MLS Heineken Rivalry Week is here.
Get ready for five no-holds-barred match-ups featuring some of the top sides in MLS in 2015 that raises the level of passion a few notches both on the field and in the stands.
FC Dallas vs.
Houston Dynamo
Friday, June 26, 9:00 ET
Toyota Stadium | Frisco, TX
Watch: UniMás (USA) or MLS LIVE (CAN,MEX)
The battle for Texas can often be explosive, which makes it fitting that these two teams play each year for El Capitán – one of the coolest trophies in US sports, in that it’s literally a cannon. Yes, a cannon.
This year marks the first time since the 2010 season that the teams are playing in the same conference, but that hasn’t stopped them from playing out some memorable clashes in recent years, both in MLS and the US Open Cup.
Dallas thumped Houston, 4-1, back on May 1, in what was a humiliation on home turf for the Dynamo. Now, they’ll be looking to return the favor and deny Dallas a chance at clinching El Capitán.
RELATED CONTENT:
- MLS Matchmaker: Should you root for the Houston Dynamo or FC Dallas?
- FC Dallas' Matt Hedges: "We just don't like Houston" | MLS Now
- Ricardo Clark, Carlos Ruiz and the moment that ignited the Texas Derby
- For Dallas Homegrowns, Dynamo have always been the No. 1 foe
- A quick and dirty history of the Texas Derby
San Jose Earthquakes vs.
LA Galaxy
Saturday, June 27, 10:30 PM ET
Stanford Stadium | Palo Alto, CA
Watch: MLS LIVE (Blacked out in LA region)
As far as memorable moments go, few MLS clashes top the California Clásico. From their MLS Cup meeting in 2001 to the Quakes’ epic comeback in the 2003 playoffs to Alan Gordon’s heroics at Stanford Stadium (below) – before he moved down the coast to LA -- this matchup is one of the most dramatic and historical in MLS.
Playing once again at the 50,000-seat Stanford Stadium, these two teams are expected to offer plenty more fireworks on the field (and don’t forget to stick around for the literal fireworks after the game).
RELATED CONTENT:
- Galaxy's Lletget eager for San Jose homecoming after dream start to life in MLS
- Quakes say Perez Garcia is "something special" as he starts to get rolling
- Bau Daigh Warrior (Pt. 2): Wondo rises from unknown to infamy in Brazil
- A quick and dirty history of the California Clásico
- Bau Daigh Warrior (Pt. 1): The Rise of Chris Wondolowski
New York City FC vs.
New York Red Bulls
Sunday, June 28, 4:30 pm ET
Yankee Stadium | New York, NY
Watch: ESPN, ESPN Deportes, or TSN5
There’s no denying it: Despite being in its infancy, this rivalry already has some bite to it. The teams’ first encounter at Red Bull Arena on May 10 proved that there is no lack of passion – or animosity – between the Big Apple rivals (highlights below).
This time the scene shifts to Yankee Stadium, where NYCFC have opened the upper deck of Yankee Stadium due to ticket demand, setting the stage for what could be a spectacular night for soccer in New York City.
RELATED CONTENT:
- Is New York Blue or Red? Help light up the Empire State Building
- NYCFC note dramatic progress since first RBNY meeting: "Starting to develop an identity"
- New York teams prepare for showdown at Yankee Stadium | MLS Now
- MLS Matchmaker: Should you root for NYCFC or the Red Bulls?
- #NYCvNY game on ESPN to feature pregame show, Mike Petke
- A quick and dirty history of the NYCFC-RBNY rivalry
Portland Timbers vs.
Seattle Sounders
Sunday, June 28, 7:00 PM ET
Providence Park | Portland, OR
Watch: None
This year marks the 40th anniversary of what is perhaps North America’s most prominent soccer rivalry. A lot has changed since the first game was played in May 1975, but one thing hasn’t: the passion.
20,000-plus Timbers supporters will pack Providence Park, looking for revenge on their biggest rivals after last year's 4-4 draw. In one of the games of the season, the Sounders' Clint Dempsey scored twice in the final five minutes to complete a hat-trick and earn the visiting side an unlikely point.
Seattle are rolling this season, clearly in the running for the Supporters' Shield, but after a slow start to the season, the Timbers have found their groove. Will it be enough to take down their bitter enemies?
RELATED CONTENT:
Toronto FC - 3
Montreal Impact - 1
VAN: Oyongo (19')
TOR: Bradley (27'), Altidore (56'), Giovinco (82')
The 401 Derby, so named after the stretch of highway that separates two of Canada’s most prominent cities, is the latest in a long line of Toronto-Montreal sports rivalries.
And now there's another chapter to write into it the rivalry's book -- a come-from-behind 3-1 win for TFC, thanks to their big three: Sebastian Giovinco, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore.
Toronto FC still lead the overall series, having dominated their Canadian Championship encounters in the days when the Impact were still in a lower division, and now owning a 3-0-2 record in their last five league matches.
REACTION:
