TFC Republic Weekly: March 17-23
With just one point from four games, Toronto FC will try to earn its first win of the season when it visits the New York Red Bulls this weekend.
Welcome to the latest edition of TFC Republic Weekly, an email newsletter that will land in the inbox of both paid subscribers and free members of TFC Republic every Monday.
This newsletter will look at what's in store over the next seven days for Toronto FC, and also get a glimpse of what to expect at TFC Republic in the coming days.
So, without further ado...
Toronto FC without a win through first 4 games
Toronto FC is still searching for its first win of the MLS season after suffering a 2-1 loss to the Chicago Fire in its home opener this past weekend.
TFC (0-3-1) took an 11-minute lead through Deandre Kerr and controlled things early on, but then gave up two goals before halftime en route to its third loss of the campaign. Despite the defeat and the Reds' uneven performance, coach Robin Fraser said he was "more excited about this team right now," given the number of setbacks it’s suffered with injuries, a hectic travel schedule and lack of wins.
"The first 25 minutes or so, I thought we were in really good control and gaining confidence, and scored a fantastic goal. And then as soon as we get a little bit off of what it is we're trying to do, things get away from us a little bit. So, I was disappointed that we lost control again," Fraser said in the post-match press conference.
Defender Lazar Stefanovic added: "We basically have been living [out of] a suitcase, traveling everywhere. It was a good feeling to be back home ... It's unfortunate [about] the result, but I'm sure that the team's gonna start figuring things out, and we're gonna make sure that the fans are on our side."
John Molinaro
Still no Lorenzo Insigne for the Reds
Italian DP Lorenzo Insigne was involved in full training with the rest of the team last week but didn't make the matchday squad for a fourth straight week.
Robin Fraser confirmed earlier this month that Insigne was available for selection, but said he chooses players "who we feel like will give us the best chance to win the game." He doubled down on that sentiment following last Friday's practice at BMO Field.
"You know, really, what it comes down to, I suppose, is that the club went to great extent to come up with a club philosophy and the way that they want to play and how they're trying to move forward based on what they've done in the past," Fraser said.
"And really what falls on me is to select the group that is going to play in accordance with how the club wants to play. And so that's been some of the reasoning behind some of the choices."
John Molinaro
TFC vs. New York Red Bulls on Saturday
Toronto FC heads back on the road when it tangles with the New York Red Bulls at Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET/Apple TV).
After suffering a loss in its home opener, New York (1-1-2) is riding a three-game unbeaten run, with two consecutive draws, including a 2-2 stalemate at home vs. Orlando City last weekend. Dennis Gjengaar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored in the come-from-behind effort for the Red Bulls, while former TFC fullback Raheem Edwards collected an assist. It was Edwards' first assist for New York and the 29th of his MLS career.
"I would say, most of the time, we control the goals. We conceded two goals in an easy way, especially the second goal. [Should] we have to be happy at the end of this game with this point? That's, for me, not possible today, to be honest," coach Sandro Schwarz said.
New York leads the all-time MLS regular season series against Toronto with 23 wins and nine draws in 42 meetings.
These teams will meet again on June 25 at BMO Field.
John Molinaro
CanMNT at Concacaf Nations League
A major trophy will be on the line when the Canadian men's team plays its first two matches of the year this week.
Ranked No. 31 in the world, Canada faces No. 19 Mexico in the Concacaf Nations League semifinals on March 20. On the same day, the United States (No. 16) meets Panama (No. 36) in the other semifinal. The two winners meet in the final slated for March 23, while the losers square off in the third-place match. All games will take place in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium, which is one of the venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Canada finished fifth (2023-24), second (2022-23) and fifth (2019-20) in the three previous editions of the Concacaf Nations League. Les Rouges are attempting to win their first major trophy since hoisting the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2000.
"I think this is the strongest that the Canadian national team has ever looked. And we're excited for the challenge of what next week will bring," coach Jesse Marsch said.
Included in Marsch's latest roster are forwards Promise David (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise) and Daniel Jebbison (AFC Bournemouth) who’ll be looking to earn their first caps for Canada. TFC captain Jonathan Osorio is also included in Canada's 23-man squad.
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Stories to look out for at TFC Republic
Toronto FC is undergoing a youth movement this season. In an attempt to become more athletic, TFC have turned to younger players to help them get back on track, while at the same time navigate the peculiar rigours of MLS. I spoke to several players and club GM Jason Hernandez about the team turning to youth. Look for my feature story in the coming days.
Other stories that will be published later this week include:
- A TFC notebook column after Tuesday or Wednesday's training session.
- In-depth pre- and post-game coverage of Toronto's match vs. New York.
- A new audio interview piece with Michael Battista of New York Sports Nation ahead of Saturday's game.
- A new TFC Random Thoughts column.
- A new TFC Talk interview with beat reporter James Grossi.
- Regular "TFC Tidbits" stories throughout the week.
- In-depth pre- and post-game coverage of Canada's games at the Concacaf Nations League.
- And much more!
TFC Republic mailbag
TFC Republic will feature a regular reader mailbag column where I answer questions from subscribers about Toronto FC and Canadian soccer in general.
I'll answer the best questions submitted to me by TFC Republic readers, so feel free to drop me an email at jmo1897@gmail.com. You can also reach out to me via Twitter.
(Top photo courtesy of Lucas Kschischang/Toronto FC)
TFC Republic has a comments section! At the very bottom of every story, there is a feature where you can post your comments, so be sure to share your thoughts and views.
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