It is the only reliable predictor of results in a league that spits out points seemingly at random and the reason why MLS Cup dark horses Vancouver and New England are in deep trouble.
Asked after his team’s 3-1 loss on Sunday at CenturyLink Field what was so different about these new-look Sounders, Real Salt Lake coach Jeff Cassar described a more aggressive opponent than the one that travelled to Rio Tinto Stadium in March. He said Brian Schmetzer’s squad pressed higher up the field, fought for one another, played with a renewed spirit.
Cassar concluded his answer with his most obvious point, his tone suggesting someone who was explaining a widely accepted truth: “And they’re at home.