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“We have to look forward to being the underdog down there in Seattle and hopefully ruining the story for them,” said Parker.

The Whitecaps and Sounders played things extremely tight to the vest in Sunday’s first leg — a game that saw just one shot on target and very little in the way of creativity going forward as both teams looked to avoid the big mistake.

While the conservative setup of Vancouver head coach Carl Robinson was a surprise to some, the Welshman said afterwards he learned the hard way against the Timbers that conceding even one away goal in two-legged ties can be a death sentence.

“I was feeling very confident after going to Portland away from home,” said Robinson, who was in his second year in charge in 2015. “When they scored, I still remember shaking my head thinking, ‘Right, that away game is gone now. We need to score two goals.”‘

As it stands, a Vancouver win or a draw with scoring would be enough for the Whitecaps to advance to Major League Soccer’s West final against either Portland or the Houston Dynamo on the away goals rule.

A Sounders’ victory by any margin would see them move on, while another 0-0 result means extra time and the possibility of a penalty shootout.

“It’s not how it started, it’s how it ends,” said Vancouver striker Fredy Montero, who played for Seattle from 2009 to 2012. “We have a big chance here.”

Part of the reason for the Whitecaps’ muted approach in the first leg also came down to the absences of offensive catalysts Yordy Reyna and Cristian Techera from the starting lineup because of injury. The dynamic midfielders eventually subbed on in the second half, but are both in a race to be fit for Thursday.