Kansas City Star · Nov 28, 2018
Why Sporting KC has to like its chances Thursday to secure a spot in MLS Cup
The north stands at Providence Park were full more than 90 minutes before kickoff Sunday, the “Timbers Army” providing a liveliness to downtown Portland that wouldn’t cease until hours later. During pregame warmups, Sporting Kansas City wing Johnny Russell unleashed a shot that sailed over the goal, and the supporters section replied with a mocking cheer. Impossible to ignore it, Russell simply smiled.
The venue consistently comprises one of the loudest, most engaged fan bases in the league. It is regarded as such an unwelcoming stadium that after Sporting KC survived for a 0-0 draw in the opening leg of the Western Conference Finals, players were praising the result.