Toronto FC kicks off the 2nd leg of the 2016 MLS Eastern Conference Championship on Wednesday, November 30th at 7:00pm when they play host to the Montreal Impact at BMO Field.

Here are Terry's three keys to the match: 

Finding Space in the Final Third

The Impact are very compact and aggressive in their defensive half. Their fullbacks play close to the centre halves which allows Laurent Ciman and Victor Cabrera to lock onto Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco. The three-man midfield provides an excellent shield in front of the back four, especially defensive midfielder Marco Donadel. The Reds need to keep possession of the ball and try to shift Montreal’s units with clean, purposeful passing and movement. Space will eventually open up down the flanks or in behind the centre backs. 

Transition 

It's no secret that the Impact are very good on the counter. They scored their second and third goals in the first leg at Olympic Stadium in quick transition. The Reds must secure the ball more effectively in possession to limit this threat. Cutting down on unnecessary turnovers will also allow TFC to keep a more balanced defensive shape. Don't forget, TFC are also very good in transition, so if they can win the ball in good areas, the Reds could be the team to capitalize on the break. Toronto must be decisive and positive in everything they do on Wednesday.

Patience

To keep the math simple, Toronto FC have to win to advance to the MLS Cup Final. However, it can’t be forgotten that they have 90 mins to do so. That is a long time in a soccer. It's important for the Reds to not feel they have to throw the kitchen sink at Montreal from the outset. That could leave them exposed in the back. Toronto have to trust their attacking weapons. Whether it is Giovinco's dribbling, Altidore's raw power, Michael Bradley's vision, Jonathan Osorio's awareness, Tosaint Ricketts’ pace, one of Will Johnson’s late runs from midfield or Justin Morrow creating something from the left flank, chances will come for TFC. When those opportunities arise, if TFC can execute and be clinical… the Final beckons.