With the November international break in the rearview mirror, four clubs will continue their quest for MLS Cup glory on Tuesday night before national television audiences.
The first leg of the Eastern Conference Championship will see Supporters' Shield winner Toronto FC visit Columbus Crew SC, while the corresponding fixture in the Western Conference sends defending MLS Cup champion Seattle Sounders FC to Houston for a battle with the Dynamo.
No. 1 Toronto FC at No. 5 Columbus Crew SC | 7 p.m. CT Tuesday, ESPN
Toronto FC is eyeing a historic treble, having already lifted the Canadian Championship and Supporters' Shield, but will be without a pair of star forwards on Tuesday. Talisman Sebastian Giovinco will serve a suspension for yellow-card accumulation, while U.S. international Jozy Altidore is ruled out after receiving a red card in a wild locker room altercation during halftime of Toronto's 1-0 loss to the New York Red Bulls on Nov. 5.
To complicate matters for the visitors, Columbus is streaking at the most opportune time. Gregg Berhalter's men were unbeaten in 12 straight matches prior to falling at New York City FC on Nov. 5, but a 4-3 aggregate victory moved Crew SC even closer to a second MLS Cup appearance in three seasons. Tuesday marks the first-ever playoff meeting between the longtime rivals.
No. 2 Seattle Sounders FC at No. 4 Houston Dynamo | 8:30 p.m. CT Tuesday, FS1
Houston has been the surprise package during the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs, defeating Sporting KC in extra time in the Knockout Round before scalping the top-seeded Portland Timbers in the conference semifinals earlier this month. Wilmer Cabrera's side is 4-0-4 in its last eight games and will welcome back Hondurans Alberth Elis, Boniek Garcia and Romell Quioto after the trio fell to Australia in last week's World Cup playoff.
Seattle has never won in Houston, but the reigning league champions boast a wealth of seasoned veterans who know how to navigate the playoffs. With Nicolas Lodeiro and Clint Dempsey spearheading the attack, the Sounders will hope that midfielder Alonso Alonso and defender Chad Marshall are both available at BBVA Compass Stadium. The duo are listed as questionable on the latest injury report.
