American soccer may not have the century-old traditions of Europe, but when it comes to passion, MLS derbies don’t fall short. These rivalries are intense, fueled by local pride and fan bases that live and breathe for matchday bragging rights. Fans often argue about who dominates the pitch. But these matchups bring out the best – and sometimes the wildest – in American soccer culture. Just like strategic bets on platforms like Betway require precision, these derbies demand grit, strategy, and a little bit of madness. Let’s dive into the MLS clashes that define the game today.
Top 5 MLS Derbies
El Tráfico: Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Los Angeles FC
Forget Hollywood dramas – this is LA’s real blockbuster. El Tráfico is more than a clever nod to the city’s infamous gridlock. It’s the ultimate battle for Los Angeles supremacy, featuring two clubs with contrasting identities.
On one side, you’ve got LA Galaxy, the five-time MLS Cup champions, boasting a history rich with legends like David Beckham and Landon Donovan. On the other, LAFC, the flashy new kids on the block, bursting onto the scene in 2018 with an aggressive style and superstar names like Carlos Vela.
The rivalry wasted no time heating up. Their first meeting in 2018 produced a 4-3 thriller where Zlatan Ibrahimović made his MLS debut, scoring two sensational goals, including a 40-yard screamer. Since then, every encounter has been a fireworks show – goals, drama, and plenty of off-the-pitch banter between fans. This derby isn’t just about soccer; it’s about who really owns LA.
Texas Derby: FC Dallas vs. Houston Dynamo
In Texas, everything is bigger – including soccer rivalries. The Texas Derby between FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo is a clash fueled by state pride, with both teams battling for the coveted El Capitán, a replica Civil War-era cannon awarded to the series winner.
This rivalry goes beyond goals and points. It’s about who gets to claim Texas as their football fortress. Matches are physical, heated, and often unpredictable, with wild scorelines and no love lost between the players. From packed stadiums to passionate chants, the energy is palpable.
One standout moment? The 2017 Western Conference Semifinals, where Houston knocked out Dallas in extra time, sending Dynamo fans into raptures while Dallas supporters were left heartbroken. In Texas, this isn’t just a game – it’s a battle for respect.
Hell is Real Derby: Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati
Yes, you read that right – Hell is Real. This Ohio derby gets its name from a giant religious billboard along Interstate 71, which connects Columbus and Cincinnati. But make no mistake, the rivalry is as fierce as its name suggests.
Despite FC Cincinnati being newer to MLS (joining in 2019), their clashes with Columbus Crew have been anything but friendly. The games are gritty, with packed stadiums, flares, and chants that shake the stands. What started as a simple geographic rivalry quickly turned into one of MLS’s most anticipated fixtures.
The 2019 U.S. Open Cup matchup set the tone early when Cincinnati stunned Columbus with a dramatic win. Since then, every fixture feels like a cup final, with Ohio bragging rights hanging in the balance.
California Clásico: LA Galaxy vs. San Jose Earthquakes
Before El Tráfico took over headlines, the California Clásico was MLS’s original West Coast rivalry. Dating back to 1996, this derby pits LA Galaxy against the San Jose Earthquakes in a battle fueled by history, heartbreaks, and last-minute goals.
What makes this rivalry special? The comebacks. The 2003 playoff series is legendary – San Jose overcame a 4-0 deficit to win 5-4 on aggregate, in what’s still considered one of the greatest comebacks in MLS history.
But it’s not just about the past. The tension remains alive with every match, as fans from both sides relive old wounds and create new memories. It’s California pride at its fiercest.
Battle of the Midwest: Sporting Kansas City vs. St. Louis City SC
A new rivalry is brewing in the heart of America. The Battle of the Midwest between Sporting Kansas City and the recently established St. Louis City SC may be fresh, but the stakes are already sky-high.
St. Louis, with its rich soccer history, entered MLS with a chip on its shoulder, eager to prove itself against its more established neighbor. Meanwhile, Sporting KC, proud of its legacy and loyal fanbase, isn’t about to let a newcomer steal the spotlight.
Their first encounters have been fiery, with hard tackles, passionate crowds, and no shortage of goals. As the rivalry grows, expect this fixture to become a must-watch on the MLS calendar, embodying the Midwest’s no-nonsense, hard-working spirit.
Our Soccer, Our Rivalries
MLS rivalries aren’t just about proximity or history. They’re about emotion. They ignite passions, fuel debates, and remind us why we love the beautiful game. Whether it’s the star-studded chaos of El Tráfico, the raw intensity of Hell is Real, or the emerging drama in the Midwest, these derbies define MLS.
So, next time you tune in – or place a bet – remember, it’s more than just three points on the line. It’s pride, history, and sometimes, a cannon.
Main image credit:
IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire