It's a trilogy: The Seattle Sounders will host Toronto FC in MLS Cup for the third time in the last four years.
Both teams went on the road in the Conference Finals as underdogs, both teams went down a goal early then both teams resiliently climbed back to win their conference. More accolades to add to the growing list for these two teams, two of the best in MLS.
We talked about Seattle's after their win on Tuesday night, but here's a quick refresher:
- 1 MLS Cup title (2016)
- 3 MLS Cup finals (2016, 2017, 2019)
- 1 Supporters' Shield (2014)
- 11 MLS Cup playoff appearances (2009-2019)
- 4 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups (2009, 2010, 2011, 2014)
- 1 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Runners-up (2012)
- 5 Concacaf Champions League appearances: Group stage (2010-'11), QFs (2011-'12, 2015-'16, 2018), SFs (2012-'13)
And Toronto have more than a few of their own, too.
- 1 MLS Cup title (2017)
- 3 MLS Cup finals (2016, 2017, 2019)
- 1 Supporters' Shield (2017)
- 7 Canadian Championships (2009-12, 2016-18)
- 1 Concacaf Champions League final (2018)
- 6 Concacaf Champions League appearances
Such has been their success that coach Greg Vanney was asked before the meeting with Atlanta whether his team warranted being called a modern MLS dynasty.
"I'll let you know after,” he quipped.
Still, Vanney later had no problem ranking his team alongside some of the best ever in MLS.
"We went through some struggles, but from what we were able to accomplish right up until the Champions League final to what we’ve been able to do again we show that that was a fluke, that was not what the club was about,” he said. “For me, this team is up there with some of the best that have been around.”
It took Toronto a few years to find their identity in MLS, unlike the Sounders who hit the ground sprinting, but both arrived at great success before long. Now, they'll face each other in MLS Cup once more.
On November 10, one of these two will add another trophy to their list of accomplishments in MLS Cup. We shouldn't be surprised.
