Top 5 rivalries in Major League Soccer history

#3 LA Galaxy vs San Jose Earthquakes - The California Clasico

Steven Gerrard in action against The Earthquakes

The name says it all! The California Clasico is considered as the most historical rivalry in MLS history, and is contested between rivals originating from Northern California and Southern California, respectively.

This rivalry began way back in 1996, but was at its peak from the year 2001 to 2005, during which the Earthquakes and the Galaxy won a combined total of four MLS titles amongst themselves, and that too, within a span of five years.

The two sides have faced each for a total of 81 games, with Galaxy winning 34 of those matches compared to San Jose’s 26—and with 21 draws among them.

LA Galaxy’s legendary striker Landon Donovan remains the all-time top scorer in the history of this derby. But, however, the former US National team captain has been labelled as the “American Luis Figo” by Earthquakes' fans, as a result of Donovan switching sides back in 2005 and opting to play for the Galaxy instead.

David Beckham fighting to gain control of the ball in The California Clasico

This rivalry has also witnessed several other big incidents, one of the standouts being an incident wherein some LA Galaxy fans were arrested back in 2012 after setting off smoke bombs during a match between the two teams.

Despite all the shenanigans being involved, this rivalry remains as one of the best classic rivalries in the history of Major League Soccer.