Toronto FC opens up the 2016 MLS Eastern Conference Championship on Tuesday, November 22nd at 8:00pm when they travel to Montreal to take on the Impact. 

Here are Terry's three keys to the match: 

Olympic Stadium Turf

Dealing with the tricky artificial surface at the Big O is going to be key for both teams. Fast and unforgiving, the surface allows you to close down more quickly as it can take a player an extra touch to get the ball under control. It is also challenging for runners to get onto the end of through balls as the ball seems to pick up pace rather than slow down on the hard surface.  It is also important to get to the ball before it bounces and to not take any unnecessary risks trying to play pretty in your defensive third. Backlines can play higher up the pitch to condense the game and from personal experience, I can tell you that 401 Derby games at Olympic Stadium are definitely more frantic and played at a much higher tempo then matches at Stade Saputo.

Set pieces 

I expect it to be hard fought, close game. I don’t see either side giving each other much room to operate, especially in the middle of the park. In games like these set piece become crucial. Both offensively and defensively. Michael Bradley's delivery in the playoffs has been spot on and TFC have some big targets -- Altidore, Moor, Zavaletta, and Hagglund – who are very strong in the air. I am not a fan of Montreal’s half zonal and half man marking system on set pieces. They looked uncomfortable defending set pieces against the Red Bulls in the last round and were lucky not to concede. When it comes to freekicks around the box Sebastian Giovinco has many tools to test Evan Bush; the knuckle ball, the ball with pace or the whip over the wall. On the other end, Reds goalkeeper Clint Irwin needs to be decisive coming off his line.

Ignacio Piatti

I like this guy, Piatti. What’s not to like? There are few weaknesses to his game. Okay, maybe he doesn't track his fullback at times, but even that makes him more dangerous because if Montreal wins the ball he’s further up the field to receive the ball. He’s so hard to defend and proved this year against TFC that all he needs is one half-chance in a game to hurt you. If you get too close to him he will roll past you using his body. He is quicker than he looks and can glide past defenders on either side of the field. I notice defenders tend to drop off him which then allows him space to shoot or cut inside or curl balls in to Matteo Mancosu or Dominic Oduro's path. Steven Beitashour, Drew Moor and even Michael Bradley coming across to double him in TFC's half might be needed. But if Eriq Zavaleta can neutralize or limit Piatti’s involvement as he did with David Villa in the NYCFC series, the Impact could struggle to find the net in this series.