The 2025 MLS regular season kicks off today.
The campaign for Toronto FC begins at Audi Field, away to D.C. United with kickoff set for 7:30 pm.
This week, for new head coach Robin Fraser, has been about double checking all the details before that opening whistle is blown.
“Make sure that we've covered everything that we need to cover with regard to how we play, with regard to what we expect from D.C.,” he listed on Thursday, asked what was on his mind heading in. “To make sure we are as prepared as possible.”
“In terms of the players, it's getting them to identify and recognize the things that they are now doing really well and how important it’s going to be to execute some of these things in the game,” Fraser continued. “It's a new season, D.C. is a good team, they have the top scorer in the league [Christian Benteke led MLS with 23 goals in 2024]. This is going to be a huge test for us.”
The six weeks of preseason since players reported back to the BMO Training Ground have flown by. Toronto spent the first phase in Marbella, Spain before relocating to Palm Springs, Florida at the start of the month for phase two.
With three matches and dozens of training sessions under their belts, much has been accomplished.
“We've made good steps from the first day of preseason up to now,” said TFC captain Jonathan Osorio. “We used the games that we played to see the things that are strengths, see our weaknesses and work on those or make adjustments.”
“The group has worked really hard,” he continued. “The new additions have come in, have had a great attitude and have really established themselves in the group in a great way. This group is just itching to play now. We're ready for the season to start.”
Between the new coach, a new system, and a handful of attacking additions, be prepared for a different looking TFC this season.
“We still have a good core of the group that's the same from last year,” balanced Osorio. “That's a good thing: we can work on the steps that we took from last year. Robin has implemented his ideas and his philosophy into the group. You'll be seeing a team that's playing in a different way than last year.”
Thus far Toronto has added four players to the roster.
Wide attacker, Canadian international, and TFC Academy product Theo Corbeanu, on loan from Granada CF has been in place since January. Norwegian striker Ola Brynhildsen finally saw his loan from FC Midtjylland get across the line last weekend, and a pair of homegrown signings – goalkeeper Adisa De Rosario and midfielder Marcus Cimermancic – have also been confirmed.
The vibe among the group is good, according to the captain.
“It's positive,” said Osorio. “Honestly, it's great. During these preseasons you really get to know each other really well, the camaraderie and everything improves. That part has been really good within the group.”
“In Robin's teams that's important,” he outlined. “He preaches that an important factor in any good team is unity and a group that's willing to fight for each other. I think we built that this preseason.”
Saturday will be a special day for Fraser, making his return to the TFC touchline, this time as the head coach.
“I've spoken about the affinity I have for the club,” he smiled. “Professional sports are what they are, jobs come and go, coaches come and go, but this is an opportunity to contribute to what I think is a fantastic franchise and move us forward.”
Following Saturday’s season opener, Toronto’s road start will continue over the next few weeks with stops in Florida on March 1 at Orlando City SC and in Ohio on March 8 against FC Cincinnati leading into the home opener against the Chicago Fire at BMO Field on March 15.
It’s 2025.
Game one of 34 is fast approaching.
All is potential.
For Osorio this year is principally about one thing: “Keep moving this club in the right direction.”
“And for me personally it's fighting to be in the playoffs,” Osorio closed. “That's what this league is about. We were close last year and I feel like we can take that next step this year and finally bring this club back to the playoffs. It's what the fans deserve.”
