The New York Red Bulls (0-1-1) open up Red Bull Arena to its fans for the first time in 2013 against much hated rivals, DC United (1-1-0). Fresh still are the wounds of the Eastern Conference semifinals, where DC bounced NY in their own stadium. This will be the first of three matches between these foes this season, battling for both one of five spots in the Eastern Conference playoffs and the Atlantic Cup.

As we prepare for MLS’s astro-turf ‘rivalry week’ and eagerly await the victor of storied competitions like Philadelphia v New England or Columbus v San Jose, many Chicago supporters are still licking their wounds having lost at home for the first time in ages to their truly hated foe New England. I shouldn’t be snarky about rivalry week but I can’t help it. The promotion feels like part of a larger MLS plan to create a college football bowl game-like atmosphere, that is a circus of meaningless or inappropriate sponsorships, out of supporter cups. But rather than impotently whine, I’ll just focus on supporting my club.

As DC United successfully took down Real Salt Lake last weekend, the New York Red Bulls were dismantled late in their match against San Jose by a late-winner from the penalty spot. DC and New York reconnect at Red Bull Arena on Saturday night after last seasons stellar Eastern Conference semifinal last season which saw DC survive and advance.

Only two weeks into this brand new MLS season and it has already been an eventful one for the Vancouver Whitecaps. They began the season with a two game homestand against Canadian rivals Toronto FC and then against the Columbus Crew in the following week. So far, we have seen many different things occur, including a serious injury to Jay DeMerit, two beautiful goals, many players making their MLS debuts and two tallies in the win column for the Caps.

In the Union’s first game of the 2013 season they suffered a 3-1 loss to Sporting Kansas City. The team played an outstanding first half, the Union being the prominent team.

CHIVAS USA 3 – 1 FC DALLAS

While they have only played one game this year, the New England Revolution have already made history with the team capturing their first ever victory at Toyota Park on March 9th. The lone goal came in the 62nd minute when Jerry Bengtson nodded home a Kelyn Rowe cross. Jay Heaps’ ability to coordinate the win can be traced back to three crucial decisions: starting Matt Reis, playing a five man midfield and making key substitutions.

From the get-go, RFK Stadium was rocking for the season home opener and the Red & Blacks certainly did not disappoint the home crowd.  Courtesy of a Lionard Pajoy diving header off a Nick Rimando rebound, United took a 1-0 advantage and never looked back. The lone-goal was well deserved from the home side who looked fairly comfortable throughout the entirety of the match.

​The New York Red Bulls (0-0-1) make their second consecutive trip out to the west coast, this time to take on defending Supporter Shield winner San Jose (0-1-0). The Red Bulls are coming off a 3-3 draw away in Portland. San Jose is coming off a 2-0 home opening loss to RSL. New York once again had to charter a flight out to the west coast as their original flight on Friday was delayed far too long. New York has been criticized for not staying out on the West Coast all week, in the sun, and returning to the snowy conditions of the northeast. Returning to familiar and comfortable surroundings, coupled with the red-eye out of Portland and the late Sunday night kick-off in San Jose were all reasons Mike Petke gave for returning home. Here are a few things to look for in this match.

The Montreal Impact face off against the Portland Timbers tonight at 10:30 p.m EST. The game will be shown on TVA sports locally.