And now it's onto the Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs. Twelve teams enter, one team leaves. Survival of the fittest. Survive and advance. Win or go home. I stole this lede from last year's columnbecause it's eternally applicable. Don't judge me.
Let's take a closer look at the eight teams who will play in the Knockout Round, team-by-team, starting at the bottom (you can find times, dates, TV info here):
Real Salt Lake
WHY THEY'RE HERE: Mike Petke, after last week's drubbing at Portland, said it was a "one in a million" shot that the Claret-and-Cobalt would make the postseason.