Season Preview: TORONTO FC

Welcome to my 7th annual MLS Season Preview. This year, every club gets its own dedicated preview, so lets get stuck in with Toronto FC...



IN:
M Marco Delgado (11/19/14 - Dispersal Draft)
M Daniel Lovitz (12/10/14 - traded from NYCFC)
F Robbie Findley (12/12/14 - Re-Entry Stage 1 Draft)
M Jay Chapman (1/15/15 - Homegrown)
GK Alex Bono (1/15/15 - SuperDraft)
F Jozy Altidore (1/16/15 - transfer from Sunderland)
M/F Sebastian Giovinco (1/19/15 - free)
D Damien Perquis (1/26/15 - free)
D/F Eriq Zavaleta (1/26/15 - traded from Seattle)
M Benoit Cheyrou (1/29/15 - free)


OUT:
F Dwayne De Rosario (12/3/14 - option declined)
D Doneil Henry (12/3/14 - loan expired)
D Bradley Orr (12/3/14 - loan expired)
D Ryan Richter (12/3/14 - option declined)
F Andrew Wiedeman (12/3/14 - option declined)
M Daniel Lovitz (12/10/14 - Expansion Draft to NYCFC)
M Jeremy Hall (12/18/14 - traded to New England)
F Jermain Defoe (1/16/15 - transfer to Sunderland)
M Kyle Bekker (1/21/15 - traded to Dallas)
F Dominic Oduro (1/27/15 - traded to Montreal)
F Gilberto (2/20/15 - loaned to Vasco da Gama)


MANAGER: Greg Vanney



Last season, Toronto threw money at their roster, unbalanced as it was, hoping they would finally break through and become a playoff team. While he started hot, striker Jermaine Defoe soon became injured, and petered out before being sold this winter to Sunderland in England. Gilberto started cold, but heated up in July, but not enough for TFC brass, and he too has been shipped out to Vasco da Gama. Michael Bradley had a strong season, but his leave for the World Cup, and tiring legs in the second half of the season couldn't push TFC over the hill for the first time.

This season, they finally seem to have balance and a plan. They still are splashing the cash, but now with a wiser intent.

Up front, Jozy Altidore returns to MLS from Sunderland, replacing the departed Jermaine Defoe. While Defoe was more prolific when he was fit, Altidore is less pace filled poacher, and more bruiser with a nose for goal, giving TFC the edge they lacked last season.

Supporting Altidore will be new DP addition "Atomic Ant" Sebastian Giovinco. The minuscule creative dynamo looks to chip in a few goals this season at the number 10 position, while creating for all of the other attacking options Toronto will have in play. The wide men will be new addition Robbie Findley out right, and converted from central mid Jonathan Osario out left, with the pace filled Jackson spelling either man. In central mid, new captain Michael Bradley returns in his box to box role, now accompanied by Benoit Cheyrou. Together, they will provide excellent cover by the defense while also complementing the attack.

Defensively, West Ham United picked up Doneil Henry, leaving a hole now to be filled by Damien Perquis, teaming with former TFC captain Caldwell in central defense. The fullback position will be filled by returning veterans Morrow and the underrated Bloom. The man between the sticks will be Joe Bendik. Though shaky last season, if the TFC defense can solidify, their goal output should be enough to rise them up the table.

Overall, TFC looks more solid than they ever have before, and if after another massive financial outlay, ninth coach in TFC history Greg Vanney could be under the most pressure of any manager this season. They need a strong start, but that could be hampered by stadium renovations that will see them on the road until May. A heavy back loaded home schedule has worked in the past for Sporting KC, but with the pressures of Toronto, the early season could tell the tale of where TFC finish.


2014 Eastern Conference Finish: 7th
Predicted 2015 Eastern Conference Finish: 4th


Thanks you for reading my season preview for Toronto FC. Feel free to check out any or all of the other club dedicated previews, and as always, remember, MLS Matters.