Revisiting Toronto FC's starting 11 from 2007 home opener

(A version of this story was originally published on April 22, 2021, at TFC Republic) 

With Toronto FC set to play its home opener against Charlotte FC this weekend, I thought it might be fun to look back at the Reds' starting 11 from their very first home game: A 1-0 loss to the Kansas City Wizards on April 28, 2007, at BMO Field. 

As you may recall (or, maybe you want to forget), Toronto suffered shutout defeats in its first three games of their inaugural MLS season by a combined score of 9-0. So, by the time TFC were set to make their home debut (before a sellout crowd of 20,148 fans on what turned out to be a sunny, but slightly chilly Saturday afternoon) they were desperate for goals.  

Days before the home opener, coach/GM Mo Johnston made a move to sign Danny Dichio after he was released by former club Preston North End. The English forward made his debut for TFC against Kansas City, but he didn't score (he did pick up a yellow card, though). 

Here's how Toronto FC lined up that day.