Toronto FC the team to beat in Major League Soccer
There could be a new team to beat in Major League Soccer this season. Following last season’s disappointing finish, Toronto FC appear ready to take charge, becoming the top team in the MLS.
Toronto FC were expected to be major contenders last season. After all, the club brought in England and Tottenham star Jermain Defoe and American star Michael Bradley as designated players. With these signings, Toronto was expected to contend for the MLS Cup title. However, all did not go to plan for the Canadian club.
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Toronto finished seventh in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference, eight points out of a playoff spot. The side only won twice in their last thirteen matches, including going winless in the side’s last five games. To make matters worse, designated player Jermain Defoe only played in 16 matches before sustaining an injury and missing the rest of the season.
The season was a major disappointment for both the club and its fans, most of whom expected a trip to the MLS Cup final. The worse the squad played, the worse the news coming out of the club became. Near the end of August, Jermain Defoe became noncommittal on his future with the club. With this news, many expected Defoe to leave the club before the 2015 season.
But with Defoe gone, who can step up and fill the void left by the England international? The answer came in the form of American star Jozy Altidore. Altidore had experienced the worst form of his career with English Premier League side Sunderland, scoring once in his 40 league matches with the club.
Toronto was able to work out a deal, sending the troubled Defoe to Sunderland in exchange for Altidore. Altidore brings with his youthful age and an expected savings of $9 million over the next three years. Altidore also appears more eager to play for Toronto than Defoe. Altidore expressed how excited he was following his introduction to the club.
"“I want to instantly show the fans that I’m here for a reason. I’m very hungry to succeed. I wouldn’t have come here for any other reason.”"
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However, Toronto are not finished making major news just yet. Reports are surfacing that Toronto FC are set to sign Italian international Sebastian Giovinco. The Juventus man is widely expected to join Toronto FC on a designated player contract in July, following the expiration of his current contract.
Giovinco signing for the club would give them not only world class talent, but also talent at their peak ages. Giovinco (27), Bradley (27) and Altidore (25) would make Toronto FC one of the most skilled teams not only in Major League Soccer, but possibly in all of North and South America.
With Altidore, Bradley and Giovinco, Toronto FC should be the team to beat in Major League Soccer. With the youth of the club’s top three, Toronto has the potential to contend for the next few seasons. Should they play to their potential, Toronto has a chance to join DC United and Los Angeles Galaxy at the top, becoming one of Major League Soccer’s greatest clubs.
Expect to see Toronto FC not only in the playoffs this season, but also in the running for both the Supporters Shield and MLS Cup titles.