As we edge closer to the 2023 Leagues Cup, we’re in the midst of a busy stretch of games for Major League Soccer clubs. Most of them played in the US Open Cup, and there’s a midweek round ahead next Wednesday, but that won’t stop them from being in top form this weekend as Rivalry Week kicks off!
Chicago Fire vs. St. Louis City SC
It’s the first meeting between the hosts and the expansion side, but this already has the look of a rivalry, with just under three hundred miles separating the two sides. Neither come into this match in top form, but in Kei Kamara and Jõao Klauss, both teams have strikers who know how to find the net.
CF Montréal vs. Toronto FC
Montréal and Toronto are both outside the playoff spots at the moment, but the hosts will be eager to keep a five-match winning streak alive. These two met in the week in the Canadian Championship, with Lorenzo Insigne’s goal only a consolation. Now fit, the Italian will be the danger man for the visitors, while Romell Quioto has scored three times for Hernán Losada’s side.
New York Red Bulls vs. New York City FC
The first Hudson River derby this season won’t be lacking in spice, given the two teams’ contrasting fortunes. The hosts have parted ways coach Gerhard Struber after a poor start, and knocked D.C. United out of the U.S. Open Cup. NYCFC are in the playoff positions in the Eastern Conference, despite having lost to Charlotte FC at the weekend.
Austin FC vs. FC Dallas
These two sides are involved in the Copa Téjas along with Houston Dynamo, and the hosts will be hoping to get their season back on track. They’ve lost just once in their last five matches, but have won only twice in the league and will have to deal with the absence of Sebastián Driussi for a month. FC Dallas have been stronger, and are in fifth place, with the always dangerous Jesús Ferreira leading the line.
Portland Timbers vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
A Cascadia Cup battle will be Saturday’s late match and Portland will be tasked with getting something from a visiting side who are unbeaten in eight matches. The Timbers have been somewhat inconsistent as they’ve struggled with injuries, but as last month’s big win over Seattle shows, anything can happen in a rivalry match!
