After battling to a scoreless draw in the first leg of the Western Conference Championship on Sunday at Providence Park, Sporting Kansas City know exactly what they must do against the Portland Timbers in Thursday's decisive second leg at Children's Mercy Park.
The message here is simple: Manager Peter Vermes' side can advance to MLS Cup 2018 with a win, while a loss would see Portland prevail on aggregate.
Another 0-0 tie would force two 15-minute periods of extra time and, if necessary, penalty kicks. A regulation draw involving goals (1-1, 2-2, etc.) would see Portland prevail on the away goals tiebreaker.