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Revision as of 16:22, 10 January 2014

Toronto FC
Full nameToronto FC
Nickname(s)Reds
Founded2006
StadiumBMO Field
Toronto, Ontario
Capacity21,859
ExecutivesLarry Tanenbaum
Tim Leiweke
as members of MLSE
GMTim Bezbatchenko
Head CoachRyan Nelsen
LeagueMajor League Soccer
2013Eastern Conference: 9th
Overall: 17th
Playoffs: DNQ
WebsiteClub website
Current season

Toronto FC (TFC) is a Canadian professional soccer club based in Toronto, Ontario which competes in Major League Soccer (MLS). Toronto became MLS's fourteenth team in the league, and first Canadian team, upon the team's expansion in 2007. The team plays home matches at the soccer-specific BMO Field, located in Exhibition Place along the Toronto lake shore. The team is coached by Ryan Nelsen and operated by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which also operates the NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs, the AHL's Toronto Marlies, and the NBA's Toronto Raptors.

The club won four consecutive Amway Canadian Championships from 2009 to 2012.

History

Expansion

Toronto was awarded an expansion team in 2005, with team owner Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. (MLSE) paying $10 million for the team.[1] The name of the club was officially announced on May 11, 2006.[2] The "FC" in the team's name is the conventional initialism for Football Club.

The announcement followed an online consultation in which the public was invited to vote on the name during a limited period. The voting options were "Toronto Northmen," "Inter Toronto FC," "Toronto Reds," and "Toronto FC." MLSE's strategy in choosing "Toronto FC" following this process was based on two reasons. Firstly, over 40 percent of the online vote supported the simplified Toronto FC name during the consultation; secondly, MLSE hoped that the fairly generic name would help the new club earn a more organic nickname from the Toronto fans rather than having one imposed upon the club.[3] The team has been called "TFC" and "the Reds" by the media and the club.[4][5]

Mo Johnston era (2007–2010)

File:Dichio.jpg
Danny Dichio scored the first goal in Toronto's history, and was a prominent figure during the club's early years.

Despite a long scoreless streak to start the team's history, Toronto FC quickly began to establish itself as a club with significant fan support. The club's first win on May 12 at BMO Field saw Danny Dichio score in the 24th minute, which prompted the sellout crowd to toss promotional plastic seat cushions onto the field in celebration. Though TFC would slip to the bottom of the MLS standings with a record of 6–17–7, the club built a foundation as the first Canadian team in MLS.

In the club's second season in 2008, Toronto hosted the 2008 MLS All-Star Game. However, the team finished the season in last place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 9–13–8. The stands at BMO Field, though, were packed on a regular basis as Toronto F.C. continued to enjoy an enthusiastic fan base.[6]

To determine the Canadian Soccer Association's representative in the CONCACAF Champions League, Toronto FC played in the inaugural Canadian Championship in 2008, competing for the Voyageurs Cup. TFC were the favourites to win the championship in its first year, but the Montreal Impact prevailed.

The last place New York Red Bulls handed Toronto a 5-0 defeat in the final 2009 regular season game, leaving TFC one point out of the playoffs. Despite bringing in some high profile talent, the Reds couldn’t seem to field a consistent side. Dwayne De Rosario continued to put up gaudy numbers, adding 11 goals in 2009. Amado Guevara was a strong playmaker and established MLS veteran, but the Honduran's future at the Canadian club seemed murky with looming 2010 World Cup duties. Rookie goalkeeper Stefan Frei quickly replaced Greg Sutton as a regular starter and immediately became a fan favourite. TFC only scored 2 goals in the final 15 minutes of games all season (last in MLS). During the same 15 minute period they gave up 16 goals (most in MLS), thus creating a −14 goal differential during the final 15 minutes.[7]

In the 2009 Canadian Championship, TFC required a four goal victory over Montreal in the final game of the competition to nullify Vancouver's +4 goal differential. Anything less would result in Vancouver winning the championship. TFC went down 1-0 early, but overwhelmed an under strength Montreal Impact 6–1 on the back of a hat-trick by Dwayne De Rosario. Amado Guevara added two, scoring in the 69th and 92nd minute. Chad Barrett scored the decisive goal in the 82nd minute, which gave Toronto the lead over Vancouver. The unlikely victory was dubbed by fans and media as the Miracle in Montreal.[8]

Toronto FC subsequently participated in the 2009–10 CONCACAF Champions League, but lost 1–0 on aggregate to the Puerto Rico Islanders in the preliminary round of the tournament.

After failing to qualify on the final day of the 2009 campaign, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment said anything short of a playoff spot in 2010 would be unacceptable. With that directive, former director of soccer Mo Johnston hired Preki and made wholesale changes to the roster to reflect the US Hall of Famer's plan to play a tough, defensive style. Despite scoring troubles, TFC played well at the start, going undefeated in seven games at one time.

On July 5, 2010 it was announced that title sponsor Bank of Montreal (BMO) had renewed their sponsorship of the team's jersey through the 2016 season.[9]

The team struggled following the World Cup break. Sensing problems in the locker room, and to try to salvage the season, MLSE dismissed both Johnston and Preki on September 14 and named Earl Cochrane interim director of soccer and Nick Dasovic interim coach. The players responded to Dasovic's more open, flexible style, but it wasn't enough as the club was eliminated from playoff contention with three games left in the season. Off-field issues with season-seat holders over the 2011 season ticket package added to the fans' frustrations, forcing MLSE to hold a series of town hall meetings.

Toronto FC played C.D. Motagua in the preliminary round of the 2010–11 CONCACAF Champions League. Toronto won 1–0 in the first leg on a goal by Chad Barrett, and tied 2–2 in the second leg on goals by De Rosario and Barrett, qualifying for the group stage. Toronto won their first ever group stage match 2–1 against Cruz Azul on August 17, 2010. However the team failed to qualify for the championship round after finishing in 3rd place behind group winners Real Salt Lake and 2nd place Cruz Azul.

Winter/de Klerk/Mariner era (2011–2012)

On November 3, 2010, MLSE formally announced the hiring of former German international and coach Jürgen Klinsmann, and his California-based company, SoccerSolutions, to fix the club's game. Over the next six months, Klinsmann assessed the club, identifying a playing style and recommended a candidate for the director of soccer position.[10] On January 6, 2011, the new management team for Toronto FC was announced. Aron Winter was hired as Head coach with his compatriot, Bob de Klerk named First Assistant coach. Paul Mariner was named as Director of soccer. Winter was selected to bring the Ajax culture, possession and 4-3-3 system to Toronto FC. Management made wholesale changes to the roster before and during the 2011 season, trading numerous players and eventually their captain and Toronto native Dwayne De Rosario. Toronto FC used its remaining two designated player slots on two notable European players, signing Torsten Frings and Danny Koevermans to 2.5 year contracts. The team went on to set a record for most players used in a MLS season with 39. Despite a strong finish to the season with only 2 losses in their last 12 games, TFC missed the MLS playoffs for a fifth straight year but advanced to the 2011–12 CONCACAF Champions League semifinals, the first Canadian team to do so.

On June 7, 2012, Aron Winter resigned from the club after refusing to be reassigned from his head coaching role.[11] He was replaced by Paul Mariner. The club had started the season with a nine-game losing streak, setting an MLS record for worst start to a season. Under Winter in 2012, the club's league record was 1-9-0 and in all other competitions was 3-1-4 including a fourth-straight Canadian Championship.

Toronto continued to struggle under Mariner, who finished with a 4-12-8 record in league play. Toronto also failed to advance in the CONCACAF Champions League, finishing second in its group with a 2-2-0 record. Overall, they finished the MLS season on a 14 game winless streak and ended up in last place, with just 5 wins and 23 points (both franchise lows).

Kevin Payne, Nelsen/Leiweke/Bezbatchenko eras (2013–present)

It was announced Kevin Payne would be leaving D.C. United for Toronto FC on November 27, 2012.[12] First-time coach Ryan Nelsen replaced Mariner as of January 7, 2013.[13] On April 25, 2013, Kevin Payne signed the first ever young designated player in MLS, Matías Laba.[14] On July 9, 2013, Payne controversially traded Luis Silva to D.C. United for an undisclosed amount of allocation money.[15] The club fired Payne on September 4, 2013.[16][17]

Following the removal of Kevin Payne from his role as general manager by recently appointed MLSE president Tim Leiweke,[18] Leiweke reasoned that there were philosophical differences between the two, as to how Toronto FC should move forward into 2014 and beyond.[19] Leiweke, who brought David Beckham to the Los Angeles Galaxy in early 2007, quickly revealed that he intended to make Toronto FC more competitive with similarly ambitious, blockbuster signings.[20] On September 20, 2013, Toronto FC announced that the vacant general manager position had been filled by Tim Bezbatchenko.[21]

Under Bezbatchenko, Toronto has made several high profile moves during the 2013-14 off season. Among the transfers were US national team player Justin Morrow, Brasileiro star Gilberto and the return of Toronto FC leading goal scorer Dwayne De Rosario,[22] Michael Bradley of AS Roma and US national team[23] and Bradley Orr of the Blackburn Rovers.[24]

On January 10, 2014, Tottenham Hotspur announced they had agreed a deal with the club over the transfer of England international Jermain Defoe for a reported fee of six million pounds, as well as an Advertising Rights Agreement with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.[25] This would see Jermain Defoe earn a reported £90,000 a week, making him the highest earner in the MLS.[26]

Stadium

BMO Field in July 2007, during the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Before the 2007 Major League Soccer season, construction was completed on a new stadium at Exhibition Place in Toronto at a cost of $62.5 million.[27][28] On September 20, 2006, MLS's official website announced that BMO Financial Group had officially purchased the naming rights for the new stadium.[29] It is the largest soccer-specific stadium in Canada. It is owned by the City of Toronto, while MLSE, the team's owner, operates it.[30][31]

As the National Soccer Stadium, it served as a major venue for the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup, including hosting the opening and final matches. In 2008, it played host to the 2008 MLS All-Star Game. BMO Field has also hosted various high profile teams in international friendlies such as Real Madrid in 2009. It was chosen as a neutral venue to host the 2010 MLS Cup in November 2010.

Expansion to the north end that cost $2 million and added 1,249 seats was completed for the start of the 2010 MLS Season.[32]

Following criticism of BMO Field's use of FieldTurf and its rapid deterioration, MLSE agreed to a deal with the city to replace it with a natural grass surface in time for the 2010 MLS Season. Along with the grass, a heating and drainage system was also installed at a cost of $3.5 million to MLSE.

Although not expected in the near future, Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment has indicated a second level could be added to the east side stands and extra rows added to the south side stands which would add an additional 8,000 seats for approximately $15 million.[33]

Toronto FC playing Liverpool in a friendly in Rogers Centre

In 2012, TFC played its first-ever match in the Rogers Centre, hosting the Los Angeles Galaxy in the home leg of the 2011–12 CONCACAF Champions League Championship Round. The retractable-roof stadium was also the venue for a July friendly against Liverpool of the English Premier League.

Colours and badge

The official team colours are red (jerseys, shorts and socks) with white trim, and white jerseys with matching white shorts and socks. In the first three seasons, Toronto FC's away kit colours were light and dark grey.

Operation

Toronto FC are operated by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd., who also own and operate the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Raptors and the Toronto Marlies, along with sports ventures like Leafs TV, NBA TV Canada and GolTV Canada. The company is also involved in real estate and property management, owning such sports venues such as the Air Canada Centre and being a partner in the development of Maple Leaf Square. Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and COO of MLSE, has overall responsibility for the team and is an Alternate Governor of MLS.[34] Paul Beirne currently serves as Director of Business Operations.[35]

Supporters

Fans celebrate at a Toronto FC match
Main article: Toronto FC fans

Before the start of the 2007 season, Richard Peddie, the CEO of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd., stated that he and the ownership would be content with between 13,000–15,000 fans per game at Toronto FC home games. However, this range has been exceeded. The club sold out season tickets its first three years, capping season tickets at 16,000 for the 2009 season.[36]

The fans have been called enthusiastic and their passion unsurpassed in MLS.[37] After celebrations in which seat cushions were thrown on the field after its first ever goal in a victory at home to the Chicago Fire, the Toronto FC front office sent an email to season ticket holders reminding fans to refrain from throwing objects or running onto the field. The fans are also known for their travelling support, at one time sending large contingents of fans to Columbus in the opening matches of the 2008 and 2009 Trillium Cup.[38]

Rivalries

Being a young club, Toronto FC has few club rivalries against MLS teams. Columbus Crew and Toronto FC compete for the Trillium Cup. Although Toronto had not defeated Columbus until their fifth season, 2011, the large number of Toronto fans who typically travelled to Columbus in their early years helped spark a rivalry between the clubs' supporters.

Toronto FC's biggest rival joined MLS in 2012. The Montreal Impact emerged as a fierce rival and won the inaugural Canadian Championship and seventh Voyageurs Cup. The proximity of the two cities and the fact that Toronto and Montreal have traditionally been rivals in ice hockey adds to the rivalry. Toronto FC have also created a budding, bitter rivalry with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, fuelled by both clubs being Canadian and by Toronto's consistent and unusual victories over Vancouver in Voyageur's Cup Canadian Championship and MLS play. On March 16, 2013, Toronto away fans set an MLS record for away support sending 3200 away fans to Montreal to watch TFC lose 2-1, eclipsing their own record of 2400 who saw Columbus play in 2008.[39]

TFC Academy

Main article: TFC Academy

TFC Academy is the youth academy and development system of Toronto FC that was established in 2008.[40][41] The academy consists of a Senior, Junior, U16, U14 and U12 team. The Senior team competed in the Canadian Soccer League, the third tier of the Canadian soccer pyramid until 2012. The academy currently plays in the Ontario Soccer League.

In June 2012, TFC academy moved to their new $21-million Kia Training Ground & Academy in Downsview Park,[42] located in North York.

Broadcasting

Toronto FC games are exclusively broadcast by either the TSN or Sportsnet families of channels. Games that are not covered under national broadcast contracts with MLS or other competition organizers are divided evenly between the two broadcasters, pursuant to agreements between their parent companies (Bell Canada and Rogers Communications respectively) in connection to their joint 2011 purchase of MLSE.[43]

  • TSN holds the national broadcast contract with MLS from 2011 to 2016, including rights 30 games per season involving Canadian teams,[44] of which (in 2013) 12 feature Toronto FC. It also holds 11 of the team's 22 "regional" MLS broadcasts. In both cases, games may air either on TSN's main channel or TSN2, and are usually called by Luke Wileman (play-by-play) and Jason de Vos (colour).
  • Sportsnet has broadcast rights to Toronto FC's remaining 11 MLS games; it also owns the rights to both the Canadian Championship, in which TFC participates annually, and the CONCACAF Champions League, in which TFC may compete depending on the results of that year's Canadian Championship. Such games may air either on Sportsnet's regional channels, Sportsnet 360, or Sportsnet One. Games on Sportsnet involving TFC are generally called by Gerry Dobson (play-by-play) and Craig Forrest (colour).

GolTV Canada, acquired by MLSE in 2009, carried several live Toronto FC games each season from 2009 to 2012, normally commentated by Wileman. The channel continues to carry repeats of TFC games and other ancillary coverage of the team. Other previous broadcasters for the 2007 to 2010 seasons included The Score and CBC Sports (through CBC Television and Bold).

Similar to the TV rights, radio broadcasts are divided between Sportsnet 590 and TSN Radio 1050; Dan Dunleavy calls the games, while Bob Iarusci joins him as colour commentator for home games.

Players and staff

Current roster

Former Toronto FC captain Torsten Frings

As of January 9, 2014[45][46]

No. Position Player Nation
1 GK Chris Konopka  United States
3 DF Jonas Elmer  Switzerland
4 DF Doneil Henry (HGP)  Canada
5 DF Ashtone Morgan (HGP)  Canada
6 DF Gale Agbossoumonde  United States
7 FW Bright Dike  Nigeria
8 MF Kyle Bekker  Canada
9 FW Gilberto (DP)  Brazil
12 GK Joe Bendik  United States
13 DF Steven Caldwell (Captain)  Scotland
14 FW Dwayne De Rosario  Canada
19 MF Reggie Lambe  Bermuda
20 MF Matías Laba (DP)  Argentina
21 MF Jonathan Osorio  Canada
23 MF Álvaro Rey  Spain
25 DF Jeremy Hall  United States
27 DF Richard Eckersley  England
28 DF Mark Bloom  United States
32 FW Andrew Wiedeman  United States
33 DF Ryan Richter  United States
34 MF Manny Aparicio (HGP)  Canada
40 GK Quillan Roberts (HGP)  Canada
— MF Jackson  Brazil
— DF Justin Morrow  United States
— FW Emery Welshman  Canada
— FW Jordan Hamilton (HGP)  Canada
— FC Jermain Defoe (DP)  England

|}

Notable former players

This list of former players includes those who received international caps while playing for the team, made significant contributions to the team in terms of appearances or goals while playing for the team, or who made significant contributions to the sport either before they played for the team, or after they left. It is clearly not yet complete and all inclusive, and additions and refinements will continue to be made over time.

Further information: All-time List of Toronto FC players

Current staff

As of December 11, 2013[47][48]

Head coaches

As of Jan 7, 2012
Coach Nation From To Record1
G W L T Win %
Mo Johnston  Scotland August 22, 2006 February 1, 2008 30 6 17 7 020.00
John Carver  England February 1, 2008 April 25, 2009 36 11 15 10 030.56
Chris Cummins (interim)  England April 29, 2009 October 24, 2009 31 12 11 8 038.71
Preki  United States November 19, 2009 September 14, 2010 32 11 11 10 034.38
Nick Dasovic (interim)  Canada September 14, 2010 January 6, 2011 10 3 4 3 030.00
Aron Winter  Netherlands January 6, 2011 June 7, 2012 64 18 25 21 028.13
Paul Mariner  England June 7, 2012 January 7, 2013 28 6 14 8 021.43
Ryan Nelsen  New Zealand January 7, 2013 present 36 7 18 11 019.44

Honours

Record

Year-by-year

Main article: List of Toronto FC seasons
Year Regular Season Playoffs Canadian Championship CONCACAF Champions League
2007 13th (6–17–7) Did not qualify (Began in 2008) (Began in 2008)
2008 12th (9–13–8) Did not qualify Runner-up Did not qualify
2009 12th (10–11–9) Did not qualify Champion Preliminary Round
2010 11th (9–13–8) Did not qualify Champion Group Stage
2011 16th (6–13–15) Did not qualify Champion Semifinals
2012 19th (5–21–8) Did not qualify Champion Group Stage
2013 17th (6–17–11) Did not qualify Semifinals Did not qualify

Team records

Main article: List of Toronto FC records and statistics

Most goals

Dwayne De Rosario is Toronto's all-time top scorer, with 32 goals in all competitions

League, CONCACAF Champions League & Canadian Championship

# Name Nation Career Goals Appearances
1 Dwayne De Rosario  Canada 2009–11, 2014– 32 75
2 Chad Barrett  United States 2008–10 21 78
3 Danny Koevermans  Netherlands 2011–13 19 41
4 Ryan Johnson  Jamaica 2011–12 18 63
5= Maicon Santos  Brazil 2010–11 14 40
5= Danny Dichio  England 2007–09 14 66
7 Amado Guevara  Honduras 2008–09 11 53
8 Joao Plata  Ecuador 2011–12 10 52
9 Robert Earnshaw  Wales 2013 8 27
10 Luis Silva  United States 2012–13 7 55

Bold indicates player still active with club.

Last Update: December 18, 2013.

Most appearances

League, CONCACAF Champions League & Canadian Championship

# Name Nation Career Appearances Goals
1 Stefan Frei   Switzerland 2009–13 99 0
2= Jim Brennan  Canada 2007–10 93 4
2= Julian de Guzman  Canada 2009–12 93 3
4 Richard Eckersley  England 2011– 92 0
5 Ashtone Morgan  Canada 2011– 89 0
6 Carl Robinson  Wales 2007–10 84 3
7 Chad Barrett  United States 2008–10 78 21
8= Dwayne De Rosario  Canada 2009–11, 2014– 75 32
8= Marvell Wynne  United States 2007–10 75 2
10= Nana Attakora  Canada 2007–11 68 4
10= Doneil Henry  Canada 2010– 68 2

Bold indicated player still active with club.

Last Update: December 18, 2013.

Club captains

Dates Name Nation
2007–10 Jim Brennan  Canada
2010–11 Dwayne De Rosario  Canada
2011 Maicon Santos  Brazil
2011–12 Torsten Frings  Germany
2013 Darren O'Dea  Ireland
2013– Steven Caldwell  Scotland

International results

Year Competition Club Nation Result
2007 Friendly S.L. Benfica  Portugal D 0-0
2007 Friendly Aston Villa F.C.  England L 4-2
2008 Preseason Odense Boldklub  Denmark D 0-0
2008 Carlsberg Cup C.F. Pachuca  Mexico D 1-1
2009 Carlsberg Cup C.A. River Plate  Argentina L 2-0
2009 Friendly Real Madrid C.F.  Spain L 5-1
2009 Preseason BK Häcken  Sweden W 3-0
2010 CONCACAF Champions League C.D. Motagua  Honduras D 2-2
2010 CONCACAF Champions League Cruz Azul  Mexico D 0-0
2010 Carlsberg Cup Bolton Wanderers F.C.  England D 1-1
2010 CONCACAF Champions League C.D. Motagua  Honduras W 1-0
2010 CONCACAF Champions League Cruz Azul  Mexico W 2-1
2010 CONCACAF Champions League C.D. Árabe Unido  Panama W 1-0
2011 Preseason FK Partizan  Serbia D 1-1
2011 Preseason Red Star Belgrade  Serbia W 1-0
2011 CONCACAF Champions League Real Estelí F.C.  Nicaragua W 2-1
2011 CONCACAF Champions League Real Estelí F.C.  Nicaragua W 2-1
2011 CONCACAF Champions League Tauro F.C.  Panama W 2-1
2011 CONCACAF Champions League Tauro F.C.  Panama W 1-0
2011 CONCACAF Champions League Pumas UNAM  Mexico D 1-1
2012 Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic BK Häcken  Sweden W 3-1
2012 CONCACAF Champions League Santos Laguna  Mexico D 1-1
2012 CONCACAF Champions League Santos Laguna  Mexico L 6-2
2012 Friendly Liverpool F.C.  England D 1-1
2012 CONCACAF Champions League C.D. Águila  El Salvador W 5-1
2012 CONCACAF Champions League C.D. Águila  El Salvador W 3-0

Average attendance

Year Reg. Season
2007 20,134
2008 20,108
2009 20,344
2010 20,453
2011 20,267
2012 18,681
2013 18,131

The largest attendance for a Toronto FC game at the team's home stadium, BMO Field, was on April 13, 2011, when they hosted the Los Angeles Galaxy in front of 22,453.[49] The highest overall attendance for a home game was on March 7, 2012, when they hosted the Los Angeles Galaxy in the 2011–12 CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals at the Rogers Centre in front of 47,658.[50]

See also

References

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  2. ^ "Toronto FC to join MLS fold in 2007". toronto.fc.mlsnet.com. Retrieved February 22, 2009. [dead link]
  3. ^ "Toronto FC – our brief history and bright future". mlsnet.com. Retrieved March 8, 2009.
  4. ^ "Toronto FC acquires Ruiz from Galaxy". seattlepi.com. Retrieved February 22, 2009. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help) [dead link]
  5. ^ "MLS Preview: Toronto FC – New England Revolution". goal.com. Retrieved February 22, 2009.
  6. ^ "Toronto F.C. (2007 – present)". Sportsecyclopedia.com. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
  7. ^ The Yank (December 29, 2009). "2009 MLS Season Review: Toronto FC — Soccer Tickets Online". Soccerticketsonline.com. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
  8. ^ "Toronto FC pull off miracle, win Canadian Championship". CBC News. June 18, 2009. Retrieved August 20, 2012.
  9. ^ Press Release (July 5, 2010). "BMO renews Toronto FC Jersey Sponsorship". Marketwire. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  10. ^ Vijay Setlur (November 23, 2010). "2010 in Review: Best & worst of Toronto FC | Major League Soccer". Mlssoccer.com. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
  11. ^ Upper Deck Co. 1993 Upper Deck World Cup 94 Preview English/German #60 Aron Winter p. 5-6.
  12. ^ "Exclusive: Kevin Payne leaving D.C. United". Washingtonpost.com. November 27, 2012. Retrieved November 28, 2012.
  13. ^ The Canadian Press. "Toronto FC to name Ryan Nelsen head coach". cbc.ca. Retrieved January 8, 2013.
  14. ^ "Reds Sign Midfielder Matías Laba". Toronto FC. April 25, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  15. ^ "Toronto FC trades Luis Silva to D.C. United". CBC. The Canadian Press. July 9, 2013. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
  16. ^ "Struggling Toronto FC fires president, GM Kevin Payne: report". CBC. The Canadian Press. September 5, 2013. Retrieved September 5, 2013.
  17. ^ Cathal Kelly. "Toronto FC parts ways with president/GM Kevin Payne". thestar.com. Retrieved September 4, 2013.
  18. ^ The Globe and Mail (April 26, 2013). "MLSE hires Tim Leiweke as president, CEO". theglobeandmail.com. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  19. ^ The Globe and Mail (September 5, 2013). "MLSE's Leiweke confirms firing of TFC president, gives manager a vote of confidence". theglobeandmail.com. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  20. ^ TSN (September 28, 2013). "Leiweke plans to bring two world class strikers to TFC". tsn.ca. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  21. ^ CBC (September 20, 2013). "Tim Bezbatchenko named Toronto FC GM". cbc.ca. Retrieved October 30, 2013.
  22. ^ "List of Major League Soccer transfers 2014 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia". En.wikipedia.org. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  23. ^ "Toronto FC completes Defoe transfer: report - CBC Sports - Soccer". Cbc.ca. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  24. ^ "Bradley Orr a potential Toronto FC transfer target". Waking The Red. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  25. ^ "Jermain Defoe moves to MLS - Toronto FC 10 January 2014 - News". tottenhamhotspur.com. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  26. ^ Tottenham Hotspur. "Jermain Defoe on brink of £6m move from Tottenham Hotspur to MLS side Toronto FC". Telegraph. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  27. ^ "Construction Updates". toronto.fc.mlsnet.com. Retrieved February 22, 2009.
  28. ^ "BMO Field". stadiumguide.com. Retrieved February 22, 2009.
  29. ^ "BMO Field". mlsnet.com. Retrieved February 22, 2009. [dead link]
  30. ^ "Expansion of city-owned BMO Field considered". Toronto: The Globe and Mail. Retrieved February 22, 2009.
  31. ^ "About Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment". hcareers.ca. Retrieved February 22, 2009.
  32. ^ "North End Expansion Of BMO Field". torontofc.ca. Retrieved March 18, 2010.
  33. ^ Girard, Daniel (March 18, 2009). "MLSE spies big BMO Field expansion". Toronto Star. Retrieved March 18, 2009.
  34. ^ "Meet Us". mlsnet.com. Retrieved February 22, 2009.
  35. ^ "Execs put on hot seat". slam.canoe.ca. Retrieved February 22, 2009.
  36. ^ Girard, Daniel (March 18, 2009). "MLSE spies big BMO Field expansion". Toronto: thestar.com. Retrieved March 18, 2009.
  37. ^ "Toronto fan passion unsurpassed in MLS". soccernet.espn.go.com. Retrieved February 22, 2009.
  38. ^ Campbell, Morgan (March 30, 2008). "TFC fans paint Columbus red". Toronto: thestar.ca. Retrieved March 7, 2009.
  39. ^ "Twitter / Paulbeirne: @bgnewf a little less. #IMFC". Twitter.com. Retrieved May 3, 2013.
  40. ^ "Toronto FC Finalizes Technical Staff For TFC Academy". oursportscentral.com. Retrieved February 22, 2009.
  41. ^ "TFC Academy". mlsnet.com. Retrieved February 22, 2009.
  42. ^ "TFC high on new facility | Soccer | Sports". Toronto Sun. May 29, 2012. Retrieved May 3, 2013.
  43. ^ Wharnsby, Tim (December 9, 2011). "Why Rogers and Bell bundled together for MLSE". CBCSports.ca. Retrieved March 3, 2013. In order to come together on this venture, Rogers and Bell agreed on how to divide the content for its sports stations. For the most part, it will be a 50-50 split.
  44. ^ "MLS Announces TSN Partnership | Toronto FC". Torontofc.ca. February 16, 2011. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
  45. ^ "Players | Toronto FC". torontofc.ca. Retrieved July 20, 2012.
  46. ^ "Reds Reveal Roster | Toronto FC". Torontofc.ca. February 17, 2013. Retrieved May 3, 2013.
  47. ^ "Management Team | Toronto FC". Torontofc.ca. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  48. ^ "First Team Staff | Toronto FC". Torontofc.ca. April 6, 2010. Retrieved January 10, 2014.
  49. ^ "2011-04-13: Toronto FC vs. LA Galaxy". MLSsoccer.com. April 13, 2011. Retrieved December 3, 2011.
  50. ^ "2012-03-07-TOR-v-LA". MLSsoccer.com. March 7, 2012. Retrieved April 11, 2012.

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