The stage was set for a memorable evening. It was the first home game of the 2017 season and a record crowd was there to see the MLS Cup championship banner being unveiled. Energy was going to be high.
The Sounders were playing a New York Red Bulls team that was more than capable of ruining the evening. New York came in riding an 18-game unbeaten record that dated back to July of last year and had won each of their first two games this year. They also play a pressing style that has given the Sounders problems in the past.