There's a little bit of time left to buy a ticket to tonight's second leg of the Western Conference Semifinals, but a lifetime of regret if you don't end up going. Need more convincing? Here's a few more reasons:
6. Deuce is Back!
After serving a one-match suspension in the first leg of the Western Conference Semifinals and being sidelined all of last postseason with an irregular heartbeat, forward Clint Dempsey is set to make his first MLS Cup Playoffs appearance since 2015. He has three goals in 10 postseason appearances for the Rave Green.
5. CenturyLink Field = Fortress
The Sounders have been on a roll at home in 2017, posting a club-best mark during the regular season (11-1-5). In fact, the 1-0 loss to Toronto FC in May has been the only home defeat since Brian Schmetzer took over the managerial role in July 2016.
4. Seattle Sunshine
The forecast calls for wet conditions on Thursday evening, which, of course, is absolutely perfect. It was rainy during all three home postseason matches in 2016... and that turned out well. Wet autumn evenings under the lights of CenturyLink Field are everything.
3. Everything to Play For
After a heated and physical scoreless draw in the first leg at BC Place, the stage has been set for the second leg. A win advances Seattle, while another scoreless draw sees the two sides extend into an overtime period. Any other result gives the Whitecaps a berth in the Western Conference Championship.
2. Cascadia
Matches against Vancouver always carry a special vibe, and this will most certainly be heightened tonight. Seattle holds a 69-52-25 record against Vancouver across all iterations and competitions since the 1970s, but this is the first time they have faced each other in Seattle in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
1. #DefendOurCup
The Sounders have a chance to qualify for the Western Conference Championship for the second year in a row. It's the next step in the club's quest to #DefendOurCup. Let's do this together.