The MLS playoffs are coming down to the wire. By the end of the week, the fixture will be set for the MLS Cup Final on Saturday, December 9 at 4:00 p.m. The winner of the Toronto FC and Columbus Crew matchup will host the final, giving either team the home field advantage. For that eventual winner, it will come down to who can win in Toronto for the second leg of the conference finals. In the West, Seattle holds the advantage heading back home, making the road to the MLS Cup and uphill battle for Houston.
Before both teams take the field this week, here’s what you may have missed from last week’s games.
Toronto and Columbus took the field at a sold-out Mapfre Stadium in Ohio after both teams had not seen any game action for over two weeks. With the attacking pair of Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco out due to suspensions, Columbus looked to try and take advantage of a weakened TFC side on their home field, but were unable to do so as they came up empty on goal scoring. Toronto came out with a changed formation and tried to play a more defensive shape than usual, which ended up working out in the end, as they managed the 0-0 draw away from home.
Now as both teams head into the second leg in Toronto tonight, where it will be a balmy 46 degrees, Altidore and Giovinco return for the home side, while Columbus loses their creative midfielder Artur to yellow card suspension.
Seattle began their start early against Houston with an opening goal less than 15 minutes into the match. The Sounders almost added a second after a penalty in the 27th minute, but Dynamo keeper Joe Willis came up with a big stop. For the penalty, Houston was reduced to 10 men for the rest of the game, which hindered their comeback chances. Former Dynamo forward Will Bruin added a second before halftime, putting the home team in a tough spot. Throughout the second half, Houston continued to push for at least one goal, but despite their best efforts, they were off-target.
Houston will need to score at least two goals in Seattle to keep their championship dreams alive, which will be tough with the atmosphere of Century Link Field.
The Eastern Conference game will take place tonight at 7:30 on Fox Sports 1, while the Western Conference game will be on Thursday at 10:30 on ESPN.
