Limiting turnovers and shutting down the threat posed by Portland striker Kenny Cooper are essential for Toronto FC to enjoy a successful home opener at BMO Field on Saturday (2 p.m. kickoff on TSN).
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But more vital to the Reds’ chances is that their 12th man – the Toronto FC supporter – gets to BMO Field safely, comfortably and early. Here is our special home opener edition of keys to the game:
TTC Closure
New track installation means that on Saturday the Yonge-University-Spadina Subway lines will be closed. The Toronto Transit Commission will be running shuttle buses above ground in its place. If you rely on the subway to get to a match as much as Stefan Frei relies on his cat-like reflexes, please plan accordingly as buses will likely take longer than the subway.
The Weather
Our pitch is heated, the seats are not. For Saturday’s home opener the Weather Networkis throwing up a yellow card and cautioning everyone to dress appropriately. As of Friday afternoon the matchday temperature projected at game time will be -3°C with 20km/h winds on average. This means toques, scarves and something to keep your hands warm between “TFC-clap-clap-clap…” – you know the drill.
Drive Safely & Arrive Early
Gates to BMO Field will open at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, a full 90 minutes before kickoff. This allows fans plenty of time to take in the extended north patio during warm-ups and give the Reds a thundering ‘welcome back’ when they emerge from the tunnel before kickoff. Exhibition Grounds is a busy place Saturday, which will make parking difficult. If you are driving, give yourself time and please arrive safely.
A New Era
At Thursday’s Toronto FC Kickoff presented by Carlsberg, head coach and technical director Aron Winter mentioned the importance of the 12th man as he charts the course toward a new era by the Lake. We at TorontoFC.ca couldn’t agree with him more.
See you on Saturday.
To learn more about the new management team headed by Aron Winter and read special features on Toronto FC players, including Stefan Frei, pick up a Matchday Programme for $5 at BMO Field.
