Cascadia Cup Battle, Atlantic Cup Headline MLS Heineken Rivalry Week II - This Week in MLS

Published on August 24, 2015 under Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release

History sets Seattle Sounders FC-Portland Timbers Cascadia Rivalry apart

If there's one thing that makes the Seattle Sounders FC-Portland Timbers rivalry unique among its Major League Soccer counterparts - besides the bitterness, next-level tifos, and fanatical supporters clubs - it's history. The Sounders-Timbers rivalry predates Major League Soccer. It also predates the birth of every player currently on each roster. In fact, it spans across several leagues dating all the way back to 1975. The Cascadia rivalry outlasted the USL First Division, A-League, Western Soccer League, Western Soccer Alliance, American Professional Soccer League and the North American Soccer League. A look through the lens of this rivalry offers a glimpse of soccer's resilient journey in the United States throughout the last four decades.

Now, in its 40th year of existence, the Cascadian rivalry has found a stable home in Major League Soccer - and the bad blood is flowing like never before.

Sunday's MLS Heineken Rivalry Week II meeting between Seattle and Portland marks the 91st time the cities' clubs will do battle (4:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, TSN2). This installment of the rivalry features a Sounders side that, one year removed from a Supporters' Shield, is fighting for its playoff livelihood. The immersion of transfer window additions Nelson Valdez, Roman Torres and Andreas Ivanschitz, coupled with the potential return of U.S. international Clint Dempsey, could put the squad back on track to MLS Cup contention. Portland is also benefitting from a recent Designated Player signing, as 22-year-old Argentine winger Lucas Melano opened his MLS account with an 86th-minute equalizer in Friday's draw vs. Houston. Melano has game-breaking speed and will begin to showcase his electric skill-set as he grows accustomed to his new surroundings. With Seattle and Portland trailing Vancouver Whitecaps FC on the Cascadia Cup table by two and three points, respectively, a win for either side would be massive in their pushes for the regional crown.

The Sounders FC-Timbers rivalry transcends Major League Soccer and every league that came before it. The disdain between these cities, clubs, supporters, and players is mutual and it's palpable, and regardless of where, when, and under which league they play, this rivalry can go toe-to-toe with anything the North American sports landscape has to offer.

In-form Red Bulls host Eastern Conference leading D.C. United in I-95 clash

The I-95 tilt between D.C. United (13-9-5) and New York Red Bulls (11-6-6) on Sunday night at Red Bull Arena (7 p.m. ET, FOX Sports 1, FOX Deportes, TSN2) is one of the most storied rivalries in MLS dating back to the league's inaugural season in 1996 - the Atlantic Cup. In that first year, the two clubs met in the Eastern Conference semifinals in an epic clash that saw D.C. United go on to earn its first MLS Cup championship, and set the stage for an intense rivalry that has lasted over the past two decades. The contention has not died down as the clubs met again in the Eastern Conference semifinals in 2014 for the fifth time, where the script was finally flipped with the Red Bulls coming out on top for the first time in its MLS Cup playoff history against United.

The Atlantic Cup is up for grabs in the final match between the two clubs this regular season during MLS Heineken Rivalry Week II, with New York having defeated D.C. 2-0 at Red Bull Arena on March 22 and the two clubs playing to a 2-2 draw on April 11 at RFK Stadium.

The Red Bulls, second place in the Eastern Conference, enter the match as one of the hottest teams in the league, currently riding a six-game unbeaten streak (5-0-1). The club is being led by last season's Golden Boot winner Bradley Wright-Phillips, who has bagged five goals and an assist during that unbeaten run, and leads the team in goals with 11 on the season. The Englishman is among a talented cast of players that have all stepped up during the second half of the season. Sacha Kljestan, of nearby Seton Hall University and a UEFA Champions League veteran with Belgium club Anderlecht, has been a critical force in the midfield, notching four goals and seven assists. In defense, U.S. U-20 defender and Red Bulls Homegrown product Matt Miazga has been indispensable to the team and has quickly made a name for himself as one of the best young defenders in MLS. In 17 games started by Miazga this season, the Red Bulls have only suffered two defeats, posting an 11-2-4 record.

Eastern Conference leading D.C. United will be primed to snap a two-game losing streak in league play against their bitter rivals. They boast one of the best goalkeepers in MLS, U.S. international Bill Hamid. The homegrown keeper leads MLS in goals against average (0.83) and save percentage for keepers that have played at least 1,500 minutes. Teammate Chris Rolfe is having a standout season, leading the team in scoring tying a career-high with nine goals scored and adding four assists. This crucial match atop the Eastern Conference between these two competitors has major implications in the Supporters' Shield race, and might serve as a preview of what's to come in the next round of MLS Cup Playoffs.

The MLS Heineken Rivalry Week logo is available HERE.

dos Santos gets first taste of California Clasico; Giovinco and Drogba go toe-to-toe in 401 Derby

Mexican superstar Giovani dos Santos gets first taste of California Clásico

After playing in front of capacity crowds at Stanford Stadium and the StubHub Center, the LA Galaxy (13-7-7) and San Jose Earthquakes (14-9-3) bring the 60th regular season edition of the California Clásico to Avaya Stadium for the first time on Viernes de Futbol during MLS Heineken Rivalry Week II (11 p.m. ET, UniMás). LA Galaxy extended its winning streak to four games in Sunday's 5-1 dispatching of New York City FC. Once again, newcomer Sebastian Lletget shined for a star-studded LA side. Lletget, who signed with the Galaxy from West Ham United in May, recorded a goal and assist, and now has seven goals and two assists in just 13 league appearances this season. His 0.70 goals per 90 minutes (among players with at least 900 minutes played) is fifth in MLS surrounded by the likes of David Villa, Sebastian Giovinco and Kei Kamara, and he's beckoning for a U.S. national team call-up. Giovani dos Santos, who turned in a goal and assist in Sunday's win, has proven virtually unstoppable with his new club. Since debuting for the Galaxy on August 6, the El Tri star has three goals and five assists in just 358 minutes across three league matches and two CONCACAF Champions League appearances.

With the regular season winding down, the Earthquakes are also declaring themselves as a force to be reckoned with. San Jose is in its best run-of-form of 2015, recording a season-high third consecutive win in Saturday's 2-0 road victory vs. D.C. United. Goalkeeper David Bingham hasn't surrendered a goal during this stretch, while Chris Wondolowski and Quincy Amarikwa have ignited the Quakes' attack by combining for three goals and three assists. When the clubs last met on July 17, Steven Gerrard debuted for the Galaxy, which tied the rivalry's largest margin of victory with a 5-2 win.

401 Derby features most star-studded affair in rivalry history as Drogba & Giovinco square off

Toronto FC (10-10-4) hosts the Montreal Impact (8-10-4) at BMO Field at 4 p.m. ET (TSN) Saturday afternoon in the 10th regular season meeting in the famed 401 Derby during MLS Heineken Rivalry Week II. The Impact heads into the match looking for their first ever win at BMO Field and will be relying on new faces in the matchup against the Reds.

Newly signed Designated Player Didier Drogba made his debut last week for Montreal against the Philadelphia Union and joins a club with a recent influx of international talent. Last season, Montreal acquired Argentinian Ignacio Piatti, who currently leads the team with eight goals and four assists this season. In the offseason, the club acquired Cameroon international Ambroise Oyongo in a trade with the New York Red Bulls and Belgium international defender Laurent Ciman joined the club in the middle of its run to the CONCACAF Champions League, where they ultimately lost in the final to Mexican giants Club América. And just before the closing of the Secondary Transfer Window, Montreal acquired Costa Rican international Johan Venegas from Costa Rican side Alajuelense. The new signings have gelled together well and the Impact currently sit in sixth place in the Eastern Conference.

Toronto FC are in fourth place and are led by their offseason additions of Designated Players Sebastian Giovinco, Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore. Toronto's DPs had themselves a game last week in their 5-0 pummeling of Orlando City SC. Giovinco notched another assist and an AT&T Goal of the Week nominee with an incredible free kick goal (watch here). Jozy Altidore grabbed his third brace of the season coming off of the bench and Michael Bradley notched his first career three assist game. Marky Delgado, who was a part of this season's U.S. U-20 World Cup squad in New Zealand, has featured prominently in the team since returning from World Cup duty also found his name on the score sheet and now has a career-high three goals. Toronto won the first regular season matchup against Toronto FC 3-1 back on June 24 and will look to clinch the 401 Derby series with a win, while Montreal will try to fend off teams outside the Eastern Conference playoff spots

Week 26 National Television Schedule

Friday, August 28

San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy, 11 p.m. ET (UniMás)

Saturday, August 29

Toronto FC vs. Montreal Impact, 4 p.m. ET (TSN)

Houston Dynamo vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 9 p.m. ET, (TSN1)

Sunday, August 30

Seattle Sounders FC vs. Portland Timbers, 4:30 p.m. ET (ESPN, ESPN Deportes, TSN2)

New York Red Bulls vs. D.C. United, 7 p.m. ET (Fox Sports 1, FOX Deportes, TSN2)

Drogba, Montreal Impact set for Amway Canadian Championship final vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC

On Wednesday night at 10:30 p.m. ET, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Montreal Impact face off in the second and decisive leg of the 2015 Amway Canadian Championship final (Sportsnet ONE) at BC Place. The winner of the matchup will hoist the Voyagers Cup and earn a coveted berth in the 2016-17 CONCACAF Champions League.

In leg one, Vancouver held a 2-0 lead behind second half goals from Darren Mattocks and Pedro Morales late in the match. Montreal struck back late with goals from defender Laurent Ciman and the equalizer by Anthony Jackson-Hamel to level the game at 2-2 and secure the draw.

The Impact saw the debut of global superstar of Didier Drogba this past weekend and he'll be poised to try and help Montreal win a third Canadian Championship, including a second straight title. Vancouver has never won the Voyagers Cup, losing in the final on five occasions since the inaugural tournament in 2008. But with the Canadian Championship being a two-legged aggregate series, Vancouver has the advantage going into Wednesday's match because of their two away goals. For more information on the 2015 Amway Canadian Championship, CLICK HERE.

D.C. United, Seattle Sounders FC continue march through CCL group stage

Sunday's match against the Portland Timbers isn't the only rivalry game Seattle Sounders FC has on the docket this week. Sounders FC visits Honduran side Club Deportivo Olimpia in Tegucigalpa on Tuesday (10 p.m. ET, FOX Soccer Plus) - just seven days after the clubs got heated up in Seattle. Olimpia took a 1-0 lead into stoppage time of last Wednesday's match, but Erik Friberg knotted the score in the 90th minute before Brad Evans buried a game-winning penalty kick in the 97th minute (watch highlights HERE). Tensions boiled over after Evans scored, setting the stage for a fiery match on Wednesday night. Seattle can take a commanding six-point lead over Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Group F with a win, but a hostile environment awaits the club at Estadio Tiburcio Carías Andino.

D.C. United also won in dramatic fashion last Wednesday. United opened its CCL campaign in Colón, Panama, against Club Deportivo Arabe Unido and came away with a 1-0 victory thanks to an 85th-minute goal from 2015 first-round SuperDraft selection Miguel Aguilar (watch highlights HERE). The Black & Red return to tournament action tomorrow night (8 p.m. ET, FOX Sports 2) with a home match versus Jamaican side Montego Bay United FC. Coached by former Colorado Rapids head coach Tim Hankinson, Montego Bay is the only Jamaican club in this year's tournament, earning a CCL bid by placing third in the 2015 Caribbean Football Union Championship. D.C. United head coach Ben Olsen will likely lean on a cast of young players to secure three crucial points again. With goalkeeper Bill Hamid sidelined by a knee injury, Andrew Dykstra is expected back between the pipes.

Quotables

"There's a buzz about the league. People want to be a part of that."

LA Galaxy midfielder Steven Gerrard on the influx of international talent joining the league

MLS develops a buzz with international influx of talent (Los Angeles Times)

"We know more than anybody how high his potential is. He's got to keep working and keep improving. If he does that he's got a bright, bright future."

NYCFC head coach Jason Kreis on the breakout year of Kwadwo Poku

Kwadwo Poku has emerged as a star among NYCFC's stars (ESPNFC.com)

"When you leave a job, you don't leave all the people you care about. There's a ton of people there that I worked with for a very long time and players that played for me for a really long time that you're still connected to."

Seattle Sounders FC General Manager Gareth Lagerwey on keeping in touch with his former colleagues at Real Salt Lake

Ex-Real Salt Lake GM Garth Lagerwey enjoying new life, new job in Seattle (Salt Lake Tribune)

"I'm very happy to finally arrive to Columbus. I talked to Gregg and he convinced me to come here. I don't like to talk much about myself. I would like you guys to evaluate me, the media and the fans. What I can tell you is that I'm ready to work and I'm really excited to grow here as a player."

Columbus Crew SC defender Gaston Sauro on his eagerness to begin training with his new teammates

After visa delay, Sauro finally arrives (Columbus Dispatch)

"Any given day, Kekuta can absolutely torch someone, and it's the same with Castillo. They're good players. Very skilful. Very quick. You know they're going to be a handful."

Vancouver Whitecaps FC defender Steven Beitashour on teammate Kekuta Manneh and FC Dallas winger Fabian Castillo

Young MLS speedsters similar, but different as well (The Province)

Sweet Tweets

Robbie Rogers (@robbierogers) Long way to go but thanks for all of the support today the stadium was buzzing!!! Huge win! #LAGalaxy #3pts #Hot #reallyhot

https://twitter.com/robbierogers/status/635567878847135744

Marky Delgado (@MarkyDelgado) Whole city turnt after yesterday's win they know wassup #6ix #TFC https://instagram.com/p/6wA6RXryyhG2

https://twitter.com/MarkyDelgado/status/635647564579213312

Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) Montreal are you ready for this????

#touspourgagner #fortheloveofthegame #montreal #impact #threepointsneeded

https://twitter.com/didierdrogba/status/635218560609075200

Quincy Amarikwa (@QuincyAmarikwa) Huge 6pts on the road! Let's make these playoffs! #Quakes74 #QuincyTime

https://twitter.com/QuincyAmarikwa/status/635271005699751936

Ethan Finlay (@EthanFinlay13) That was the definition of a team win! Thanks to the fans for an incredible atmosphere. This is just the beginning... #CrewSC #believe

https://twitter.com/EthanFinlay13/status/635285974604496897

Week 26 Game Previews

Wednesday, August 26

Chicago Fire vs. New York Red Bulls, 8:30 p.m. ET

- The Fire saw their winless streak extended to three games with a second loss in that time, falling 1-0 to the Colorado Rapids at Toyota Park on Saturday.

- The Red Bulls extended their undefeated streak to six games with a fifth victory in that time last time out, defeating Toronto FC 3-0 on Aug. 15 at Red Bull Arena. Bradley Wright-Phillips netted a goal for a second consecutive game - his sixth in the last eight games - now with 11 goals for the season.

- The Red Bulls have never won at Toyota Park. Their last away win against Chicago came May 14, 2005, a 3-0 win at Soldier Field. Since then, the Fire are undefeated in their last 13 home matches in the league series (8-0-5), including a 1-0 win last Aug. 14 in the last meeting between the clubs.

- The Fire have come away with points on two of their last three visits to Red Bull Arena. When the Fire won 2-0 in Harrison in the final meeting between the teams in 2012, it was their first away win in the series since the 2009 season.

Colorado Rapids vs. Houston Dynamo, 9 p.m. ET

- The Rapids put an end to their three-game losing streak with a 1-0 win at the Chicago Fire on Saturday, as Dillon Serna scored after 53 seconds.

- The Dynamo continued their three-game road swing with a result, seeing the Portland Timbers come back for a 2-2 draw on Friday evening at Providence Park.

- The teams are meeting for the second time this season. They played to a scoreless draw March 28 at BBVA Compass Stadium.

- The Rapids last lost to the Dynamo in league play in 2009, when the Dynamo took a 1-0 victory April 19 at Robertson Stadium. The Rapids have won four of the eight meetings since, with four draws.

- The Dynamo haven't won at Dick's Sporting Goods Park since 2008, with the Rapids winning the last two meetings in Commerce City, including a 3-0 win last June 1 in the only meeting between the teams.

Friday, August 28

San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy, 11 p.m. ET (UniMás)

- The Quakes won their third consecutive game in a week's span - their longest winning streak since 2013 - recording a third consecutive shutout in a 2-0 victory at D.C. United on Saturday night.

- The Galaxy continued their remarkable home form, defeating New York City FC 5-1 on Sunday afternoon. The Galaxy scored five goals in a game for the sixth time in their last eight games in all competitions at StubHub Center; Robbie Keane scored two goals, his fourth multiple-goal game in the last seven MLS contests. Keane has scored 12 goals in the last seven league games.

- The teams have split their two matches this season. Matias Perez García set up goals by Chris Wondolowski and Clarence Goodson as the Quakes won 3-1 on June 27 at Stanford Stadium. Robbie Keane scored a hat trick and Steven Gerrard scored a goal and added an assist on his MLS debut, leading the Galaxy to a 5-2 win June 17 at StubHub Center - the most goals scored in a league game in the 20 seasons of the rivalry.

- The Galaxy have won just once in the last 11 regular season meetings in northern California, across three stadiums - a 1-0 victory last June 28 at Stanford Stadium. The Quakes finished undefeated against the Galaxy in league play at their former Buck Shaw Stadium home, with two wins and three draws in five matches there.

Saturday, August 29

Toronto FC vs. Montreal Impact, 4 p.m. ET

- Toronto FC scored five goals in a league game for the first time in the club's history, defeating Orlando City FC 5-0 on Saturday afternoon at BMO Field. Sebastian Giovinco scored his 17th goal of the season (second in the MLS Golden Boot standings) and added his 12th assist (fourth-most in MLS).

- The Impact lost a second consecutive game by a 1-0 scoreline, both at Stade Saputo, falling to Philadelphia Union on Saturday evening as Didier Drogba made his team and league debut.

- The teams met earlier this season in league play, as TFC Designated Players Sebastian Giovinco and Michael Bradley each netted a goal and added an assist in their club's 3-1 win June 24 at BMO Field.

- Since coming to MLS, the Impact have not won in Toronto, with five losses and four draws in nine meetings in all competitions at BMO Field. The Impact have yet to defeat Toronto FC in a league game at Stade Saputo, losing both regular season meetings there (though they have won three of four matchups in the Canadian Championship). The two Impact home wins in the all-time league series have come at Olympic Stadium.

- The teams have met in every season they've been together in MLS in the Canadian Championship, with the Impact winning the title in 2014 by defeating TFC 2-1 on aggregate in the final. The Impact have won with the teams have met in the semifinals on two of the three occasions, in 2013 and 2015, when they won on away goals after the level was level 3-3 on aggregate.

New York City FC vs. Columbus Crew SC, 7 p.m. ET

- David Villa scored his 15th goal of the season - his 13th goal over the last 14 games - but NYCFC allowed the most goals in a game in their short club history in a 5-1 defeat at the LA Galaxy on Sunday afternoon at StubHub Center.

- Crew SC extended their undefeated run to three games as Jack McInerney scored his first goal since joining the club, netting the late game-winner for a 3-2 win against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday evening.

- The teams are meeting for the second time this season, the second time in a 10-day span. NYCFC's Kwadwo Poku scored twice in a nine-minute span, canceling out goals from Crew SC's Kei Kamara and Cedrick Mabwati, leaving the teams in a 2-2 draw Aug. 19 at Mapfre Stadium.

Philadelphia Union vs. New England Revolution, 7 p.m. ET

- Union made it three games in a row without loss, following a pair of draws with 1-0 win at the Montréal Impact on Saturday. Sebastien Le Toux scored for a second consecutive game, his fourth goal in the last five matches, for the late game-winner.

- The Revolution return to action after a week away from league matches, extending their undefeated run to four games last time out with a 2-0 win against the Houston Dynamo at Gillette Stadium.

- The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Teal Bunbury set up the tying goal then scored the game-winner, both in the second half, hauling the Revolution back for a 2-1 win April 19 at PPL Park.

- The road team has now won each of the last three league meetings between the clubs. The Revolution won 5-3 last May 17 at PPL Park; Union returned the favor with a 3-1 win at Gillette Stadium on June 28.

Orlando City SC vs. Chicago Fire, 7:30 p.m. ET

- Orlando City were shut out for a third consecutive match, matching their MLS record by allowing five goals in a 5-0 defeat at Toronto FC on Saturday afternoon. OCSC has allowed four or more goals in four of their last six games.

- The teams are meeting for the second time this season in league play. Cyle Larin scored in the 82nd minute to pull the teams level - then the Fire's Adailton scored his second own goal of the game four minutes later to hand Orlando City a 3-2 win June 6 at the Citrus Bowl.

- The teams also met in a U.S. Open quarterfinal, Kennedy Igboananike scoring two goals after the 88th minute to lead the Fire to a 3-1 win July 22 at Toyota Park.

Colorado Rapids vs. Sporting Kansas City, 9 p.m. ET

- Sporting Kansas City have lost back-to-back games for the first time this season, following their 3-2 defeat at Columbus Crew SC on Saturday evening.

- The teams are meeting for the second time this season. Krisztian Nemeth and an own goal led Sporting to a 2-1 victory, June 27 at Sporting Park.

- Sporting have not lost to the Rapids since a 2-1 Colorado win March 28, 2009 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, including a 3-2 win last March 29 in Commerce City in the last meeting there. Since then, KC is 4-0-5 vs. Colorado.

- The Rapids haven't won in Kansas City since 2002, a 2-1 win at Arrowhead Stadium. Since, Kansas City is 9-0-4 at home vs. Colorado.

FC Dallas vs. Real Salt Lake, 9 p.m. ET

- FC Dallas lost their third game on the trot - their longest losing skid of the season - falling 1-0 at Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday evening.

- Real Salt Lake put an end to their three-game losing run - their longest of the season - defeating Seattle Sounders FC 2-0 on Saturday evening at Rio Tinto Stadium. Javier Morales scored his sixth goal of the season; he has three goals and four assists over the last seven matches.

- Real won the last meeting between the teams, a 2-1 win last Sept. 6 at Rio Tinto Stadium - their first home win vs. FC Dallas since the 2012 season. FCD had come away with points on three consecutive trips to Sandy, with a win and two draws.

- RSL is now 1-10-2 at FC Dallas all-time in league games between the clubs, after FCD's 2-1 win in the lone meeting at Toyota Stadium a year ago on Aug. 22. FCD has also won a game in the MLS Cup Playoffs (in 2010) and a U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal (in 2011).

Houston Dynamo vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC, 9 p.m. ET

- Whitecaps FC won their fourth match in the last five outings in league play, Cristian Techera scoring the game's lone goal for a 1-0 win against FC Dallas at BC Place on Saturday evening.

- Will Bruin scored his 10th goal of the season in the Dynamo's 2-2 draw at the Portland Timbers, marking the second consecutive season he's reached 10 goals for the season. It was the third time in his five MLS seasons he's hit for double-digits in goals, the first player in Dynamo history to hit for double figures in three different seasons.

- In five meetings all-time between the clubs, the home team has won each. Whitecaps FC won the last meeting between the clubs, a 2-1 win March 29, 2014 at BC Place, their third home win in the series. The Dynamo won the last meeting at BBVA Compass Stadium, a 2-1 win March 23, 2013.

Sunday, August 30

Seattle Sounders FC vs. Portland Timbers, 5 p.m. ET (ESPN)

- Sounders FC suffered their sixth defeat in their last seven matches - shut out for a fifth time in that span - in their 2-0 loss at Real Salt Lake on Saturday evening.

- The Timbers stretched their current overall undefeated run to four games, extending their unbeaten streak at Providence Park to nine games, coming back for a 2-2 draw with the Houston Dynamo on Friday evening. Lucas Melano scored his first Timbers and MLS goal, netting the late equalizer.

- The teams are meeting for a fourth time this season, the third in league play. Clint Dempsey scored the game's only goal to lead Sounders FC to a 1-0 win April 26 in Seattle. On June 28, Fanendo Adi scored two goals to lead the Timbers to a 4-1 win at Providence Park - the three-goal victory equaling Portland's largest margin of victory against the Sounders since a 3-0 win on June 11, 1977, at Civic Stadium.

- A new chapter was written in the rivalry when the clubs faced off in a U.S. Open Cup third-round match June 17 at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Wash., with the Timbers taking a 3-1 win in extra time in a fractious encounter as Sounders FC had four players sent off.

- The Timbers have never won in Seattle in MLS regular season play, Sounders FC now with a 4-0-2 league record in games at CenturyLink Field. But the Timbers did win there in the MLS Cup Playoffs in 2013.

New York Red Bulls vs. D.C. United, 7 p.m. ET (FOX Sports 1)

- Mike Grella recorded an assist for a third consecutive match, setting up Bradley Wright-Phillips' second goal in as many games in the Red Bulls' 3-0 win against Toronto FC in their last match. Grella has three goals and five assists in the last 11 matches.

- D.C. United suffered their second consecutive league defeat, losing their second game of the season at RFK Stadium in a 2-0 defeat by the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday evening, knocking them out of the top spot in the race for the Supporters' Shield.

- This is the third meeting of the season between the teams. The Red Bulls took a 2-0 victory on March 22 at Red Bull Arena, as Bradley Wright-Phillips and Lloyd Sam each scored on either side of halftime. Sam scored again in the 90th minute of the second meeting, canceling out a pair of Perry Kitchen goals for United to leave the teams in a 2-2 draw April 11 at RFK Stadium.

- The teams also met in the Eastern Conference Semifinals a year ago, the Red Bulls winning 3-2 on aggregate as each team won their home game. It was the fifth time in 19 MLS seasons the arch-rivals have met in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

- The teams play for the Atlantic Cup, awarded to the winner of the season series by supporters groups from both clubs. They've met 81 times in all competitions over the years; New York has won 27 and United have won 42, including a 7-2-2 record in the postseason.

Major League Soccer Stories from August 24, 2015

• LA Galaxy Travel North for California Clasico against San Jose | Weekly Schedule - LA Galaxy
• Cascadia Cup Battle, Atlantic Cup Headline MLS Heineken Rivalry Week II - This Week in MLS - MLS
• Philadelphia Union Foundation Announces New Partnership with Allstate Foundation - Philadelphia Union
• Union Agree to Mutual Termination with Rais Mbolhi - Philadelphia Union
• FC Dallas Releases Second Phase of Season Ticket Membership Options - FC Dallas
• It's Official: Mercedes-Benz Signs Naming Rights Agreement for Iconic New Venue in Atlanta - Atlanta United FC

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