The winds of change are blowing through Toronto FC as the club navigates a critical rebuilding phase after another challenging season. Standing on the sidelines at the BMO Training Ground yesterday, I watched as players went through their final training sessions of the year – some likely for the last time wearing the red jersey.
“We’ve made progress, but we’re not where we need to be yet,” General Manager Jason Hernandez told me during an extensive post-season interview. “The foundation is getting stronger, but now we need to build upward with strategic additions.”
Toronto FC finished 11th in the Eastern Conference with a 9-16-9 record, missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. While the club showed flashes of potential under head coach John Herdman, the team’s inconsistency continued to plague them throughout the campaign.
“We’ve identified specific areas where we need to strengthen,” Hernandez explained. “Our defensive structure improved under Coach Herdman, but we’re looking to add more creativity in the attacking third and solidify our midfield presence.”
Several players are expected to depart as the club looks to free up roster space and salary cap room. Veteran defender Shane O’Neill confirmed he’ll be exploring options elsewhere, while midfielders Deybi Flores and Cassius Mailula face uncertain futures with the club.
Toronto FC President Bill Manning hasn’t shied away from acknowledging the challenges. “Our fans deserve better, and we’re committed to building a team that competes for championships again,” Manning said during the end-of-season media availability. “The process takes time, but we’re identifying the right pieces.”
The club’s brightest spot continues to be Italian star Federico Bernardeschi, who led the team with 11 goals and 8 assists this season. When asked about his future, Bernardeschi expressed commitment to the project. “I believe in what we’re building here in Toronto. The city deserves success, and I want to be part of bringing that back.”
Local Canadian talent has also emerged as a cornerstone for the club’s future. Twenty-two-year-old midfielder Kosi Thompson had a breakthrough season, establishing himself as a regular starter. “Growing up in Toronto and representing this club means everything to me,” Thompson shared. “We’re all hungry to turn things around.”
According to sources close to the team, Toronto FC is actively scouting players in South America and Europe, with particular focus on securing a dynamic attacking midfielder and experienced central defender. The club’s technical staff recently completed scouting trips to Argentina, Colombia and several European leagues.
The Toronto FC Academy continues to produce promising talent, with several young prospects expected to receive first-team opportunities in 2024. Seventeen-year-old Adam Pearlman, who made his MLS debut in September, represents the type of homegrown talent the club hopes to develop further.
Financially, Toronto FC remains one of the league’s biggest spenders despite recent disappointments. MLSE board member Larry Tanenbaum recently reaffirmed the ownership group’s commitment to providing resources. “The investment will be there,” he stated at a business luncheon in downtown Toronto last week. “Our focus is on making smarter decisions with those resources.”
Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment reported that season ticket renewals have declined by approximately 15% compared to last year, reflecting fan frustration with recent results. However, the club’s community engagement initiatives remain strong, with over 40 events held throughout the Greater Toronto Area this past season.
For Toronto’s passionate soccer community, patience is wearing thin. Tim Rollins, president of the Red Patch Boys supporters’ group, expressed mixed emotions about the club’s direction. “We appreciate the honesty from management about where things stand, but words need to translate into results soon,” Rollins told me after attending the final home match.
The upcoming MLS SuperDraft in December presents another opportunity for roster improvement, with Toronto holding the seventh overall selection. The club’s scouting department has focused heavily on collegiate defenders and attacking players who could provide immediate depth.
As players cleaned out their lockers earlier this week, the atmosphere felt bittersweet. For some, it marked the end of their Toronto FC journey. For others, it represented a chance to reflect on what needs to change.
“This is a world-class city that deserves a world-class team,” Herdman emphasized during his final press conference of the season. “We’re building something meaningful here, but it requires patience and smart decision-making.”
For Toronto FC and its faithful supporters, the 2024 season can’t come soon enough. The roster reconstruction is underway, with significant announcements expected in the coming weeks. The goal remains clear: return Toronto FC to the elite status it once held in Major League Soccer.
As I walked through the quiet corridors of BMO Field one final time this season, the weight of expectation was palpable. This club has known championship glory before. The challenge now is finding the right combination of talent, leadership and strategy to experience it again.
