Advantage: Toronto FC.
Big advantage: Seattle Sounders.
MLS moved one step closer to a championship rematch Tuesday as the Supporters’ Shield winners from Canada earned a 0-0 draw at Columbus and the defending champions from the Pacific Northwest claimed a 2-0 away victory against 10-man Houston.
In the second legs, Toronto will be back at full strength next Wednesday at BMO Field with the return of suspended stars Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore, while the Sounders will take comfort playing next Thursday in a venue where they’ve lost once this year.
“Zero-zero is not a perfect result,” Toronto Coach Greg Vanney said.