MLS Rivals Week continues this weekend with several more rivalries taking center stage. There are several games this weekend, and while there are some teams that really need a win to keep pace with the Eastern Conference leaders, they hope to find the answers they need to survive in the playoff race. There’s also a team. Let’s take a look at the matches that will thoroughly entertain you this weekend.
Nashville SC vs. atlanta united
Saturday, May 18th, 1:45pm (Fox, Apple TV (Free), MLS Season Pass)
Since Nashville entered the league, their organic rivalry with Atlanta United has been interesting, with both teams fighting hard for wins on the field. However, with the new announcement Thursday morning that Nashville has fired head coach Gary Smith, the team’s main focus has switched to survival. Nashville and Atlanta are both below the playoff line, and a win would be amazing to get them back above the playoff line. Atlanta is struggling with just one win in their last five games. Even if there are no signs of improvement, some change may come for them.
prediction: It was an ugly game, but Nashville won 2-1.
New York City FC vs. New York Red Bulls
Saturday, May 18th, 7:30pm (MLS Season Pass)
It’s the Hudson River Derby, a rivalry that has elevated the league’s importance to premier status. New York vs. New Jersey, Blue vs. Red, pork roll/Taylor ham vs. chopped cheese, a clash between the world’s soccer conglomerates, and more all add to the derby. NYCFC could be short on players following a series of suspensions stemming from last weekend’s post-game altercation with Toronto FC. The Red Bulls defeated their main rivals DC United on the road in midweek and will look to continue their hatred of their neighbors across the George Washington Bridge. This guy sees the hatred seep through the screen when the two teams come together. Grab some popcorn, because you might run out of popcorn.
prediction: Red Bull are simply better now and they showed that with the 3-1 win.
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Toronto FC vs. CF Montreal
Saturday, May 18th, 7:30pm (MLS Season Pass)
The Canadian Classic also leaves this weekend and could be more intense than ever. This game is always a game where there’s a lot of trash talk from both fans and players, but this time even the coaches might get caught up in it. Montreal has only drawn two of its last five games, but has had a dominant showing in the Canadian Classic recently. They have just one loss in their last 10 games, against Toronto, and hope to extend that on the road. Toronto will likely be sidelined due to suspension, but they have been the better team so far this season and will be hoping to keep pace with the leaders.
prediction: Toronto held off a late barrage from Montreal to win 3-2.
dallas at houston
Saturday, 8:30pm ET (MLS Season Pass)
I love a little rivalry where two teams play against each other for a winning streak. Dallas won 2-0 in the last meeting between the two teams on April 27th, and is sure to continue the momentum from last Saturday’s 2-1 win over Austin FC. As for Houston, things are looking a little tough for head coach Ben Olsen’s team, which is in eighth place without a win in its last three games. However, this is a home game for Dynamo and could give them the stimulus they need at the right time.
prediction: Houston won, but it wasn’t by much thanks to a 1-0 final score.
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Colorado at Real Salt Lake
Saturday, 9:30pm ET (MLS Season Pass)
Real are on a tear, as evidenced by their most recent win, a 2-0 loss to Seattle on Wednesday night. The top team in MLS’s Western Conference will remain at home and face Colorado, who have been having a bit of a rocky run. However, the Rapids won their most recent game, defeating Vancouver 1-0. Still, Salt Lake, backed by the MVP-caliber play of Cristian Arango, will be tough to beat, especially in America First Field.
prediction: Real put on a show for the home crowd en route to a 3-1 victory.
vancouver, seattle
Saturday, 10:30pm ET (MLS Season Pass)
Another classic rivalry that predates MLS, Seattle will be looking to bounce back from Wednesday night’s tough loss to Salt Lake with a performance to enjoy. You won’t want to miss a little revenge story here. Vancouver has won just one of their last five games. What about that victory? He played in a 2-0 loss to the Sounders on April 20th. This is definitely worth noting.
prediction: Vancouver fights, but Seattle wins the day with a 2-1 loss.
