This was the situation last year: Sporting Kansas City was competing for the top spot in the Western Conference. Philadelphia Union was preparing for a midweek US Open Cup final. The two teams were scheduled to meet in Philly.
Rarely will circumstances conspire to put a home team at more of a disadvantage. Jim Curtin rolled out a starting eleven featuring Jay Simpson up front and debutant Olivier Mbaizo at right back. He started Warren Creavalle and Derrick Jones in the center against one of the most fluid midfields in the league.
And… the Union won 2-0.