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When we look back at the last six seasons of Toronto FC, there are many good memories and plenty of bad memories, too. For every Canadian championship victory is a 6-1 blowout, for every Miracle in Montreal, a debacle in New York.
Missed playoffs, superstar departures, dud players, and a constant rotation of head coaches have made Toronto FC a club known for its dysfunctional environment. It’s unfortunate, since Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment have been very accommodating to the cities Major League Soccer side, constantly filling out the roster with expensive designated players, shelling out when necessary and providing the kind of business support some clubs only dream of.
Looking at the investment in Downsview Park with the Kia Training Ground and Toronto FC Academy facility, it’s clear that Toronto FC’s problems haven’t really come from a lack of resources – millions of dollars have been poured into making Toronto FC a successful side.
The current structure sees former D.C. United president Kevin Payne leading the club as its president and general manager; former England international Paul Mariner, who oversaw the team after Aron Winter’s departure, fills the head coach position. The two will attempt to right the ship at BMO Field and find some much needed success in year seven.
That means playoffs, plain and simple, though it probably won’t happen this year. What Toronto FC fans need this season, however, is progress, measurable, visible progress. No more finishing in dead last, no more nine game losing streaks, no more 6-1 blowouts, no more he-said, they-said player-management drama, and no more $10 beers.
(That last one is probably most important).
Toronto FC has six years of bad habits and poor results, but it’s important to put this behind them and look forward. It’s why, on day six, TFC’s Christmas wish must be six seasons of memories, not to be repeated, not to be relived, to be put away and looked back on.
Times are changing, and what Toronto FC needs is a fresh new approach to Major League Soccer. Signs are good, too, that under Kevin Payne, the club may just turn around their fortunes and become a team this city can be proud of. The offseason has been good to the club thus far.
It’s time Toronto FC entered into a new era in MLS. With six years behind them, now is the time to look forward.
We’ll always have the memories – now let’s get some results.
Related:
• On the 5th day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: Five ACCs!
• On the 4th day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: Four Midfielders
• On the 3rd day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: Three Smart Drafts
• On the 2nd day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: Two Centerbacks
• On the 1st day of Christmas, Payne gave to TFC: A Winterized BMO Field
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