After a lengthy international break, Toronto FC will return to action this weekend facing a stiff challenge as they try to break free from a frustrating winless run that has tested both players and fans alike.
The Reds haven’t tasted victory in their last 12 matches, a streak stretching back to early April when they defeated Atlanta United 2-1 at BMO Field. Since then, TFC has struggled to find its footing, collecting just five points from a possible 36 during this difficult stretch.
“It’s been a period of reflection for us,” admits head coach John Herdman, who has been working intensively with the squad during the break. “We’ve had time to reset mentally and physically, which is something we desperately needed.”
Toronto FC sits at 14th place in the Eastern Conference with a 3-9-7 record, a disappointing position for a club that has historically set higher standards. The New York Red Bulls, their upcoming opponents, present a formidable challenge as they currently occupy fifth place with a much stronger 8-4-7 record.
The extended break due to the Copa America tournament has provided Toronto with nearly three weeks between matches, a silver lining that midfielder Jonathan Osorio believes could prove valuable.
“Sometimes you need to step away and look at things with fresh eyes,” says Osorio, one of the team’s veteran leaders. “We’ve been able to work on specific aspects of our game without the pressure of immediate match preparation.”
Toronto’s offensive production has been particularly concerning during this winless stretch, with the team scoring just nine goals in their last 12 matches. Italian star Federico Bernardeschi, brought in to be a difference-maker, has struggled to find consistency despite flashes of his world-class talent.
The defensive side hasn’t fared much better, conceding 23 goals during the same period. This imbalance has frustrated supporters who packed BMO Field with high expectations following last season’s promising rebuild.
Sports psychologist Dr. Judy Cohen of the University of Toronto suggests such prolonged slumps can create a psychological burden that becomes increasingly difficult to overcome.
“Athletes often speak about the weight of a streak – whether positive or negative,” explains Cohen. “Breaking free requires not just tactical adjustments but a mental reset that allows players to perform without the psychological baggage of previous results.”
The City of Toronto has maintained strong support for the club despite the disappointing results. Average attendance at BMO Field remains above 25,000, demonstrating the loyal fan base that continues to believe in the team’s potential.
Local supporters’ group member Rachel Donnelly remains optimistic: “Every streak eventually ends. We’ve seen this club rise from difficult periods before, and we’ll be there cheering them on when they turn this around.”
The upcoming match against the Red Bulls represents both a challenge and an opportunity. New York has historically been a difficult opponent for Toronto, but breaking the winless streak against a strong team could provide the confidence boost needed to salvage the remainder of the season.
Herdman has emphasized the importance of starting strong against New York. “The first goal will be crucial for us mentally,” he notes. “We’ve been working on our attacking transitions and set pieces, areas where we believe we can hurt them.”
The good news for Toronto is that the team will likely have a nearly full roster available for selection. Several players who had been dealing with injuries have used the break to recover, including defensive midfielder Deybi Flores and fullback Richie Laryea.
Toronto’s front office remains supportive of the coaching staff and players despite the poor run of form. Sporting Director Jason Hernandez recently expressed confidence that the team has the quality to turn things around.
“We believe in the foundation we’ve built,” Hernandez stated in a recent club interview. “Slumps happen in sports, but we have the character and talent in this locker room to overcome this challenge.”
As Toronto prepares to face the Red Bulls this weekend, the question remains whether this extended break will prove to be the reset button the team so desperately needs, or if the winless streak will continue to hang over the club like a storm cloud unwilling to dissipate.
For a city accustomed to sporting excellence across multiple franchises, patience is wearing thin. But in the world of soccer, fortunes can change quickly – something Toronto FC is counting on as they look to finally put this frustrating chapter behind them.
