The MLS Cup has officially come down to two teams with vastly different approaches to the game. One relies on smothering opponents defensively, while the other was one of the top scoring teams in the league.
But while both have played their game well as of late, Sporting Kansas City and Real Salt Lake contest is eerily similar to a battle of David vs. Goliath. This time, instead of wielding a slingshot, Real Salt Lake will need to find a way just to get by the Sporting KC backfield to simply find scoring opportunities.
Sporting KC's suffocating defense
Coming into the season, Sporting Kansas City had a target on their backs after giving up the fewest goals in the league in 2012. In 2013, the club did the exact same thing, allowing the fewest goals in back-to-back seasons.
Much of that success is thanks in large part to Matt Besler, one of the best defenders for the United States Men's National Team this season as well. When asked about the feat, Besler told Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star:
The goal I set for myself was to have the best defense in the league. Last year we gave up the fewest goals, and I knew ...