Toronto FC: From MLS Treble Heroes to Trophy Drought – Time to Turn the Tide?
Toronto FC's journey from MLS also-rans to 2017 treble kings and back to playoff wilderness is chronicled, highlighting glory under Greg Vanney and recent woes with multiple coaches. Despite no postseason since 2020, new signings offer 2026 hope. Experts like Benedict Rhodes credit early spending and fan passion for past peaks.
Toronto FC: From MLS Treble Heroes to Trophy Drought – Time to Turn the Tide?
Imagine strolling into BMO Field back in 2017, the air thick with expectation. Toronto FC had just lifted the MLS Cup, Supporters' Shield, and Canadian Championship – a domestic treble no one's matched since. Fast-forward to now, and it's been a proper rollercoaster for the Reds, with more downs than ups lately. But with fresh signings and 2026 optimism bubbling, could the Six be set for a revival?
The Rocky Start and Golden Dawn
When Toronto FC rocked up to MLS in 2007 as the league's pioneer Canadian side, it was slim pickings on the pitch. Crowds were buzzing off-field, though – passionate fans packing the stands as the stadium expanded. Things shifted gears in 2013 when Tim Bezbatchenko took the GM reins.
He splashed cash on Designated Players like Jermain Defoe, Michael Bradley, and Gilberto in 2014, landing a club-record win tally but missing playoffs. Come 2015, the real magic hit: Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore stepped in as DPs, Greg Vanney grabbed the managerial hot seat. Boom – 49 points, 15 wins, 58 goals. They bowed out early to Montreal Impact, but the fireworks had begun.
2016 ramped it up: third in the East, Canadian Championship glory, and a playoff rampage past Philadelphia Union (3-1 agg), thrashing New York City FC 7-0 over two legs, then extra-time revenge on Montreal (5-2). MLS Cup heartbreak followed at home – pens loss to Seattle Sounders after a 0-0 draw. Gutting, but the dream lived on.
Peak Glory and Inevitable Slip
2017 was biblical. Top of the league with an MLS-record 69 points, another Canadian Championship, and playoff demolition jobs on New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew. Then, sweet redemption: 2-0 MLS Cup win over Seattle at BMO. Only Canadian side to nab the Cup, only treble winners ever. Legends.
2018 dipped to ninth, but they nearly snagged the CONCACAF Champions Cup, pipped by Chivas on spots. 2019 bounced back – fourth in East, scalps of DC United, NYCFC, Atlanta United – before another Seattle final KO (3-1 away). Pandemic-hit 2020 saw them qualify top-two in Shield race despite Connecticut exile, only to tumble 1-0 to Nashville first round.
The Long Night and Flickers of Hope
Post-2020, it's been grim. Greg Vanney out, Chris Armas in and axed quick. 2021 home games in Orlando under Javier Pérez (interim) – 13th East. Bob Bradley couldn't spark 2022 (another 13th), though they claimed the delayed 2020 Canadian Championship. 2023? Rock bottom – 22 points, last in East, three gaffers.
John Herdman, fresh from Canada's World Cup adventure, arrived late 2023 but 2024 ended 11th, no playoffs. Robin Fraser 2025? 12th East, same story. As Benedict Rhodes, managing editor at Canada Soccer Daily and Waking the Reds, puts it: "They've always had good, passionate crowds... The biggest keys were willingness to spend to finally get it right."
Urban Pitch at OneFootball nails it – Toronto's no "poverty franchise"; prestige lingers. No playoffs since 2020, no wins since 2019 final. Parity's MLS lifeblood, but this nadir's dragged. New blood in 2026? Influx of signings whispers yes. The Reds' ship might just right itself – fans deserve it after that drought.
(Word count: 612)