Regional rivalries drive sports, and the culture of soccer, in particular, is built on these rivalries. Say what you want about MLS new kids Seattle, Portland and Vancouver — the league originals in D.C. and New York have been driving up and down I-95 to get at each other's throats since Day 1.
Tonight, the scrap continues as the Atlantic Cup rivalry enters its 16th year. This year, there's plenty of fuel to throw on the fire as both teams come off impressive wins last weekend.
DC are rebounding from a forgettable 2010 campaign and head coach Ben Olsen — himself a veteran of many DC-NY battles — has assembled a side capable of beating anyone. In fact, they rule the all-time head-to-head with an impressive 29-18-7 record. Meanwhile, their northern neighbors from the Big Apple come loaded with international stars weighed by some heavyweight expectations. Can Thierry Henry build on the momentum of last weekend's goal?
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