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Rivalry Heats Up in the Midwest: St. Louis CITY vs. Sporting KC

By Arthur Fernandes

ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 20: St Louis City SC players observe the National Anthem during a game between Los Angeles FC and St. Louis City SC at CITYPARK on September 20, 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri.(Photo by Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO - SEPTEMBER 20: St Louis City SC players observe the National Anthem during a game between Los Angeles FC and St. Louis City SC at CITYPARK on September 20, 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri.(Photo by Bill Barrett/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /
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A fervent rivalry is taking shape in the heart of the United States, more precisely in the Midwest, where the fans of St. Louis CITY SC and Sporting Kansas City (Sporting KC) are fueling an atmosphere of intense competition and soccer passion.

In their most recent clash, St. Louis CITY SC emerged victorious with a resounding 4-1 win over Sporting KC. However, what truly caught attention wasn’t just the result but how St. Louis fans decided to taunt the visitors with creative tifo. Inspired by the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz,” they displayed a choreography with the impactful phrase “You’re not in Kansas anymore.” This taunt not only added spice to the rivalry but also showcased the power of creativity and fans’ passion in the world of soccer.

KANSAS CITY, KS – SEPTEMBER 3: Josh Yaro #15 of Saint Louis City SC dribbles away from Alan Pulido #9 of Sporting Kansas City at the end of the second half during a game between St. Louis City SC and Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park on September 3, 2023 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Fernando Leon/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, KS – SEPTEMBER 3: Josh Yaro #15 of Saint Louis City SC dribbles away from Alan Pulido #9 of Sporting Kansas City at the end of the second half during a game between St. Louis City SC and Sporting Kansas City at Children’s Mercy Park on September 3, 2023 in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Fernando Leon/ISI Photos/Getty Images) /

The rivalry between the fan bases of these two teams seems to be reaching impressive levels. With encounters already happening twice in 2023, both teams have secured significant victories. St. Louis CITY SC delivered a resounding 4-0 win at CITYPARK in May, only to see Sporting KC exact revenge with a 2-1 victory at Children’s Mercy Park earlier this month. This alternating of results only serves to heighten the tension and excitement surrounding these matchups.

Furthermore, we cannot ignore the context of Saturday’s match. Both teams had a lot on the line. St. Louis CITY SC had its eye on the first place in the Western Conference, while Sporting KC was fighting to secure a spot in the 2023 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs, currently sitting in the tenth position in the West, where only the top nine advance. This competitive pressure only added more drama to a rivalry that is becoming one of the most captivating in American soccer.

The rivalry between St. Louis CITY SC and Sporting KC is an inspiring example of what soccer can create: passion, healthy rivalry, and thrilling moments for fans and spectators alike. As this rivalry continues to develop, it’s safe to say that we can expect more electrifying matches and creative tifos in the future, keeping soccer in the Midwest of the USA at the forefront.

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