Dustin Gandof
MLS Rivalries: The Battle for Supremacy
Major League Soccer (MLS) has come a long way since its inception in 1996 and today, it is home to some of the most intense and fiercely contested rivalries in world football. From the Cascadia Cup to El Tráfico, these rivalries are defined by years of history and a fierce competitive spirit that makes for an adrenaline-filled experience both on and off the pitch.
Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers (Cascadia Cup)
Dating back to the 1970s, the Seattle Sounders and the Portland Timbers have a longstanding rivalry that has only grown in intensity since both teams joined MLS in 2011. Known as the Cascadia Cup, this rivalry is fueled by a fierce sense of regional pride and a deep-rooted desire to assert dominance over the Pacific Northwest. With passionate fan bases, this rivalry is often cited as the most heated in the league.
LA Galaxy vs. LAFC (El Tráfico)
El Tráfico is the latest addition to the MLS rivalry scene, having begun in 2018 with the arrival of Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) to the league. The rivalry is unique, in that it is defined by the geographic proximity between the two teams – both of whom are based in Los Angeles – but also by the lack of history between them. The two sides have already played several intense games, and with both teams looking to establish themselves as the dominant force in Los Angeles, this rivalry promises to only get more heated with time.
DC United vs. New York Red Bulls (Atlantic Cup)
The Atlantic Cup is one of the oldest rivalries in MLS, having begun in 1996 with the league’s inception. The rivalry is defined by the deep-seated animosity between the two sides, both of whom have a strong claim to being the best team in the Eastern Conference. With the two sides often meeting in the playoffs, the Atlantic Cup is an intense and hard-fought battle that always leaves fans on the edge of their seats.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy (California Clásico)
Known as the California Clásico, the rivalry between the San Jose Earthquakes and the LA Galaxy is one of the longest-standing in MLS, dating back to the league’s inception in 1996. The rivalry is fueled by a deep-seated desire to assert dominance over California, as well as by the intense competition between the two sides on the pitch. With both teams often fighting for playoff spots, every game in this rivalry is a must-watch.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MLS rivalries are some of the fiercest and most hotly contested in world football. Whether it’s the Cascadia Cup, El Tráfico, or the California Clásico, these rivalries are defined by a fierce competitive spirit and years of history. With passionate fan bases and an intense desire to win, these rivalries are what make MLS such an exciting and unique league.
