3 keys to success for Toronto FC and New York City FC

The 2016 MLS playoffs are now well underway, and while eight teams are set to square off in the Conference Semifinals, it's a clash between Toronto FC and New York City FC that has grabbed most of the attention.

These two star-studded teams meet at BMO Field on Sunday before switching over to Yankee Stadium next weekend. Here are three things each team needs to do to come out on top in this tie.

Toronto FC

Keep Lampard off the scoresheet

Michael Bradley and the TFC backline have done well containing opposition attacking pressure this year, but continue to struggle when dealing with loose balls in the box. As such, Bradley will need to keep one eye on prowling midfielder Frank Lampard, who thrives at finding dead spaces in coverage and making late bursts into the penalty area - especially in the tight confines of Yankee Stadium.

Secure the tie at home

Yankee Stadium is a tricky venue, and while Sebastian Giovinco has enjoyed himself in the Big Apple, Toronto FC will want to go into New York with a lead to protect. Securing a win at BMO Field while not conceding away goals would go a long way for Toronto, a team that needs space to operate successfully.

Continue to get the best out of Altidore

NYCFC head coach Patrick Vieira knows full well what Giovinco is capable of doing, having seen it firsthand, but the French tactician has yet to face Jozy Altidore - the American was either injured or on international duty in the two regular-season meetings between the clubs. That, coupled with Altidore's great run of form of late, could prove to be the difference for Greg Vanney. Getting Altidore isolated in one-on-one situations, where he can run at defenders with pace, could be key.

New York City FC

Prevent Morrow from getting forward

A huge part of Toronto FC's attacking strategy that isn't summed up by "Giovinco doing Giovinco things" is the overlapping runs of left-back Justin Morrow, who's had himself quite the season so far. Keeping Morrow at bay prevents one of the few direct routes of service TFC musters from out wide, considering Steven Beitashour's more defensive role on the opposite side.

Cut off midfield service

We'll let Vieira explain this one himself:

"We have to control Bradley because Bradley gives them a lot of services. (Jonathan) Osorio is a really fantastic player, so we have to look at him as well," Vieira said to MLSsoccer. "It’s not just about the two up front, it’s about the collective game and this is how we have to stop them."

Sustain balanced attacking pressure

NYCFC will want to avoid falling into Toronto FC's defensive traps in the latter stages of both matches, as the Reds often fall back and absorb attacking pressure before springing a Giovinco-led counter. NYCFC's biggest flaw all season has been its inability to keep the ball out of its own net, and leaving the defense needlessly exposed could be fatal.

Chances will come, even with a more balanced approach, so Vieira will want his defenders covered, especially with Altidore and Giovinco running about.