The game in 100 words (or less): MLS Cup 2017 will be a rematch of MLS Cup 2016 — same two teams, same venue, hopefully not the same boring final. Toronto FC booked their place by narrowly knocking off Columbus Crew SC on Wednesday, a day before the Seattle Sounders soundly defeated the Houston Dynamo, 3-0 on the night and 5-0 on aggregate, to claim a second straight Western Conference championship. The finalists will meet at BMO Field — where Seattle knocked off Toronto last year — on Saturday, Dec. 9. Victor Rodriguez scored the early goal that, for all intents and purposes, put the tie to bed. Clint Dempsey and Will Bruin chipped in with a second and third on the night, respectively, as Seattle native Brian Schmetzer watched his side cruise into next weekend’s
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Three moments that mattered
22' — Bruin sets up Rodriguez, and it’s 3-0 — Ladies and gentlemen, Will Bruin, the play-making no. 10.
The build-up. The finish. All class. 😍
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 1, 2017
Rodriguez makes it 3-0 on aggregate! #SEAvHOU // @Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs https://t.co/OVPRjW7J8e
57' — Dempsey taps home a perfect ball from Jones — It’s a shame Joevin Jones will be leaving MLS on a free transfer this winter.
Joevin Jones never stops running & Clint Dempsey doesn't miss from there.#SEAvHOU // @Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs https://t.co/2dZwymdsvk
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 1, 2017
66' — Martinez sees red for violent conduct — What Tomas Martinez does here isn’t so much violent or dangerous, as it is bafflingly stupid and unnecessary. The stupidity is so nearly deserving of the sending-off on its own.
After video review, @HoustonDynamo's Tomás Martinez is shown a red card for violent conduct.#SEAvHOU // @Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs https://t.co/VHlyn03W3M
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) December 1, 2017
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Man of the match: Will Bruin
Goalscorers: Rodriguez (22'), Dempsey (57'), Bruin (73')