The MLS Cup Playoffs, presented by AT&T, may serve as a stage for the league's elite to will their teams to victory. But the star players are not the only ones capable of making an impact, particularly in this weekend's Conference Semifinal second legs.
Because although almost every championship run is centered around a marquee player or two, the unsung teammates who step up along the way often make the difference.
With that in mind, here are four unheralded players who might affect the outcome of the decisive legs in the Conference Semifinals:
Richard Eckersley
, New York Red Bulls (vs. DC United)
The veteran right back has been a pleasant surprise for Mike Petke's side during the last few weeks. Gone are the mistakes that plagued the start of his 2014 campaign, and in their place has come a string of solid outings. Eckersley held his own defensively and got forward at times in the first leg, providing width to the attack. In the second leg, he'll need to be even better in both aspects in order to contain Chris Pontius and what will surely be an aggressive United side.
Ethan Finlay
, Columbus Crew (vs. New England)
The task of overcoming a 2-goal deficit (not to mention NE's four away goals) is a big one for the Crew, and if they are to pull it off they need Finlay to be at his very best. The third-year player has enjoyed a career year, with 11 goals and seven assists, and will need to use his pace and trickiness to put the Revs on their heels and help free up space for string-puller Federico Higuain. Finlay struggled to make his presence felt in the first leg. That cannot be the case again in the second leg if the Crew have any hope of a miracle comeback.
- PREVIEW: #NEvCLB: Sunday, 5 pm ET, ESPN2
Baggio Husidic
, LA Galaxy (vs. Real Salt Lake)
Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan will draw most of Real Salt Lake's defensive attention, and Gyasi Zardes is a good third attacking weapon. LA, however, will probably need another option in the final third of what is sure to be an intense second leg at StubHub Center. Husidic is poised to be that player. The midfielder has had his best season in MLS, with 5 goals and 4 assists, and he has plenty of experience after playing in both Europe and MLS not be affected by the pressure of the moment.
Victor Ulloa
, FC Dallas (vs. Seattle)
FC Dallas let a lead slip away in their home leg against the Seattle Sounders, and now need to score at least one goal at CenturyLink Field in order to remain in the postseason picture. Doing so will be tough against a Sounders team that can capitalize on the smallest of mistakes, putting the onus on holding midfidler Ulloa to ensure they aren't left too exposed, allowing the likes of Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins to counter attack. It's a tricky balance, but the 22-year-old Homegrown player will need to on his game if FCD are to advance against the odds.
