FC Dallas’ Nico Estévez explains MLS’ lack of rivalries ahead of game vs. Houston Dynamo

The MLS has created rivalries, such as FC Dallas-Houston Dynamo, based on the geographical proximity of its teams. Still, on many occasions, these clashes are far from being labeled as a Classic.

A Classic is born from dislike between fans and the epic battles that decide championships.

MLS does not have a true National Classic. There is no antagonism between a rich and poor team, between one that always wins and another that usually is the perennial loser.

In other professional leagues, there are true rivalries that have nothing to do with geographical proximity.

Major League Baseball’s great rivalry between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox commands national attention.

In the NBA, the battles between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics are the benchmark for professional basketball.

In the world of soccer, El Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona wins over Spain and the entire planet.

In Argentina, Boca Juniors vs. River Plate is one of the biggest rivalries on the continent.

Nothing like that kind of rivalry exists in MLS, and FC Dallas coach Nico Estévez thinks he knows why, in its 28 years of existence, the league hasn’t seen a National Classic emerge.

“There are no hegemonies in MLS,” said Estévez, whose team will host the Houston Dynamo on Saturday in another edition of the Texas Derby. “If we analyze the situation, in the MLS there is no hegemony, there is no exchange of clubs that win four or five titles, and then another that wins the next four or five championships, therefore, that level of hegemony that you have in other countries makes it easier for a National Classic to emerge.”

The rivalry between FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo shows 17 wins for FCD, 18 draws and 14 losses.

Ferreira watch: On Wednesday, Jesús Ferreira came through once again for FC Dallas by scoring the game-tying and game-winning goals against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. With the brace, Ferreira produced the eighth multi-goal game of his career, eclipsing Jeff Cunningham (seven) for the second most in club history.

Ferreira continues to establish himself as one of the greats in FC Dallas history and he has another opportunity to move up the goal-scoring rankings Saturday.

The U.S. Men’s National Team forward sits two goals behind Kenny Cooper (46) for second-most in club history.

Ferreira will look to tie or pass Cooper when FC Dallas hosts Houston Dynamo FC in a Rivalry Week matchup at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Toyota Stadium.

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