For Sporting Kansas City, it is now very much all on the line. The MLS Playoffs are a regular venture for Peter Vermes’ side. But rarely are they a happy one. Prior to this season, they had not won a playoff game since they won the MLS Cup in 2013.
And now they have a chance to return to the MLS Cup and win the trophy has repeatedly evaded Vermes since his last victory, despite consistent excellence in the regular season and U.S. Open Cup.
Sporting KC face the Portland Timbers in the Western Conference Championship, the first leg taking place on Sunday.