Vieira explains Lampard snub: NYCFC needed to be 'solid centrally'

New York City FC has it all to do in the second leg of its Eastern Conference semifinal following a late double salvo from Toronto FC on Sunday evening.

An opportunistic smash from Jozy Altidore and rebound prodded in by substitute Tosaint Ricketts meant the Canadian side has a two-goal advantage going into Sunday's bout in the Bronx.

Related: Altidore, Ricketts score late to give TFC 1st-leg lead over NYCFC

But it could've been so different, according to some armchair managers, if NYCFC boss Patrick Vieira had plumped for Frank Lampard in the midfield rather than Mikey Lopez.

"We had a game plan and I wanted to be more solid centrally and that's why I chose Mikey to play in this game," Vieira told ESPN FC when questioned on his selection policy. "We knew it would be a difficult game, we've played them already here. We know the quality of their players and the physicality of the game. I thought we managed it well until the first goal.

"I thought we managed their forwards quite well until then but the game is 95 minutes and we gave them a chance and they punished us right away."

Doubts surrounding Vieira's decision to field Lopez, who hadn't started for the club since May, was subject to further questioning due to Andrea Pirlo's calf issue meaning the midfield lost some valuable experience and the fact striker David Villa was crowded out and had little service behind him. Both of these voids could've been filled by Lampard.

Lopez was perhaps a touch fortunate not to receive his marching orders too, after the Texan received just a yellow for a strong challenge in the second stanza. That caution prompted Lampard's replacing of Lopez on 61 minutes.

Vieira also felt obliged to defend his substitution of Villa for Khiry Shelton after 78 minutes when the scoreline at BMO Field was 0-0.

"I wanted to bring fresh legs on up front and some height, we struggled to hold up the ball. I wanted some more physical presence up there," the Frenchman explained.

"It's difficult to put a finger on anything specific - David didn't touch the ball many times. His movement could be better to get the service. I wanted a bit more physicality up front."

Who Vieira opts for in his starting XI for next weekend's vital second leg will undoubtedly come under close scrutiny from the NYCFC faithful.