LA Galaxy midfielder Mike Magee says the Seattle Sounders are jealous of the organisation of their southern California rivals.
When the Sounders entered MLS in 2009, they immediately challenged the Galaxy as one of the league's premier teams.
LA had led MLS in average attendance for six years in a row, but since 2009 the Sounders have overtaken LA with seven straight seasons as the league's biggest draw.
Despite the larger crowds, Seattle has had less success on the field, winning only the 2014 Supporters' Shield while watching the Galaxy claim their third, fourth and fifth MLS Cups.
"They're doing a great job. They have great fans and a great team," Magee told MLSSoccer.com ahead of the Galaxy's trip to Seattle on Saturday (3 p.m., ESPN).
"But I'd say, to be honest, they are a little bit jealous."
Magee said he believed the Galaxy are still the superior organization, despite the Sounders' rapid rise to prominence.
"When they came into the league, I think they called us out," the midfielder said. "They challenged us, it didn't work out well for them and they're still trying to be what the Galaxy is."
On the pitch, Seattle is in the midst of one of its worst stretches since joining MLS. Despite never finishing lower than fourth in the Western Conference, the Sounders sit ninth through 16 games, nine points behind the fourth-place Galaxy.
The Sounders have lost five of their past seven MLS games but beat Real Salt Lake on penalties in the U.S. Open Cup last week and then controlled Premier League side West Ham United 3-0 in a friendly on Tuesday.
Sigi Schmid's team also welcomes star Clint Dempsey back for Saturday's contest for the first time following the Copa America.
"We've got a series of big games," Schmid said of Seattle's upcoming fixtures. "I know they were in different competitions but we've had three positive results in our last three outings.
"So we're going to be ready to play and put our stamp on the game and compete."