Let's be realistic. If the Union were to somehow win the Supporters Shield and the Open Cup in the same year they'd still be underdogs going into the playoffs! Outside of Warshaw and maybe Adrian Healy at ESPN, no one gives the Union any credit.
My point is that if you're the home team you're the favorite. If you're the away team, you're the underdog. The Union are away for the USOC so they'll be the underdog. Unless they catch Columbus and move into 4th place, they'll be the underdog for the one and only playoff game as well. It's difficult and somewhat unfair to analyze performance based upon two road games.
If the Union lose the final and the first playoff game and everyone is still over-the-moon optimistic, just end my life fam.