Last season, Toronto FC supporters had their hearts ripped out in the cruelest way possible when the Reds were beaten in the MLS Cup by the Seattle Sounders in a penalty shootout. Now, TFC is back in the big game again with a chance to avenge last season's defeat against the Sounders. Seattle, who had never won the MLS Cup before last season, are now 90 minutes away from going back-to-back.
The MLS Cup will go down Saturday, December 9, 2017, at 4 p.m. ET at BMO Field. The match will be televised live on ESPN.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Toronto FC -120Seattle Sounders +315Draw +240Over/Under 2.5
Odds Analysis
The Reds were heavy favorites to win the MLS Cup last season, and nothing has changed this year. Both of these teams are arguably better now than they were a year ago at this time, but the home pitch advantage for TFC is out of this world.
It's only logical that Toronto is set as a -120 favorite to win this match in 90 minutes and is a -250 favorite to win the MLS Cup. But as the Sounders proved last season, they're as live as live could be and are going to be capable of this upset.
How They Got Here
The Sounders have been absolutely brilliant defensively here at the end of the season. After having a sometimes-suspect defense at times during the middle of this campaign, Seattle hasn't allowed a goal in six matches dating back to the regular season. The team took care of business at home against Dallas and Colorado to end the regular season to get a first-round bye in the playoffs, and it followed that up with dominant performances over Vancouver and Houston in the West playoffs.
The West finals against Houston was particularly impressive. The Sounders went on the road and racked up a comprehensive 2-0 victory over the Dynamo, and they followed that up with an equally-impressive 3-0 win in the last game of the season at CenturyLink Field.
The Reds have managed narrow escapes in each of their first two playoff series.
In fairness, Greg Vanney's side has done everything it has needed to do. Losing 1-0 at home to New York in the second leg of the East semifinal was no big deal since the team started with a 2-1 advantage from Red Bull Arena. Many will criticize the way the team played against Columbus in the East final as well, but Jozy Altidore's goal in the 60th minute at home was enough to get the job done.
Many won't believe the Reds got here with as poorly as they've been performing offensively, but there's no doubt they've done the job they've had to do, even in form that was nowhere near as good they were in for their 20-win regular season.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Seattle is going to be an awfully popular choice amongst soccer bettors who have paid close attention to the MLS Cup playoffs. The Sounders have been absolutely clinical over the course of the last several matches, and the addition of Will Bruin to this team and the return of Clint Dempsey after missing last year's postseason only make this team stronger and stronger.
Furthermore, Toronto hasn't been in its tip-top form, and Altidore is a serious doubt for a full 90 minutes thanks to an ankle injury. If he doesn't play, the TFC offense could legitimately be reduced to Sebastian Giovinco free kicks.
That said, Vanney isn't going to let his team back down for the MLS Cup. The Reds are going to be hungry, and just as they did all regular season long when they brought a physical brand of soccer to the table, they're going to do the same thing on Saturday afternoon.
If the Sounders aren't ready for an all-out war, they're going to be beaten. We suspect Toronto is going to ultimately get the job done and claim the trophy that alluded it last season.
MLS Cup Odds: Toronto FC 2, Seattle 0
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