The eagerly anticipated MLS Heineken Rivalry Week returns on Friday, kicking off a thrilling, week-long run of intense fixtures between some of the competition’s biggest rivals.
Delivering some of the most entertaining clashes of the regular campaign, Rivalry Week is packed to bursting with the pre-playoff fixtures that every fan looks forward to at the beginning of the season.
Rivalry Week explodes into action with Friday’s tussle with the California Clasico between LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes at Dignity Health Sports Park, where Mexican superstar Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez will be aiming to be the match-winner for the second derby on the spin.
In between successive weekends loaded with matches between heated rivals, fans also have the 2021 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target to sink their teeth into, where the division’s best players take on their counterparts from Mexico’s Liga MX.
What is MLS Rivalry Week?
For fans unfamiliar with the MLS, Rivalry Week is a fresh, exciting concept where supporters are treated to a calendar loaded with games pitting a number of the league’s adversaries against each other.
Whether it’s a local rivalry like the El Trafico duel between LAFC and LA Galaxy of the long-running feud between New York Red Bulls and DC United, MLS Heineken Rivalry Week delivers truckloads of must-see fixtures during its week-long schedule.
During Rivalry Week, clubs like to crank up the atmosphere for the fixtures which in turn transforms the matchday experience into events similar to the explosive derby games seen in England, Germany and Italy in Europe.
MLS Rivalry Week games to look out for
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Friday 20th
LA Galaxy vs San Jose Earthquakes
A rejuvenated LA Galaxy, spearheaded by the prolific Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, take on the Earthquakes and their star striker Chris Wondolowski, in what could develop into a head-to-head between two of the 2021 Audi Golden Boot contenders.
Saturday 21st
Minnesota United vs Sporting Kansas City
Labelled “The Nicest Rivalry in Sports”, Minnesota United’s skirmish with Eastern Conference leaders Sporting Kansas City should be much tastier than it’s moniker suggests and the visitors will be out for revenge following their 3-0 reverse in the last meeting between the clubs in December 2020.
New York Red Bulls vs New York City FC
Later the same day, bragging rights in the Big Apple will be on the line when New York Red Bulls and New York City FC lock horns at the Red Bull Arena. NYRB have been off the boil for weeks, though current form usually goes out the window on derby day and a victory over their neighbors could kick start the Red Bulls’ campaign.
Friday 27th
FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew
MLS Heineken Rivalry Week continues to pick up the pace on Friday, August 27 with the latest Hell is Real derby battle between FC Cincinnati and the Columbus Crew at Lower.com Field. The teams drew 2-2 back in July, so expect more excitement when they pen the latest chapter of their feud.
Sunday 19th
Seattle Sounders FC vs Portland Timbers
MLS Heineken Rivalry Week concludes Sunday, August 29 with the oldest rivalry in North American soccer as Seattle Sounders FC and Portland Timbers face off at Lumen Field for their 113th all-time meeting.
MLS Heineken Rivalry Week Schedule
Friday, August 20
- 10:30 PM ET – LA Galaxy vs. San Jose Earthquakes – ESPN2, ESPN Deportes
Saturday, August 21
- 3:30 PM ET – Minnesota United vs. Sporting KC – ESPN, ESPN Deportes
- 8:00 PM ET – New York Red Bulls vs. NYCFC – FS1, FOX Deportes
Friday, August 27
- 6:30 PM ET – Columbus Crew vs. FC Cincinnati – ESPN, ESPN Deportes
- 8:30 PM ET – Orlando City SC vs. Inter Miami CF – ESPN, ESPN Deportes
Saturday, August 28
- 3:30 PM ET – Atlanta United vs. Nashville SC – Univision, TUDN
- 7:00 PM ET – LAFC vs. LA Galaxy – FOX, FOX Deportes
Sunday, August 29
- 8:00 PM ET – Austin FC vs. FC Dallas – FS1, FOX Deportes
- 10:30 PM ET – Seattle Sounders FC vs. Portland Timbers – ESPN, ESPN Deportes
Here at Legal Sports Betting, we regularly feature free picks for the MLS. Check out our latest soccer picks and betting tips here.
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