Hello everyone, I am new! I hope to cheekily probe this forum for information! I am a football (soccer) obsessed Brit who hopes to learn a lot more about MLS generally. I write content for some UK based websites on a freelance basis. There is growing interest in MLS and I see an opportunity to start positioning myself as an MLS expert. To get there I need to do my research. I think by far the best way to shortcut this is to ask club fans their thoughts. So if one or two of you could indulge me.... 1) What do you think your team's prospects are for 2022 2) Who in your existing roster do you think can be a breakout player in 2022. Why? (By breakout player - I am thinking of someone who is currently on the fringes, but who you think will play MLS regularly next year with good success) 3) Is there anyone in your roster that you expect to leave and play at a top European club within a year or two. Do your think they would succeed? Why? 4) What is the atmosphere like at home games? I have watched games in a lot of countries and plan to take in some MLS games someday. Should your stadium be on the shortlist?! 5) Who at your club do you expect to play at next year's world cup? Many thanks in advance to anyone who is prepared to share their thoughts
Very difficult to say. The team is going to undergo massive changes over the off season, likely including replacing two of our three DPs and most of our defenders. If I had to guess, I'd say next year will be a middling sort of performance as the new players come together but pointing to a strong performance in 2023. Ralph Priso. The 19 year old Canadian midfielder had played himself into regular starting minutes this year before having his season ended by injury. Not at a top club, no. I don't see the next Alphonso Davies on our roster. There are a number of guys who could go to Europe and succeed at a reasonable level but TFC are extremely poor at moving players up the chain that way. Witness Julian Dunn, a promising young defender, who the team simply let go at the end of the season and who has now signed in Denmark. TFC buys high end (by MLS standards) players from Europe but doesn't seem interested in selling younger players in the other direction even if it means losing them on a free transfer. The future of Ayo Akinola with TFC is now in doubt the same way. It should definitely be on the shortlist once covid isn't messing with things. BMO Field is a fun place to watch a game with sizeable, engaged crowds. Equally importantly, Toronto is a great place to spend a couple of days, especially in the summer. Jonathan Osorio and Richie Laryea. A couple of the younger players have earned caps with the national team but won't likely make the World Cup roster. And I like how you phrase your question like you assume Canada will be there. Also possibly Chris Mavinga (DR Congo) and Kemar Lawrence (Jamaica) if their home countries make it.