4 unheralded players who may prove crucial to Toronto FC's MLS Cup hopes

Toronto FC is set to host the New York Red Bulls this Sunday in the second leg of the MLS Cup Eastern Conference Semifinals, having already procured a 2-1 win at Red Bull Arena earlier in the week. That advantage, and the pair of away goals it came with, gives Greg Vanney's side plenty of confidence for advancement.

But a couple injuries to key players has turned Vanney toward his bench once more, and it is that depth that Toronto FC will need to rely on to overcome the trials of the MLS post-season. Here are four unheralded players who could make a major difference:

Nick Hagglund

Backline leader Drew Moor suffered an ankle knock in the first leg and is questionable for the next match. While Moor has been a bit off the pace in his last few appearances, Vanney can rest easy in the knowledge that Nick Hagglund is ready to step in.

Hagglund looked a commanding presence against the Red Bulls, which may be a bit surprising when considering he missed much of the regular season with a serious knee injury. Still, if Moor is not ready to return, Hagglund has the experience and physical abilities to adequately cover his spot ... so much so that Hagglund might ultimately prove to be the better choice.

The 25-year-old played a big role in getting TFC to the 2016 MLS Cup final, his 68th-minute header against the Montreal Impact restoring hope for the Reds en route to a 5-2 win. Hagglund's heading prowess could prove to be a major asset for Toronto FC at some point during the playoffs.

Nicolas Hasler

It's rare to see a player integrate into a new team - and into a new position - as smoothly as Nicolas Hasler did at right wing-back for Toronto FC this season. The Liechtenstein international - who has been utilized as a striker for his country - joined the Reds midway through the year and immediately made his presence felt, scoring three goals and recording one assist.

Adding Hasler was meant to mitigate Steven Beitashour's temporary absence due to a lacerated pancreas, but he now offers Vanney a different look on the right flank. Beitashour is more disciplined defensively and can create on the wing, recording five assists in 22 matches this season; but if Vanney needs goals, perhaps Hasler is preferable.

Jonathan Osorio

Toronto FC might be without Victor Vazquez for at least one match after the Red Bulls' Felipe delivered a check to his midsection in the first leg, and that injury could open the door for Jonathan Osorio to step into the limelight and help pull his hometown team through some difficult trials.

At his best, Osorio has demonstrated an astute ability to connect plays, push toward goal, and hustle back to help defensively, and while there are questions about his goal-scoring ability, the 25-year-old still has an impressive body of work to fall back on.

Tosaint Ricketts

Sebastian Giovinco is a cheat code with an unparalleled ability to score from free-kicks, and Jozy Altidore is a sheer force capable of bulldozing the opposition, but sometimes teams just need a guy who can be in the right place at the right time and do the dirty work. For TFC, that guy is Tosaint Ricketts.

Ricketts is the perfect late option, especially to round out a cagey match on the counter-attack. If TFC needs a bit of of pace and luck, there's no one finer.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)