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3 things to watch in MLS: Week 7

Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters Picture Supplied by Action Images

Spring is in the air at long last and with it comes another weekend of action in Major League Soccer, as all 22 teams battle it out over Friday and Saturday in Week 7 of the 2017 season. Here's what's on tap:

Rivalries in the East

There's a trio of rivalry fixtures in the Eastern Conference this week, with the Philadelphia Union kicking things off against NYCFC on Friday night in a classic Philly vs. New York bout. The former is without a win in 2017 and will look to correct that stat at home against the Pigeons.

Meanwhile, Columbus hosts (definitely) real rival Toronto on Saturday in the (definitely) legitimate derby known as the Trillium Cup. This time-honored tradition sees these two heated opponents square off for glory in the form of silverware, despite neither acknowledging the other as actual rivals.

Finally, the New York Red Bulls host D.C. United on Saturday. Ben Olsen's side has found both their form and feet in recent weeks and the Red Bulls stuttering against Orlando sets up a clash between two teams looking to set a record of consistency straight in the early goings.

Cascadia kick-off

Speaking of rivalry matches, the 2017 Cascadia Cup kicks off Friday night as the Whitecaps host the Sounders in the first of nine matches that take place during the course of the MLS regular season.

A bit of heat from this derby will do Carl Robinson's side well as Vancouver has failed to really get going thus far in 2017. As such, a tilt against the Sounders could be the medicine that cures what ails the 'Caps.

Seattle won't be easy, though, and while we expect a hard-fought fixture here, this match is also a bit of a special occasion for one Vancouver player; this will be Fredy Montero's first go at his old Seattle team since joining the Whitecaps at the top of the season - he'd love to score one (or three) against his former outfit, we're sure.

From San Lorenzo, with love

Montero's reunion isn't the only one on offer this weekend, however, as two former San Lorenzo teammates gear up to do battle Saturday when the Montreal Impact hosts Atlanta United.

Montreal star Ignacio Piatti meets old friend Hector Villalba of Atlanta at Stade Saputo, with both men looking to spur their sides onto victory after a slew of less-than-perfect results.

Atlanta continues its tour of the league's 2016 heavyweights having earned draws against Toronto and Seattle, while Montreal, still without a win in 2017, would love to get going in front of home support. To do that, Piatti will need to best Villalba, first.

"I spoke with Hector (on Wednesday) night," Piatti revealed, according to the club's official website. "I haven’t seen him in a long time. I'm glad that he's here in MLS now. He's a really good player, and we have to be ready to face him."

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

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