Among sports fans, loyalty is a sacred thing. Most of us are the die-hard, unconditional type. We especially love the underdog, the comeback, and the classic franchise rebuild as we hang on until the bitter end.
In its seven year history, Toronto FC has mercilessly tested fan loyalty. Empty stands, slumping season ticket sales, and passionate outcries at post season town hall meetings have proven the test to be largely failed. And there is the void of MLS Playoffs in Toronto.
A porous defense allowing soft, gifted goals at the worst possible times, and an anemic offense that relied on little more than luck, contributed to a reputation as an easy opponent and constant basement-dweller. A revolving door of managers and expensive designated players from 2007 to 2011 couldn’t provide even modest success. In that time, the MLS progressively got better, more competitive. To make matters worse, younger expansion teams such as the Seattle Sounders, Philadelphia Union, Montreal Impact, and Vancouver Whitecaps all enjoyed early success. If they could do it, why not TFC? Fan discontent threatened the future and owners Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment finally had to listen. The response was to clean house once more, starting at the top.
The first move was to hire Kevin Payne, a proven successful builder as manager of DC United. The second was to hire a coach with a winning flair. This came in the form of New Zealand international Ryan Nelson, freshly retired from Queen’s Park Rangers of the English Premier League.
A string of close losses, despite improved play, proved costly for Payne as he was let go halfway through the 2012 season. Payne appeared to have vision but his approach seemed abrasive, at least as presented by the media, as he showed fans little sympathy. While it seemed a low ebb, it would prove to be a turning point, as subsequent moves by MLSE in the summer of 2013 saw the arrival of a President and CEO for MLSE in the form of Tim Leiweke (formerly of Anschutz Entertainment Group and Los Angeles Kings and Galaxy success) and new general manager Tim Bezbatchenko, a former MLS player who rose to the League’s head office.
The new management team appeared to share the workload, as Nelson received assistance in scouting, recruitment, and enjoyed the luxury of focusing on developing the on-field product. One of his first priorities was to shore up the defense. His centerpiece proved to be Steven Caldwell, a Scottish veteran center back from Birmingham City. Originally brought in on loan, Caldwell signed long-term and became a proven leader and captain.
At the end of the 2013 campaign, Leiweke promised significant changes. TFC’s playoff prospects had been determined long before seasons end and moves were needed to stop the financial bleeding induced by the overpaid and underperforming. On the way out were high-energy right back Richard Eckersley, oft-injured but offensively dangerous Danny Koevermans, and all-time favorite goalkeeper Stefan Frei. Housecleaning had become commonplace but this time the follow-up signings would prove to be astounding to the TFC faithful.
By January of 2014, additions would include three new designated players: Brazilian striker Gilberto, Tottenham goal-scorer Jermaine Defoe, and American international midfielder Michael Bradley, straight from AS Roma of Italy. A later addition would include a goalkeeper in the form of Brazilian Julio Cesar, on loan from Queen’s Park.
If anything, this was a sincere attempt to commit resources to the success of the franchise. It left some critics still doubtful as to whether it was a focus on the long term. Leiweke appeared undeterred and guaranteed playoff contention within the season. Subsequent signings included popular native son Dwayne DeRosario, a long time MLS star who was quite successful in his previous short stint with the club. Other signings from within MLS included defender Justin Morrow from the San Jose Earthquakes and Brazilian midfielder Jackson from FC Dallas. An unfortunate loss was the sacrifice of young Argentinian midfielder, Matias Laba who was sent to Vancouver for allocation money. While it seemed necessary to make cap space for the incoming, many moves were critical. Laba had been the club’s best player by far, as a holding midfielder of quality. He was seen as the centerpiece in building for the future.
The season began on a high note with a win in Seattle, but a flurry of injuries and lack of chemistry resulted in a string of losses. Nelson was reserved, asked for patience, indicating that building would take time. Despite commitment to defence first, the growth of youth through the local academy, and flashes of star brilliance, the team struggled to build an identity. The hope was for a squad that would be tough to play against and that at a minimum, would provide attractive football.
It would take until June, just prior to the World Cup break, before the team would creep into playoff standing. Though somewhat precarious, continuous success through wins against Columbus, New York, Houston, and MLS defending champions Sporting Kansas City, have proven to be landmark wins on the road to Leiweke’s vision. Interestingly, while Defoe has provided brilliant offense, much success has been due to clutch goal scoring from recent acquisitions such as Luke Moore and Dominic Oduro. Midfield control through Collen Warner, Bradley, and Jonathan Osorio has been the difference. Success in youth recruitment as shown by defenders Mark Bloom and potential rookie candidate Nick Hagglund has been promising. Further depth has been provided by EPL Queen’s Park loaner Bradley Orr. New depth in the squad has so far alleviated potential injury misfortune. Canadian prospects Doneil Henry and Kyle Bekker have seen a fair share of the pitch as the club continues a commitment to homegrown talent. The contribution from these players and the academy component itself is probably worthy of a separate article.
So, the question remains….is the 2014 version of TFC for real or not? Are the playoffs a realistic possibility?
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Main Photo via Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images
