German Fan experiences Sporting KC vs. St Louis City SC - the hottest new rivalry in the MLS?

It’s derby day!!! September 2nd 2023. sporting Kansas against St Louis City.
After watching the the St. Louis game against Dallas last Wednesday, I made my way to Kansas City to check out the MLS’s newest and maybe hottest rivalry...
OR... Is it too early to call it a rivalry? Let's find out!
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Sporting's video message on Twitter:
SportingKC/status...
City's video message on Twitter:
stlCITYsc/status/...
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#mlssoccer #stlouiscity #sportingkc
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[@jessecox3076]

As an SKC fan, it's actually awesome to see STL rise and take root. That rivalry is going to be there no matter what. KC and STL have always had heated rivalries, and it's nice to have something outside of baseball, because baseball bores the shit out of me. That said, I am going to enjoy watching this rivalry blossom over time. Happy for the STL fans to have something to cheer for with a team at the top of the divisional table. Great club. Maybe SKC can get its head out of its ass next season and won't start the campaign with 10 straight without a win.

[@ChrisVuletich]

As an STL supporter who's been to both SKC/STL matches in KC I'm obviously not elated with the recent results, but it's been a fun ride so far. Looking forward to the continuous decades of us arguing about the soccer capitol lol

[@kentgrady9226]

MLS derbies fall into three categories: 1) traditional football rivalries born of shared history (Timbers vs Sounders) 2) rivalries inherited from hybrid sources - ex. LAFC's fan base was largely drawn from Chivas USA, who were mainly Mexican-American fans of the original Chivas from Liga MX. Galaxy, on the other hand, was the "Anglo club" with a supporter base comprised of traditional LA sports fans. 3) rivalries between cities with long standing dislike for each other from other sports, or even predating any kind of sports competition. Saint Louis and KC are Missouri's two main cities, but have very different cultures. Saint Louis history dates back to its status as a French possession. Its roots go back to the earliest days of frontier expansion. Kansas City is far newer. It became a railhead and a meat packing town in the late 19th century. Columbus and Cincinnati share similar in-state history. Toronto and Montreal have a multi-layered rivalry, arguably dating to the Seven Years War ("French and Indian War" to American schoolchildren). Add to that the existing hockey rivalry between the Maple Leafs and the Canadiens, linguistic and political divisions between Anglo and Franco Canadians, and the recipe for a spicy derby exists north of the border. Of course, they're Canadian - which means they're far too nice and polite for a proper hate-filled football derby... but still.

[@Stringbean670]

You completely mischaracterized the galaxy fanbase lol, it is incredibly diverse and majority Latino. It has a lot more central american fans than LAFC does, though, having had several legendary central american players

[@kentgrady9226]

@@Stringbean670 I beg your pardon, sincerely. I should have clarified better than I managed to do. I put the word, Anglo, in quotation marks because the word applies in popular perception. Knowing Galaxy's established status as the "LA club" with the star power, LAFC positioned themselves as "the People's Club". Obviously, there are Chicanos who support both clubs, and movie stars who support both clubs. It is however, quite true that the old Chivas USA drew support from immigrant fans of the parent Mexican club. When Chivas USA folded and LAFC started, the fan base transferred. Perception of a club's ethos and supporter base is just that - perception. There are Protestants who support Celtic and Catholics who support Rangers. Nevertheless, Celtic are "the Catholic club" and Rangers are "the Protestant club".

[@Stringbean670]

@@kentgrady9226 I'm a lifelong Galaxy fan lol, believe me I know. Also worth mentioning that, despite it's young age, El Trafico is easily one of the most vitriolic rivalries in MLS, if not THE most. Galaxy and LAFC HATE each other. The teams hate each other, the organizations hate each other, the fans hate each other.

[@donnieinman8049]

Glad you got to see a KC STL match. It's the beginning of a great rivalry. IF you're still around at the end of the month KC is coming back to STL for the 3rd and deciding match. As far as KC being the soccer capital, almost 10% of all the players who have played for the US Men's National Team are from ST Louis. Soccer runs deep in St. Louis. Sporting has a longer history than STLCSC as a club, but there's comparison if you look at the entire history of soccer in each city.

[@andrewknop4640]

ya KC just obviously not the soccer capital of the US. our stadium, its surrounding environment, our supporter group, our ownership and management group, our fans, and our current standings are all way better too.

[@loganleroy8622]

And yet the American Outlaws were founded and based in Kansas City, and every time the National Teams play they cut to footage of US fans in Kansas City. The championship trophy of the US Open Cup is named after the original owner of SKC. SKC is a founding member of the MLS. When it comes to Soccer capital of America, yeah that would be Kansas City.

[@jacobechele695]

Not to mention STL based teams have won around 10 US Open Cups and SLU has won 10 national championships

[@LaminatorX]

@@loganleroy8622 My dude, you don't want to talk about Open Cup when KC has 4 and STL has 10. There are 192 Wikipedia pages in the category, "Soccer Players from St. Louis." The KC category has 10. While y'all have a lot to legitimately be proud of, these pretensions amount to self-mockery.

[@guysimpson8300]

It doesn't take much to have KC and STL to hate each other. Fußball is just the new thing. I am living in Germany now, but I miss SKC games. Jezt ich geh nuff der Betze.

[@baccamau80]

Just new thing in Australia :(

[@Greenslime300]

6:13 SKC was one of the last with a suburban stadium before MLS decided they all needed to be in downtown areas (never mind San Jose and Miami getting out of that). Though speaking as a Philly Union fan, I would love if we were by outlet malls instead of Chester's industrial riverfront.

[@rodneystice7771]

I thought SKC could have redeveloped the area where Kemper arena stands.

[@ezra2944]

If you want to see the best rivalry atmosphere in mls, go to lafc vs la galaxy. Been to 3 of them and they are by far the best sand loudest games in America. There is one on sep 16th at lafc's stadium.

[@supertomato9117]

Just found your channel the other day and I absolutely love the videos you make! As an STL fan, it's super cool to see you talking about them!

[@AKUNJIG]

Seeing this many St. Louis Suppoters reminds me of how Charlotte Supporters came in Droves to Atlanta for the Derby after we came in Droves to Charlotte this Season. The Southern Derbies are gaining ground. Atlanta, Nashville, and Charlotte.

[@AKUNJIG]

Also a great Video of the Derby.

[@user-sl3er7uo2m]

If you thought the Dallas game was loud, come for the derby to St. Louis! We’d love to have you back

[@elicarlson7682]

Saint Louis is the soccer capital

[@elicarlson7682]

@@saschafox fr

[@treenutbuster6086]

@@saschafox One hell of a statement from the tifo to the second half play

[@TheNascarfan999]

Regarding STL City's play in the two games you saw (and especially the Dallas game), City plays a very defensive/counter-attacking style of play that relies heavily on goals in transition or set pieces. Once Dallas was down a man and went into a very defensive position, it did not suit City's style of play well at all. That makes the first goal for City vital in most matches and frankly made the KC result that you saw that much more surprising (although later reviews indicated that the disallowed equalizer was likely onside despite the flag going up for offside).

[@33themajor]

The Hudson River Derby is one of the best in the league.

[@saschafox]

Also in terms of attendance?

[@kirkda1]

STL will get healthy and go deep in the playoffs. We are just coasting and getting our legs under us. Still best in the west baby!

[@kbvlogs9299]

I was at this game

[@andrewknop4640]

great video, Sacha! hope you come back to the states sometime soon.

[@joshuaberger6670]

I've been to games at about a dozen MLS stadiums (RIP Toyota Park in Bridgestone), you definitely need to get up to Portland. Creaky old stadium in a beautiful neighborhood and like many of the West Coast teams, the Timbers are an old NASL club that predate MLS. Definitely the best atmosphere in the game (and I'm a Rapids fan, not a Timbers fan).

[@saschafox]

It’s on the list this summer if I can make it that far! Currently trying to go coast-to-coast and watch as many games as possible. Check my newer videos 🙂

[@vivalavivarium]

Saint losi has been asking and fighting for this for way too long, we aren't losing interest. plus we just love our sports teams, we always turn up for them, this you wont have to worry about for saint louis. just look at our history with the sport, we always have people on the national team, we have dominated college soccer, and even made the first professional league in america. this rivaly will stand for sure, but i'd watch out for chicago. think we hate chicago a good bit more. way more sports history there. but i wont complain with two rivals

[@moneymaker7773]

Great atmosphere thanks for sharing this video

[@stephangohlke6322]

Great content!! We love you Sascha!! Wir lieben dich!

[@saschafox]

Thank you 🙏🏽🤩

[@adot9300]

Well Portland and the sounders are like the biggest rivalry we got here

[@chamberlainwonder369]

Sporting kansa is a pure class global soccer base fans nations around the world and there's nothing like it around the world today..

[@saschafox]

😅😅😅

[@ivan_talivan]

Nice material mate. Keep going

[@jacobfuller3357]

Glad you went to the Sk supporter section, had no clue they were chanting while watching the game on TV🤷‍♂️

[@TheHighLife4ev]

Orl vs Miami is dope too even before Messi and Co

[@saschafox]

Would have loved to cover it the coming season but unfortunately it doesn’t fit my schedule

[@angusmcwhorter9012]

While regional approximation says this is a rival, the test of time needs to be longer. IMO, it will eventually become a "derby."

[@calvee1100]

STL is trippin with the idea that they are the soccer capital of the US! KC has been in the MLS since 95, STL 2019. KC is getting a WC game played here in 2026 and STL “0”.

[@HellbenderSTL]

It’s a proper derby now. LFG.

[@MicrowavedBurrito1]

You should go to an FC Cincinnati vs Columbus Crew game

[@saschafox]

Yep, just about to head up there in May!

[@jessecox3076]

Adding to what you said about the location of Children's Mercy Park, while I love the park itself, the surrounding area does suck. It's out in the middle of nowhere surrounded by shopping centers away from where the majority of the population lives, so, for me, it takes me at least 30 minutes to drive to the stadium, not counting parking. It's horrible because people don't really get to experience the real Kansas City area, just a capitalistic outpost that could pretty much be anywhere in the country. Kansas City's women's club, KC Current, at least figured out they can build a stadium near downtown on the riverfront in a more centralized location. Can't wait to go to that stadium, which is only 10 minutes away.

[@AyoJerry]

Another banger, what an atmosphere! 🔥

[@JR-je8rw]

Try to make it to lafc game this year

[@user-nv9ig6po1d]

Come to an el traffico

[@masonturner0]

I'm a cohost of the podcast that 'got sued' about this rivalry, and so let me say: We always knew SKC were going to be our rivals Sporting KC did not sue anybody. They did not actually sue the club and they did not actually sue our show. They only threatened to. I was extremely happy that we kicked their teeth in the first match, but you don't make a rivalry by rolling over them 3-0 in the first meetings

[@alphaofuromega]

Come back for when we host KC we just had a huge win over them this weekend

[@mattw8910]

Loved the atmosphere of both clubs. The match was a disappointment, the ref was definitely Kansas City's 12th man in my opinion, but I still had a good time.

[@kc2dc444]

Terrible location for a stadium. Sporting needs to move to downtown KCMO. Their location is borderline embarrassing.

[@recifebra3]

dude sweet vid but you gotta come to Austin next year when we're a better team!!

[@saschafox]

Will be hitting Texas in July this year and likely try to catch some Leagues Cup action!

[@Atlas-zp9nq]

Hahahah there still salty about that first game

[@JR-je8rw]

And try to chrck out real salt lake if you ever have the chance

[@reganyoung4806]

There isnt really a rivalry yet in my opionion. It just looks like St. Louis fans grew an ego way too fast, and paid the price for it

[@richardmccann4702]

NOPE!! Hell is Real!!

[@saschafox]

Can’t wait to be there in May!

[@randyvalentin5163]

How is it possible for skc to have people with stl jerseys on there’s no way . Should come on Saturday nycfc vs Red Bulls and see a real rivalry. COME ON NEW YORK . NEW YORK IS BLUE

[@loganleroy8622]

Not sure what you mean. Those aren’t KC fans wearing STL gear. It’s not like there’s assigned seating for away fans.

[@aidanlandwehr8295]

Might be the dumbest comment in KZbin history. Calling on the guy to come see a “rivalry” when you are too dumb to realize the rivalry is the amount of stl fans there…. Hahahahhahhahahahahhahahahahhahaha

[@nathanball1975]

St. Louis flukes. Bar B Q…

[@d3eztrickz]

In regards to your no places to eat around the stadium. That's what the tailgating is for!!! Why spend $25 on a meal at Applebee's when you can grill some chicken kebabs or some carnita meat lol. Most fans eat before or bring food for the tailgate. Probably just a bit of a cultural difference :) Kansas City fans are known for their tailgating across all the major sports. It's a big thing there

[@d3eztrickz]

@@saschafox We have a major advantage of having GIGANTIC (as you experienced haha) parking lots where these can take place. I would imagine in Europe it isn't as common because you just don't have the space around the stadiums etc. Everyone goes to the pub :) Either way thanks for the videos your hard work is very much appreciated!

[@andrewknop4640]

ya it’s still lame as hell though and such a far drive. nothing like CITYPARK

[@loganleroy8622]

@@andrewknop4640But on the other hand it’s so close to the major intersections of the interstate which makes it really easy to get to and really easy to find parking spaces. Super convenient. Unlike having to drive into a big city with loads of traffic, narrow streets, and struggle to find a place to park or get charged exorbitant fees for parking. If the point of going to the game is to go to the game, I don’t need things to do around the stadium.

[@andrewknop4640]

@@loganleroy8622 that’s great if that’s your preference and im sure theres plenty with that same preference. im a city planner and economic developer so to me its very bad land use, contributes to sprawl, doesnt efficiently use public infrastructure, doesnt maximize tax dollars per sq ft of land (lack of density), is extremely lacking in character, isn’t beautiful, doesn’t interact with the environment around it, doesn’t present opportunities for local small business to capitalize on the people going to games (while still being able to sustain their business on non game days), presents no opportunities for people to take public transit, and more. id also argue and suspect that you may be more in the family demographic and ya maybe that’s why you prefer it. you need families and a lot of them to support a team. it presents opportunity for our youth to have that experience and be inspired and all that. but families aren’t gonna be in the supporters group, they aren’t going to be filling the bars before and after and in that sense don’t contribute to much of the culture, especially supporter culture. and i think it’s vitally important to foster that for the long term of the team, especially for when kids grow up. i guess KC likes tailgating and cars and sprawl. thats cool and can be fun. it’s not really my cup of tea and i think its way way more cool that STL has a beautiful urban stadium with so much going on before the games, with local artists, supporter group parties and joint supporter group marches into the stadium. STL is different and i think much better.

[@TheCrazyCloon]

"its just a stupid arch." My god, KC fans are lame.