Three Keys to the Toronto FC vs. the Seattle Sounders

Here are Terry's three keys to the 2016 MLS Cup:

Battle on the Flanks

Four of the best full backs in the MLS will be on display in the MLS Cup Final. Tyrone Mears and Joevin Jones for the Seattle Sounders. Steven Beitashour and Justin Morrow for Toronto FC. Mears and Jones are athletic, quick and are excellent crossers of the ball from wide positions. Defensively Mears has more experience and is very dependable. Jones, at times, can be a little too attack-minded and will occasionally get caught up the pitch. Morrow and Beitashour have both been brilliant since switching from the full back to the wing back positions. Both are as comfortable defending as attacking. If Beitashour and Morrow can keep Seattle’s fullbacks pinned in, it will nullify one of the Sounders main offensive strengths. 

Coming out on top in midfield

Greg Vanney's biggest decision will be, does he match Seattle's point forward, midfield three with man-for-man matchups? Or does he continue with Will Johnson alongside Michael Bradley with Armando Cooper in the attacking midfield role. I think he will go with the first option, which means Jonathan Osorio back in the team for Johnson. It's important for Bradley to keep Lodeiro quiet, as the Uruguayan pulls the strings for Seattle but Bradley must also be able to continue dictating TFC's tempo in possession. If Cristian Roldan and Ozzie Alonso are chasing Osorio and Cooper that is a sign that TFC are dominating the middle of the park. This midfield battle features players who have grit, technique, vision, awareness and quality. I am looking forward to watching it unfold. 

Altidore / Giovinco vs Torres / Marshall 

Chad Marshall has been one of the best MLS defenders for over a decade. Roman Torres’ return from injury in the summer had a major influence on the Sounders second-half surge. Torres has 99 caps for Panama and is extremely physical. Jozy Altidore will relish this battle and will play with no fear whatsoever. If Altidore can occupy the two centre halves it should create space for Sebastian Giovinco to operate. Giovinco only needs half a yard to conjure up a little magic and change the game. Both Altidore and Giovinco have five goals and four assists in the playoffs. Keeping them quiet is easier said than done. It’s no coincidence that all four players in this matchup have played internationally for their respective countries.