The Reds are back home for the first time since December to take on Sporting Kansas City. Here are the Benjamin Moore three keys to the match.

Seba vs. Zusi

Coming off of a bye week, head coach Greg Vanney is expecting a fully fit Sebastian Giovinco for Friday’s home opener. That could spell trouble for Graham Zusi and the rest of the SKC defense.

Giovinco’s propensity to drift would left would see him matched up with Zusi, who has been converted to the right back position for both club and country in 2017. There is no denying Zusi’s ability to bomb forward and provide attacking dynamism for Kansas City, but slowing down the likes of Seba will be no small task.

A late wrench in the plans may see a different scenario unfold on Friday, however, as Benny Feilhaber will miss the trip to Toronto. His absence could force Zusi off of the backline and back into his more comfortable position in the midfield.

Capitalize on Chances

If TFC are to turn some of their home draws into three points this season, they’ll need to be more clinical in the final third. Thus far in 2017, they’ve been lacking in that department.

The Reds certainly have the weapons up front to put away chances, but haven’t been testing opposing net minders enough, averaging just eight shots a game through three matches this season.

In order to make the most of their dominant possession stats, the onus will be on TFC’s forward unit to play a more active role in the opposing 18-yard box and start finishing off their attacking moves.

Control the Tempo

While not necessarily by design tactically, teams tend to have more of the ball when playing at home. That said, Sporting KC is a team that likes to win the possession battle whether at home or on the road.

If the Reds are to win out on the day, they’ll need to break Kansas City’s pressure and put the visitors on the back foot. If Toronto can avoid turning the ball over in their own half, the pace and ability of players like Tosaint Ricketts and Giovinco could leave SKC scrambling at the back.