Major League Soccer (MLS) has been growing steadily since its inception in 1996, with passionate fan bases across the United States and Canada rallying behind their favorite teams.
As the league and its teams mature, so do the rivalries between them. These rivalries often add an exciting narrative to the competition, fueling the players’ spirits and creating a charged atmosphere for fans to enjoy.
While some rivalries have a long history, others are just beginning to gain traction. Regardless, each intense matchup adds excitement, drama, and emotion to the Major League Soccer experience, creating an atmosphere that captivates fans and players alike.
10. Florida Derby: Orlando City SC vs. Inter Miami CF
The rivalry between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF is often referred to as “El Trafico del Sol,” which translates to “the traffic of the sun.” This name plays on the rivalry between LAFC and LA Galaxy, known as “El Trafico,” and the fact that both Orlando and Miami are located in sunny Florida.
The rivalry began in 2020, when Inter Miami CF joined MLS as an expansion team and became the second team in the state of Florida, joining Orlando City SC. This new rivalry has already produced some memorable moments and intense passion among the two sets of fans.
One of the most memorable moments in the rivalry came in the first-ever meeting between the two teams on July 8, 2020. The game, which was played at Inter Miami CF’s home stadium, ended in a 2-1 victory for Orlando City SC. The winning goal was scored by Nani in the 97th minute, and sparked wild celebrations among the Orlando City SC players and fans.
The rivalry between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF is also marked by “morbo,” a term used in Spanish to describe a sense of intense rivalry and animosity between two teams or fan bases. This morbo is fueled by the fact that both teams are located in the state of Florida and are competing for dominance in the soccer market in the region.
The first-ever meeting between the two teams was marked by heated exchanges between the players and a sense of tension and animosity that has only grown in subsequent meetings.
Overall, the rivalry between Orlando City SC and Inter Miami CF is still in its early stages, but it has already produced some intense and memorable moments. As both teams continue to develop and grow, it is likely that this rivalry will only continue to intensify and become one of the most heated in MLS.
9. Rocky Mountain Cup: Real Salt Lake vs Colorado Rapids
The Rocky Mountain Cup is a hotly contested soccer rivalry between Major League Soccer (MLS) teams Real Salt Lake and Colorado Rapids. This competition dates back to the inception of Real Salt Lake in 2005 when they joined the MLS.
Both teams have continuously fought for regional pride and supremacy in the Western Conference. The rivalry has delivered some unforgettable, high-scoring encounters with passionate displays from the players on the field and fervent support from the fans in the stands.
In recent years, Real Salt Lake has enjoyed a slight edge in the competition, marked by their strong home performances. For example, they were unbeaten in nine home matches and grabbed 21 out of a possible 27 points. The team’s success was further highlighted when they clinched the Rocky Mountain Cup in 2022 with a 3-0 victory over Colorado Rapids.
On the other hand, the Colorado Rapids have demonstrated their resilience and determination in this heated rivalry. They pushed Real Salt Lake to the limit in the first leg of the 2023 Rocky Mountain Cup, narrowly losing 3-2. With both teams unyielding in their quest for victory, the intensity of the matches frequently escalates.
The story of Real Salt Lake and Colorado Rapids rivalry, encapsulated in the Rocky Mountain Cup, is but one of the many fascinating narratives that embellish the overall MLS experience.
8. Hudson River Derby: New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC
The Hudson River Derby, also known as the New York derby, is a thrilling soccer rivalry between the two teams based in the New York metropolitan area: the New York Red Bulls and New York City FC. Since its inception, this local derby has quickly gained momentum, leaving fans on the edge of their seats as they watch their favorite teams compete for regional supremacy.
The inception of this rivalry can be traced back to 2015 when New York City FC joined Major League Soccer (MLS) as an expansion team. As a result, the number of MLS teams in the New York metropolitan area increased to two, with the New York Red Bulls having been present since the league’s founding in 1996. Consequently, this sparked the beginning of an intense and competitive rivalry.
This rivalry is clear among fans that take every Hudson River Derby opportunity to create tifos to show who’s the boss in New York when it comes to soccer as you can see in the following video.
Matches between the two teams are highly anticipated events that often result in close scores and hard-fought battles. One recent example is a game played on May 13, 2023, where the New York Red Bulls came out victorious over New York City FC with a close score of 1-0. Game results like these only add fuel to the already heated competition.
The Hudson River Derby has not only garnered significant attention from local fans but also attracted national and international interest. The rivalry’s impact has extended beyond the pitch, influencing both clubs’ fan bases and their broader community engagement. The passion and loyalty of soccer fans in the New York area have only grown stronger as a result of this riveting rivalry.
7. Hell is Real: Columbus Crew SC vs. FC Cincinnati
The origin of the derby “Hell is Real” nickname comes from a billboard located along Interstate 71, which runs between Cincinnati and Columbus. The billboard, which reads “Hell is Real,” is located just south of Columbus and has become a landmark for travelers on the highway.
Despite being a relatively new rivalry, “Hell is Real” has already produced some memorable moments, such as:
- The first meeting between the two teams in MLS play took place on August 10, 2019, and ended in a 2-2 draw. FC Cincinnati took an early lead with a goal from Darren Mattocks, but the Crew responded with goals from Gyasi Zardes and Pedro Santos. FC Cincinnati equalized in the 62nd minute with a goal from Emmanuel Ledesma.
- In the second meeting between the two teams on August 25, 2019, the Crew came out on top with a 3-1 victory. Zardes scored two goals for the Crew, and Santos added another. FC Cincinnati’s lone goal came from Kekuta Manneh.
- In the first meeting between the two teams in the 2020 MLS season, which took place on July 11, 2020, the Crew won 4-0. Zardes scored two goals for the Crew, and Zelarayanand Youness Mokhtar added one each.
6. California Clasico: LA Galaxy vs. San Jose Earthquakes
The California Clasico is played between two powerhouse teams from the Golden State: the LA Galaxy and the San Jose Earthquakes. With a long history of competitive matches and playoff showdowns, the California Clasico never disappoints when it comes to excitement and drama on the field.
Since the inception of MLS in 1996, the LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes have been fierce competitors. The rivalry has only grown over time, fueled by the proximity of the two teams in the same state: Northern California (LA Galaxy) vs Southern California (San Jose Earthquakes)
Both teams have experienced periods of success and dominance in the league.
The LA Galaxy boasts a record five MLS Cup championships making them one of the best teams in the MLS of all time, while the San Jose Earthquakes have claimed the title twice. When these two teams face off, there is always more than just points at stake – it’s about pride and bragging rights in California.
5. Texas Derby: Houston Dynamo vs. FC Dallas
The competition between Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas is a classic fixture in the league and attracts passionate fans from both sides who eagerly await their chance to claim El Capitán – a 19th-century replica howitzer cannon that serves as the derby’s prize.
The history of the Texas Derby is marked by numerous thrilling matches and memorable moments. One such comeback victory occurred on April 23, 2022, when FC Dallas overtook Houston Dynamo with a 2-1 win. This intense match had fans on the edge of their seats as FC Dallas managed to secure their first Texas Derby win in several years thanks to goals from Tsiki Ntsabeleng and Facundo Quignon.
The Texas Derby is more than just a game – it’s an opportunity for these two MLS clubs to prove their supremacy over the other. With a deep-rooted history and a growing fanbase, the matches are always highly anticipated events. In 2014, the clubs set an attendance record when 22,202 fans showed up to watch Houston Dynamo face FC Dallas at the BBVA Compass Stadium.
4. Canadian Classique: Toronto FC vs CF Montréal
The Canadian Classique, also known as the 401 Derby and the Two Solitudes Derby, is an intense soccer rivalry between Canadian clubs Toronto FC and CF Montréal (formerly the Montreal Impact).
The rivalry extends beyond soccer and has a long history in other areas such as politics, culture, and economics. This history has helped to fuel the rivalry between the two soccer clubs.
One of the most memorable Canadian Classiques took place on September 4, 2022, where CF Montréal staged an impressive comeback, scoring four unanswered goals to defeat Toronto FC 4-3. This particular match showcased the unpredictability and excitement that the Canadian Classique has come to be known for.
Over the years, the Canadian Classique has been the stage for many heated battles between these two clubs, with each team pushing the other to perform at their best. The rivalry has transcended the field, giving soccer fans across the country a reason to engage in friendly banter and discussions about their respective teams and the matches between them.
3. Atlantic Cup: D.C. United vs. New York Red Bulls
The Atlantic Cup is a heated rivalry between two D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls. The competition reflects the historic tension between the cities of Washington, D.C., and New York City and awards a trophy to the best team of the regular season series. Teams face each other twice a year, with one match hosted by each team.
Both teams have a storied history in the MLS, and their clashes have produced memorable moments and intense emotions. Over the years, the Atlantic Cup has created a strong fan following as the games have often been tightly contested and impactful on both clubs’ standings.
During their recent matches, the New York Red Bulls have had the upper hand. In one memorable game, they broke through at home against their Atlantic Cup rivals with a 4-1 victory, outperforming D.C. United in the second half with four spectacular goals.
However, the series remains closely contested, and both teams have enjoyed their fair share of successes in this rivalry.
- D.C. United achievements:
- Won the MLS Cup multiple times making them among the best MLS teams of the 90s.
- Secured victories against New York Red Bulls in crucial Atlantic Cup matches
- Historically strong performance in the regular-season series
- New York Red Bulls accomplishments:
- Victorious in recent Atlantic Cup games
- Secured the Supporters’ Shield multiple times
- Strong track record against D.C. United
Despite the history and passionate fanbase, the Atlantic Cup is just one of many MLS rivalries. It showcases the intensity, talent, and importance of these regional matchups that have helped shape the league’s growth and popularity in North America.
As the sport of soccer continues to grow, the D.C. United and New York Red Bulls rivalry will likely remain a high point in the MLS, driving both clubs to new heights and providing entertaining, competitive matches for years to come.
2. El Tráfico: LA Galaxy vs LAFC
The origins of El Tráfico can be traced back to LAFC’s entrance into MLS in 2018. Since then, the two Los Angeles-based teams have faced off in numerous high-stakes matchups, including regular season play, the MLS Cup Playoffs, and the U.S. Open Cup.
The unique name, “El Tráfico,” is a playful nod to the notorious traffic congestion that characterizes the city of Los Angeles, as well as a reference to the intense competition and tension that exist between the two teams.
One of the greatest games in El Tráfico rivalry was in the first game ending in 4-3 in favor of the LA Galaxy. That day, Zlatan Ibrahimovich debuted for LA Galaxy scoring two goals, one of them in the 91st minute representing an incredible comeback being down 3 – 0 in the 48th minute.
In addition to providing thrilling and unforgettable on-field encounters, El Tráfico has also helped to elevate the visibility and profile of MLS as a whole. As fans grow more passionate and engaged with the competition between LA Galaxy and LAFC, the rivalry has become a showcase of the best MLS has to offer in terms of skill, talent, and entertainment value.
1. Cascadia Cup: Seattle Sounders vs. Portland Timbers
The Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers rivalry is one of the fiercest in Major League Soccer. The rivalry dates back to the 1970s, when the two teams first faced off in the North American Soccer League (NASL), and has continued to grow in intensity and passion over the years.
It is worth clarifying the Cascadia Cup is not the name of the rivalry between these two teams. Instead, it is a cup that encompasses the Pacific Northwest and includes the states of Washington (Seattle Sounders), Oregon (Portland Timbers), and British Columbia (Vancouver Whitecaps FC).
The rivalry between the Seattle Sounders and the Portland Timbers has produced many epic clashes over the years. Here are some of the most memorable:
- The “Miracle in Portland”: On October 7, 2012, the Sounders traveled to Portland to face the Timbers in a crucial match for both teams. The Timbers took the lead in the 25th minute and held on to it until the 90th minute, when the Sounders scored two goals in stoppage time to win the match 3-2. The victory helped the Sounders secure a playoff spot and is considered one of the greatest comebacks in MLS history.
- The “Deuce” returns: In August 2016, former Sounders and USMNT star Clint Dempsey returned to the field after a year-long absence due to a heart condition. His first game back was against the Timbers, and he made an immediate impact, scoring a hat trick to lead the Sounders to a 3-1 victory. The performance was a reminder of Dempsey’s incredible talent and helped to cement his status as a legend in Seattle.
- The “Double Post” match: On June 25, 2017, the Sounders and Timbers faced off in a match that will be remembered for one incredible moment. In the 70th minute, Sounders forward Will Bruin hit the post twice in quick succession, with the ball bouncing back into play both times. The play became known as the “Double Post” and is considered one of the most memorable moments in the rivalry.
