Welcome to Rivalry Week that lasts 9 days in MLS because, well, MLS. Timbers vs Sounders! El Tráfico! Houston vs Hygiene! Rivalries like these belong in the pantheon with Bob Barker vs Happy Gilmore.
There’s a ton of good action this weekend, but you know why I’m here. Austin FC enters its 19th match of the season in 2nd place in the West and Supporter’s Shield standings, two points back of LAFC and a full five points ahead of RSL. However we’ll always take a little help from the around the league, so let’s figure out who to cheer for before I hop a plane to Atlanta!
- All ratings are on a scale of 1-5, with 5 being the most impactful towards ATXFC.
Games That Make You Go Meh
Philadelphia Union vs D.C. United – Friday @ 6:30 p.m. (ESPN)
NYCFC vs New England Revolution – Saturday @ 12:00 p.m. (Univision/TUDN/Twitter)
Toronto FC vs San Jose Earthquakes – Saturday @ 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
FC Cincinnati vs New York Red Bulls – Saturday @ 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Club de Foot Montreal vs Sporting Kansas City – Saturday @ 6:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
Orlando City vs Inter Miami CF – Saturday @ 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Chicago Fire vs Columbus Crew – Saturday @ 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
Games That Matter
LAFC vs L.A. Galaxy – Friday @ 9:00 p.m. (ESPN)
This is the match that Austin supporters will be glued to Friday. It’s the 3rd El Tráfico of the season and LAFC is looking for revenge. The Galaxy have taken each of the first two matches (one MLS, one U.S. Open Cup) in the series this year, but both games were in Carson. The question now is whether LAFC will debut any of their big-name signings Friday night in front of the home crowd. Personally, I just want them to drop points.
The Side: A draw or Galaxy win. Either result is acceptable.
ATX Impact Watch Score: 5
Vancouver Whitecaps vs Minnesota United FC – Friday @ 9:30 (ESPN+)
If someone told me a month ago this game would be between two teams battling for the final playoff spot, I would have laughed in their face. But that’s exactly what we have here. Vancouver is dangerous, especially at home, and is not a team I would want to face in the playoffs. For that reason, I’m hoping the Loons do some damage.
The Side: Minnesota don’cha know
ATX Impact Watch Score: 3.5
Seattle Sounders vs Portland Timbers – Saturday @ 3:30 p.m. (FOX)
For my money, this is the best rivalry in MLS. Two fan bases that have hated each other for a long time going back to pre-MLS days makes me happy. The fact that both teams are usually good makes it better. Seattle is sitting in the final playoff spot right now, but Portland is just three points behind the Sounders after a sluggish start to the season. I still expect Seattle to comfortably make the playoffs, but I’d like for both teams to drop points if possible.
The Side: A wildly entertaining draw
ATX Impact Watch Score: 3
Charlotte FC vs Nashville SC – Saturday @ 6:00 p.m. (FS1)
Y’all know who held it down in H-Town last week? CHARLOTTE MUTHA FUCKIN’ FC THAT’S WHO! Charsenal picked up their first ever road win at Houston and now get to go home to play a very weird Nashville squad. The Coyotes should be better than their record shows, but it feels like something is missing. Here’s hoping Charlotte pulls a mild upset, because Nashville is exactly the kind of team I don’t want to see in the first round of the playoffs.
The Side: The current Kings of Houston
ATX Impact Watch Score: 2.5
Houston Crynamo vs FC Frisco – Saturday @ 7:30 p.m. (ESPN+)
FUCK ‘EM BOTH! Herrera is making his Houston debut this weekend which should lend some extra juice to this match. South Oklahoma pulled off a stunning comeback in the first meeting earlier this year, scoring twice after the 87th minute to win 2-1. ATXFC and FC Frisco are tied in the battle for Copa Tejas with 4 points each and are even on goal differential. If Houston can take this match, Austin will just need a win and a draw next week to capture the cup outright. If Houston wins big, one win could bring the cup home on goal differential. We only have one option family and it makes me want to puke.
The Side: Ughhhh…..Houston, preferably by a lot of goals
ATX Impact Watch Score: 5
<Live look at me typing the above paragraph>
Real Salt Lake vs Colorado Rapids – Saturday @ 9:00 p.m. (ESPN+)
RSL finally lost a close match last week, going down 3-2 to Minnesota. That loss coupled with the Austin comeback win over Colorado gave ATX some breathing room for 2nd place. Now the Rocky Mountain Rivals hook up for an underrated derby match. They drew in Commerce City earlier this year and I would be happy with more of the same…..or an RSL loss.
The Side: Ride the Rapids baby!
ATX Impact Watch Score: 3
Uncle Tony P.
Uncle Tony P. is a lifelong Austin FC supporter and overall handsome son of a bitch who always has a full supply of mustard on hand for his Verde friends.