Some people might suggest that Sounders-Five Stripes is a rivalry. These people have never met a real rivalry, like the Heritage Cup. Sure, Atlanta United have a large crowd and an MLS Cup. But it takes more than a rare killing of soccer to make a rivalry. It’s not like the Five Stripes are as good as Toronto, regularly competing for Cups.
Even without a rivalry, this is a key match for Seattle Sounders FC. Brian Schmetzer needs to hold form over the next two matches to get to the break. Plus, it’s fun to dominate Atlanta on national television (FOX, 1:30 PM PT).