There are times when you look back on a disappointing result and realize you missed the warning signs. I think about the run-up to the 2017 MLS Cup when the Sounders seemed to be brimming with confidence. Toronto FC, in contrast, seemed tight and nervous. Sure, Toronto had put together arguably the best season in MLS history to that point, but an upset did not seem remotely far-fetched.
We all remember how that turned out. In hindsight, it was naive to think it would realistically go any other way after TFC thoroughly dominated the Sounders in a 2-0 win that only wasn’t worse because Stefan Frei had arguably the single greatest half in MLS Cup history.