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3 things to watch in MLS: Week 17

Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

Four midweek matches provided plenty of drama ahead of another action-packed weekend in MLS. D.C. United edged Atlanta United by a score of 2-1; Abu Danladi gave Minnesota United a win, but was also red carded; the LA Galaxy defeated the Colorado Rapids with ease; Orlando City rescued a point against the Seattle Sounders with the last kick (or header) of the match.

Here's what else MLS has to offer in "rivalry week" - round 17 of the season:

Texas Derby (hopefully) heats up

The first of three tilts in the state series produced a lackluster 0-0 draw and the two Texas outfits will look to their respective Colombian coaches for a bit more guidance in this second matchup. Wilmer Cabrera's Houston is certainly finding the back of the net - a league second-best tally of 29 goals - while Oscar Pareja's Dallas side is coming off the back of a draw and a loss.

Houston's tremendous home form - 7-0-1 thus far this season - has the team feeling confident in this next Texas Derby showing, and while Dallas has Mauro Diaz back in the fold, it will need Maxi Urruti to start scoring if "El Capitan" - a prize cannon awarded to the winner of the series - is to remain in north Texas.

Battle for the Big Apple

New York may be red and blue, but one way or the other, we'll find out which of these two Big Apple battlers comes out on top in this, the first of three tilts in the Hudson River Derby. In six total league meetings since 2015, the Red Bulls have defeated NYCFC five times. This time last year, the Red Bulls utterly destroyed the Pigeons 7-0 at Yankee Stadium, but NYCFC will look to right that wrong in search of its second-ever win in this series.

Luckily for Patrick Vieira, star striker David Villa is in fine form, and with a midfield reinforced by Alexander Ring and Maxi Moralez, NYCFC is playing some of its finest soccer yet. Unfortunately, Red Bull Arena is a fortress NYCFC has yet to conquer, and the Pigeons' road form is lacking of late.

Closing the Cascadia Cup gap

The Cascadia Cup returns to action Sunday with the Timbers hosting the Sounders for their second encounter of the season, and while the Vancouver Whitecaps are busy dealing with Minnesota United, one of these two rival sides could get a leg up on the other in the mini-table. Here's how we stand:

Team Points W-L-D
Vancouver Whitecaps 3 1-1-0
Seattle Sounders 3 1-1-0
Portland Timbers 3 1-1-0

All three teams are tied in the standings, and as such, the Timbers and Sounders will be chomping at the bit to pull in front this weekend. Portland will be without Sebastian Blanco, who picked up a red card midweek, while scorned Seattle will look to tighten up its defense after conceding late against Orlando City.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)

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