Will Toronto FC take a step closer toward a historic treble? Will Seattle Sounders FC take a step closer toward repeating as MLS Cup champions? Can the Houston Dynamo pull off a shocking comeback on the road? Can Columbus Crew SC keep its magical run alive amidst turmoil off the field?
Each of these questions will be answered this week when the decisive second legs of Major League Soccer's conference championships unfold on both sides of the USA-Canada border. Toronto FC welcomes Columbus Crew SC to BMO Field on Wednesday before Seattle hosts Houston on Thursday, solidifying the matchup for the 2017 MLS Cup Final on Saturday, Dec. 9.
No. 1 Toronto FC vs. No. 5 Columbus Crew SC | 6:30 p.m. CT Wednesday, FS1
Neutrals will hope Wednesday's second leg is more entertaining than the first, a drab 0-0 draw last Tuesday in which the Reds got by without suspended forwards Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco. The dynamic duo are available for the return fixture, meaning in-form goalkeeper Zach Steffen and the Columbus backline will have to be at their very best.
At the same time, Toronto likely needs an outright win to go through, while Columbus will be victorious with a win or a draw featuring any goals. If the sides are scoreless through regulation, they will go into extra time and, if necessary, penalty kicks. The scenario makes for a fascinating battle between a historically dominant Toronto outfit and a Columbus team that has lost just once since August.
No. 2 Seattle Sounders FC vs. No. 4 Houston Dynamo | 9:30 p.m. CT Thursday, ESPN
Houston had every intention of copying the run Portland and Seattle made in 2015 and 2016, respectively: narrowly defeat Sporting KC in the Knockout Round before rolling to an MLS Cup title. Except the Sounders paid no attention to that script, easing to a 2-0 victory last Tuesday at BBVA Compass Stadium to set up a comfortable home tie in leg two. Gustav Svensson and Will Bruin bagged first-half goals for Brian Schmetzer's men, who must account for the absence of center back Roman Torres on Thursday due to a yellow card suspension.
As if Houston's back wasn't already against the wall, head coach Wilmer Cabrera will be without explosive winger Alberth Elis, who will also serve a suspension for caution accumulation. The Dynamo face the sizable task of winning in Seattle by at least two goals, something no team has done in MLS postseason history.
