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Hooligan Soccer

·21 December 2024

MLS Derbies and Rivalries

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The MLS has grown significantly, and with it, fierce rivalries have developed across North America. From historic battles to newly ignited feuds, these derbies capture the passion and intensity of the league. Here are the best MLS derbies and rivalries.

1. El Tráfico: LA Galaxy vs. LAFC

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  • Origins: Named after Los Angeles’ infamous traffic, this rivalry exploded in 2018 when LAFC joined the league.
  • Why It’s Iconic: A clash of cultures—LA Galaxy’s established legacy versus LAFC’s flashy and modern appeal. Zlatan Ibrahimović and Carlos Vela’s duels elevated the rivalry.
  • Memorable Moment: Zlatan’s debut in 2018, scoring a stunning 40-yard goal to lead the Galaxy to a comeback win.

2. Cascadia Cup: Portland Timbers vs. Seattle Sounders vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

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  • Origins: Dating back to the 1970s in the NASL, this Pacific Northwest rivalry involves three passionate fanbases.
  • Why It’s Iconic: The rivalry extends beyond MLS, involving history, regional pride, and intense matchdays.
  • Memorable Moment: The 2018 playoff clash between Portland and Seattle, where Portland advanced on penalties in a dramatic second leg.

3. Hell is Real Derby: FC Cincinnati vs. Columbus Crew

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  • Origins: The name comes from a roadside billboard on the I-71 highway between the two Ohio cities.
  • Why It’s Iconic: A battle of Ohio, with contrasting cities and fan cultures.
  • Memorable Moment: Their 2019 matchup, a fiery 2-2 draw, established the derby’s passionate tone.

4. Texas Derby: FC Dallas vs. Houston Dynamo

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  • Origins: A Lone Star State clash since Houston’s 2006 MLS debut.
  • Why It’s Iconic: Intense physical matches and the coveted El Capitán trophy—a Civil War-era cannon—make this derby unique.
  • Memorable Moment: The 2018 playoff meeting, where Houston triumphed with a 3-0 victory.

5. Hudson River Derby: New York Red Bulls vs. NYCFC

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  • Origins: Born in 2015 when NYCFC joined MLS, pitting New York’s older franchise against the new boys.
  • Why It’s Iconic: Urban bragging rights between teams with vastly different approaches and fanbases.
  • Memorable Moment: NYCFC’s 5-2 thrashing of the Red Bulls in 2021, marking a turning point in the rivalry.

6. Rocky Mountain Cup: Colorado Rapids vs. Real Salt Lake

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  • Origins: This regional rivalry began in 2005, with the teams competing for the Rocky Mountain Cup trophy.
  • Why It’s Iconic: A battle for supremacy in the mountain states, with fierce contests and dedicated fanbases.
  • Memorable Moment: Real Salt Lake’s dominance in the late 2000s, particularly their 2009 MLS Cup-winning campaign.

7. Canadian Classique: Toronto FC vs. Montreal Impact (CF Montréal)

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  • Origins: A historic rivalry rooted in Canada’s two largest cities, intensified by MLS competition.
  • Why It’s Iconic: A clash of cultures and high-stakes matches, including Canadian Championship finals.
  • Memorable Moment: The 2016 Eastern Conference Finals, where Toronto triumphed 7-5 on aggregate in a thrilling series.

8. Florida Derby: Inter Miami vs. Orlando City SC

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  • Origins: A new rivalry between Florida’s MLS teams, fueled by regional pride.
  • Why It’s Iconic: Early games have been intense, with passionate fanbases amplifying the stakes.
  • Memorable Moment: Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup victory over Orlando in 2023, featuring Lionel Messi’s brilliance.

9. Cali Clásico: LA Galaxy vs. San Jose Earthquakes

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  • Origins: One of the oldest MLS rivalries, dating back to the league’s inception in 1996.
  • Why It’s Iconic: Intense matches and historic playoff encounters between two of MLS’s founding clubs.
  • Memorable Moment: San Jose’s epic 5-4 aggregate comeback in the 2003 playoffs, one of the league’s greatest games.

10. Atlanta United vs. Orlando City SC

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  • Origins: A Southern rivalry fueled by Atlanta’s immediate success in contrast to Orlando’s struggles.
  • Why It’s Iconic: Competitive matches and passionate fans have made this an emerging derby to watch.
  • Memorable Moment: Atlanta’s dominant 4-0 victory in 2018 cemented their status in the rivalry’s early years.
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