This weekend, MLS' final four will compete again to determine which two squads advance to the MLS Cup.
Each conference championship is currently framing two highly contrasting scenarios. In the East, Sporting Kansas City and the Houston Dynamo enter the second leg on even footing after playing to a scoreless stalemate in their earlier battle.
Out in the Western Conference bracket, the Portland Timbers dug themselves a deep hole after losing by two goals to Real Salt Lake. They now must return the favor and win big to climb back in the aggregate score.
Houston Dynamo at Sporting Kansas City (tied 0-0)
When these teams met earlier on Nov. 9, the games featured many bumps and some physical play but no scoring.
The Dynamo nearly entered the scoresheet in the first half, but Kofi Sarkodie's goal was waved off due to an offsides penalty. That close call was the closest either club came to breaking the draw at BBVA Compass Stadium.
Each team looked drained, especially after needing extra time to sneak through the semifinals. That led to some unexciting performances from players gashing at their loaded slates, but now two weeks have passed since the opening bout.
While Houston has knocked out Sporting KC in the past ...