Day: November 24, 2018

The Portland Timbers were founded in 2009 and had to wait until 2013 to make the playoffs for the first time.

However, they followed that initial appearance with winning the MLS Cup just two years after.

There were understandably raised expectations after that 2015 win and they just couldn’t meet those expectations.

This forced Caleb Porter to resign at the end of last season and his replacement has taken them to the playoffs yet again and they would be looking to get to the finals here. Their end of season run of strong form was the major catalyst in reaching this stage and having seen off FC Dallas and Seattle Saunders to reach here, they would want to make it count.

Sporting KC are one of the oldest teams in the MLS at the moment.

They have won the MLS Cup on two occasions and have also won the Supporters’ Shield on numerous occasions. They ended their season in terrific form and they would be looking to take that good run of form into this game as they bid to win their 3rd MLS Cup.

Portland Timbers have won five of their last six in all competitions, Sporting Kansas City meanwhile are unbeaten in their last seven, and the last game between these two finished goalless at Providence Park.

Atlanta United are looking to get their hands on their first piece of silverware this season, just two years after they became an MLS franchise.

They reached the playoffs last season before being beaten by Columbus Crew.

They have returned even better this season and they reached this stage by eliminating the New York City FC in the last round, their fans would be hoping they can beat yet another team from New York here again.

This Atlanta United team is incredibly talented with the likes of Miguel Almiron and Josef Martinez starring for them. They beat NYCFC 4-1 on  aggregate in the last round and they would be eager to make their home advantage count in this game.

New York Red Bulls have been one of the MLS’ most successful teams in recent seasons, yet they haven’t gotten their hands on the MLS Cup yet.

They have topped the standings in the Eastern Conference on at least 6 occasions, and they have also won some MLS Supporter’s Shield including in this campaign, so their fans would be eager to end their wait for the MLS Cup this year.

The visitors have won 6 of their last 8 games including a 2-0 win over the host a couple weeks ago, so they would be confident that they can hold their own here, but that would be a tough ask.