TFC's Lukas MacNaughton has come a long way since CPL days
"I’m not a guy that’s come from the CPL anymore. This year is about proving myself. It’s no longer about me belonging here," the defender says.
2022 was a year of firsts for Lukas MacNaughton.
MacNaughton made his first appearance with Toronto FC after transferring to the club from Pacific FC, becoming one of the few players to make the move from the CPL to MLS.
He scored his first goal for TFC in the Canadian Championship final against the Vancouver Whitecaps and finished off the year by earning his first call up to the Canadian men's team, highlighted by his first cap in a friendly vs. Bahrain. He also travelled to Qatar and trained with the team during the World Cup.
Now the 27-year-old centre back is looking for more from himself with the 2023 MLS season about to kick off and Canada set to play in some important games this year.
In this one-on-one interview with TFC Republic, MacNaughton discusses his first MLS campaign and making the jump from the CPL, his debut for Canada, competition for playing time at Toronto FC with Matt Hedges and Sigurd Rosted, and much more.
