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Both teams are seeking their first title in the
105-year-old, all-comers tournament. The Union have come the
closest, losing championship matches in 2014 and '15. It will be
the first final for Houston.
"That is something that is important, that you know what it
takes to win a trophy. And it's tough. It's tough," Houston
coach Wilmer Cabrera said. "But being in a final is a great
opportunity. The players have the possibility to make history."
Preparing for the match has been more difficult for the Union
(14-12-4, 46 points) as they balance winning the organization's
first trophy with trying to secure a playoff spot in the Eastern
Conference.
The Union are a point behind the fourth-place Columbus Crew and
six up on the Montreal Impact for the final postseason spot.
Philadelphia plays at Columbus on Saturday for its fifth match
in 15 days.
Philadelphia coach Jim Curtin made his intentions known when he
rested several starters for Sunday's match vs. Sporting Kansas
City, but the Union still won 2-0 for their second straight
league victory.
"It'll be a challenge to go on the road for a final, but
actually I think this run of games, the next one's coming at you
right away, is a good thing for our group," Curtin said.
Houston (8-13-8, 32 points) is on the brink of being eliminated
in the Western Conference, so its full attention is on grabbing
its first championship since winning consecutive MLS Cups in
2006 and '07.
The winning team receives $300,000 to share. The runner-up
pockets $100,000 in prize money.
--Field Level Media
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