MLS Cup final 2017: 5 key tactical battles

MLS Cup final 2017: 5 key matchups

TORONTO, ON - DECEMBER 10: Toronto FC Mid Fielder Michael Bradley (4) and Seattle Sounders Forward Nicolas Lodeiro (10) fight for the ball during the MLS Cup final game between the Seattle Sounders and Toronto FC on December 10, 2016 at BMO Field in Toronto, ON. Seattle won the MLS Cup in penalty kicks. (Photo by Gerry Angus/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Toronto FC host the Seattle Sounders in the MLS Cup final on Saturday. Here are five key matchups that will decide the game.

The MLS Cup final, a rematch for the third time in league history, will feature the two most deserving clubs. Toronto FC are competing for the title of “best ever” and will try to avenge last season’s defeat to the red hot Seattle Sounders, who breezed through a weak Western Conference on the back of a brick-wall defense. Here are five key matchups to watch.

CARSON, CA – APRIL 23: Will Bruin /

5. Will Bruin vs. Drew Moor and the TFC back three

Seattle have yet to complement their Nicolas Lodeiro-led attack with a high-quality center forward. This doesn’t appear to be a necessary element of a championship-winning squad.

It was Nelson Valdez, who scored exactly one goal in 1,313 MLS regular season minutes and made a name for himself by finding every possible way to miss the goal, starting up top last year, and this season it’s Will Bruin, a much more consistent and proven goalscorer but closer to Adam Jahn than Jozy Altidore.

Bruin, like Valdez, has stepped up in crunch time, picking up two goals and two assists this postseason and proving to be something of a force bodying central defenders. Toronto’s back three has enough to worry about with Clint Dempsey running around, so Bruin could end up showing himself to be the ultimate X-Factor. Yes, the Dancing Bear.

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