MLS Week 8 Preview: Passions run deep as 401 Derby kicks off
There's bad blood all around this week in Major League Soccer, as several rivals are set to square off.
Here are three key matchups to watch for during Week 8:
The 401 Derby
(Photo courtesy: @TorontoFC)
It is, perhaps, the fiercest rivalry in MLS: Toronto FC versus the Montreal Impact. The two Canadian cities couldn't be more different both culturally and historically, and, whether in hockey or in soccer, this is a rivalry that inspires passion from both sets of supporters.
On Saturday, Toronto FC travels to Montreal to take on Didier Drogba and Co., armed with the ever-flowing talent of Sebastian Giovinco but made wary due to a six-game road stretch at the top of the 2016 campaign.
Montreal holds the edge in recent days, having brushed aside the Reds twice at the end of the 2015 campaign, including an ouster from Toronto's first-ever playoff appearance. The tension this time around is even more palpable.
NYCFC heads to Philadelphia
New York City FC travels to the Philadelphia Union on Saturday in a rivalry match that, while lacking some of the fierceness of New York versus Boston, still elicits quite a passionate response since these cities share a heated history that transcends soccer.
Whether it's the Eagles versus the Giants in the NFL, the Flyers versus the Rangers in the NHL, or the Mets versus the Phillies in baseball, this rivalry has plenty of precedent for supporters to draw upon. It also has plenty of grievances, not soon forgotten, that permeate into the beautiful game.
As it stands, the high-flying Union will look to secure all three points as NYCFC and its porous back four attempt to find a second win under Patrick Vieira. Not much separates these teams from last season, as they share a 1-1-1 record.
Slumping Red Bulls face the Lions
As for the other team in New York, the slumping New York Red Bulls have lost their last four matches and will host Orlando City facing some big questions.
Will Bradley Wright-Phillips finally score? The English striker, once among the league's finest poachers, hasn't found the back of the net in seven games this season, and it's not for a lack of chances.
What about the Red Bulls' defense: Can it hold firm, despite injuries reducing the ranks in the back four tremendously?
And if the Lions walk away victorious, what becomes of Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch? It's a question that'll be worth considering if, after five losses in a row, signs of improvement remain illusive.
We'll find out Sunday at Red Bull Arena.
Related: 3 reasons the once-mighty New York Red Bulls are struggling in 2016