The MLS is Back Tournament began 33 days ago, with a field of 26 teams that would soon contract to 24 as FC Dallas and Nashville SC were withdrawn amid a cluster of positive COVID-19 tests. As the competition got off the ground, the focus was not so much on the results on the pitch, but rather the results of the coronavirus tests that were being administered to everyone inside the bubble every 48 hours.
Since then, though, that's changed.
As the group stage progressed, the negative tests piled up and the players' rust was shaken off, and focus returned to what was unfolding on the pitches of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. And what emerged was a competition full of late drama and upsets, best exemplified by Orlando City SC's presence in Tuesday's final (8 p.m. ET, stream live on ESPN) against the Portland Timbers.
In five full seasons of existence, Orlando has never reached the postseason. As MLS is Back entered the quarterfinal stage, none of the eight remaining clubs had longer odds than the Lions at +1200. And yet, they've become one of the most exciting sides in this most unpredictable tournament, steadily preparing for a most unlikely cup final in in their backyard.
And even though this competition has largely belonged to the underdogs - with LAFC notably knocked out early - Portland finds itself in its third cup final in the past six seasons: 2015 MLS Cup winner, 2018 MLS Cup runner-up and now MLS is Back finalist. Will the Timbers' experience in big moments prepare them for the unpredictability of Orlando in this tournament?
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