While it may not be a norm around the rest of the footballing world, MLS fans are becoming accustomed to seeing the league’s best rivalry matchups played out across a matter of a few days.
With that week finally upon us, let’s take a look at the must-watch matches this upcoming weekend.
Portland Timbers vs Seattle Sounders
It is a bitter rivalry that has arguably the deepest roots in the league, in fact the two Cascadia clubs have been going head-to-head since the 1970s, long before MLS even existed.
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No matter the circumstances, there is always plenty of bad-blood when these two teams get together, but with both teams vying for a top-four spot in the Western Conference, this weekend’s matchup should be even spicier.
While Portland come into the affair at Providence Park on Saturday in sole position of fourth place, the sixth placed Sounders are only three points behind their rivals to the south.
The Timbers have lost just once in their last 10 games in all competitions, while Seattle have lost just twice. Buckle up folks, we should be in for a good one in Goose Hollow Saturday evening.
Columbus Crew vs FC Cincinnati
Known the world over as ‘Hell is Real’, when Ohio’s two premier clubs come together there is always fireworks. But in recent seasons this rivalry has hit a new level with both sides consistently vying for Supporters Shields and MLS Cups.
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Heading into the weekend, Columbus and Cincinnati are separated by just two points, with the latter leading the charge atop the Eastern Conference.
Notably, each team in this special rivalry boasts an MVP-caliber attacker to pull the strings. Columbus’ Diego Rossi and Cincinnati’s Evander have combined for 17 goal contributions between them (eight for Rossi, nine for Evander).
There is a very real argument that one of these two teams will collect major honors come the business end of the season.
LA Galaxy vs LAFC
The derby in Los Angeles was a hit from day one despite not boasting the history of some of the other major rivalries in MLS.
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Whether it is for playoff seeding, a Western Conference title, or just simple local bragging rights, the stakes always feel astronomical when these two teams clash.
And this weekend we perhaps have the most lopsided derby showdown in the City of Angels that we’ve had in a long time.
Despite being the MLS Cup holders, the Galaxy are yet to win a game this season, while LAFC are beginning to pick up steam.
But form charts be damned, would anybody really be shocked if the Galaxy snapped their miserable winless run against their most hated enemy? You wouldn’t put it past this rivalry.Â
CF MontrĂŠal vs Toronto FC
While some may chuckle at this matchup making the list, the Canadian Classique is arguably the most underrated rivalry in all of North America. These two teams absolutely hate each-other.
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And while Toronto have a recent history of trophy-laden success, when these two teams meet it is always a level playing field. The all-time head-to-head record in MLS in this rivalry matchup is as follows â 23 wins for MontrĂŠal, 26 wins for Toronto, and 10 draws.
And in 2025, both teams are struggling mightily. Toronto sit just three points ahead of their rivals in second-bottom in the Eastern Conference.
If you love watching this sport when the two teams have unwavering disdain for one another, this is the game for you.
Inter Miami vs Orlando City
While the rivalry between these two Florida clubs can be labelled as superficial in the wake of Miami’s heavily-funded rise to prominence, this weekend’s matchup could be a potential turning point in the storybook.
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After a blip, verging on a crisis, for an Inter Miami side that has won just two of their last seven games, Orlando now look poised to leapfrog the herons in the Eastern Conference standings.
Orlando come into the clash in Fort Lauderdale with one of the hottest attacking forces in the league, lead by MartĂn Ojeda and Luis Muriel who have combined for 13 goals between them this season.
Yet you can’t look past the star-studded squad in the back-pocket of Javier Mascherano.
While the other rivalries on this list may seep into the streets of the cities they are played in, this is very much a matchup where the boiling point is reached on the pitch.
đ¸ Steph Chambers – 2023 Getty Images
