will be amplified by a new FCC stadium and both clubs being in first division and playing regularly in league play.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few great match ups that didn't quite make the cut as MLS rivalries or are in lower divisions
FC Dallas-Houston Dynamo- The support is a bit underwhelming but the history and distaste is there.
FC Cincinnati-Louisville City- A new, yet prominent, second division rivalry. The teams are geographically close, have a large and passionate following, and are willing to travel. Always a good game to watch.
Detroit City FC-Whoever they're playing- Y'all know about The Northern Guard. Shouldn't need to explain this.
Rivalries
Timbers vs Sounders-The two best supporters in MLS, the two defending MLS cup champions, very close geographically, lots of history between the two cities both on and off the pitch. This is the poster child for rivalries and the most obvious example.
Toronto FC-Montreal Impact-This rivalry has existed for as long as the clubs have but it really solidified itself with the Eastern Conference finals last season. Two great teams with excellent fan bases. Alexi Lalas said the best atmosphere he ever experienced in MLS was Montreal@Toronto in the Eastern conference finals. There is true hatred and passion among both sets of supporters. The second most obvious rivalry in the league.
San Jose Earthquakes-LA Galaxy-The Cali Classico, in my opinion, are the most underrated matchups in the league. The supporters have real hatred for their opposition and the play on the pitch is always very chippy as well. This rivalry is fueled by pure hatred and it is very evident. Always an incredibly fun game to watch as a neutral.
Red Bulls-Union-DC United- These northeastern teams really same to dislike each other. The supporters really hype up the games between these teams and the play seems more chippy on the pitch as well. This whole triangle of teams up north is more of a combined rivalry than it is individual. Another of example of something like this would be Whitecaps-Sounders-Timbers in the Cascadia Cup.
Orlando City-Atlanta United- Probably the least obvious rivalry so far due to the lack of history but in the two recent meetings, it has become very clear in the stands and online that the supporters have nothing but distaste for the other. The play on the field is also passionate for these games which results in rough tackles and controversy-a rivalry must.
Not a Rivalry
Red Bulls-NYCFC- People like to talk big online about how this is a colossal battle for New York but I just don't see the rivalry here. The whole ordeal seems forced by MLS and the supporters. It was never given time to turn into an organic rivalry. Instead its generic "Pink Cows" or "Man City B" jokes back and forth online. The real rivalries I mentioned earlier have more atmosphere in the stands and more passion on the pitch. Now I need to mentally prepare myself for the backlash i'm going to get for this.
DC United-Atlanta United- No one thinks this is a rivalry besides the social media intern at MLS. "They're both 'United's and they're both black and red" is the logic behind this. The desperation for rivalries by MLS is comical.
Columbus Crew-Toronto FC-Chicago Fire- There may be some history behind this matchup that I don't know about but they always like to hype up these games with trophies like the Trillium Cup (?) to make it seem like a rivalry. I don't buy it. I haven't seen much (if any) animosity the teams and the supporters and the games aren't especially chippy. The MLS Montreal Impact joined the league in 2010 so I suppose Columbus and Chicago were the "geographic rivals" to Toronto before then.
Future MLS Rivalries
LAFC-LA Galaxy- I expect LAFC to really revitalize the supporters culture in Los Angeles. We've already seen alot of banter online as well as the graffiti wars on the streets of LA. Should be a good matchup when LAFC joins in Spring.
Orlando City-Miami/Tampa Bay (If one is eventually an MLS expansion side)- Orlando City and the Tampa Bay Rowdies are already massive rivals thanks to Orlando's days in USL and their US Open Cup games against Tampa. That rivalry will be taken up several notches if Rowdies move to MLS. Florida rivalries are inevitable, especially with Orlando and Miami. The cities themselves already compete with each other and there's a small scale rivalry on the basketball court with the Magic and the Heat.
FC Cincinnati-Columbus Crew- I think it's a safe bet that Cincinnati will be granted MLS expansion and the already existing Ohio rivalry (see: US Open Cup game) will be amplified by a new FCC stadium and both clubs being in first division and playing regularly in league play.
Honorable Mentions
Here are a few great match ups that didn't quite make the cut as MLS rivalries or are in lower divisions
FC Dallas-Houston Dynamo- The support is a bit underwhelming but the history and distaste is there.
FC Cincinnati-Louisville City- A new, yet prominent, second division rivalry. The teams are geographically close, have a large and passionate following, and are willing to travel. Always a good game to watch.
Detroit City FC-Whoever they're playing- Y'all know about The Northern Guard. Shouldn't need to explain this.
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