Local and regional rivalries make for some of Major League Soccer's most intense, compelling occasions, inspiring fans and players alike. But as with so many other aspects of the league, rapid growth has pushed some matchups into the spotlight while others lose a bit of their luster.
Take Friday night's Atlantic Cup matchup between D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls at RFK Stadium (7 pm ET; UniMas). These two teams boast the oldest rivalry in the league, and one of the most ill-tempered. But with the arrival of New York City FC, the Red Bulls have seen a new adversary set up camp in their own backyard, leading some to wonder if the "New York Derby" is soon to surpass the Atlantic Cup in priority and visibility.
That got us thinking about the varied range of rivalry cups around MLS, and how they stack up in the eyes of fans across the United States and Canada. Does the oldest such cup get the nod? Perhaps the sprawling size of Cascadia's three fanbases takes precedence. Or maybe Cali is the place to be? Cast your vote in the poll below.
Where does D.C. United vs. New York Red Bulls rank among MLS rivalries?
