Toronto FC: 5 Observations From the 2016 Schedule
By Paul Taylor
With the release of the 2016 MLS schedule, here are some initial thoughts on the key dates for the Toronto FC.
Thursday represented the first key date of 2016 for Toronto FC fans. No matter how old you get, finding out your team’s schedule for the upcoming season is always an exciting time for supporters.
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The release of the fixture list also often represents a time of high hopes for Toronto FC and Major League Soccer fans in general. The season has yet to start, allowing you to dream of what might be.
After qualifying for the playoffs for the first time last year, it is all set up for this to be TFC’s most exciting season yet in MLS. With that in mind, here are five observations to take away from their 2016 schedule.
1) Home opener (May 7)
Toronto FC fans already knew the date for their home opener, before the release of the full schedule on Thursday. Regardless, home openers are always special occasions.
TFC will be hoping the fans can help them make BMO Field an intimidating place for teams to visit in 2016. Talking of the fans, they should be raring to go, given the fact they will have to wait eight weeks after the season kicks off, to go to a home game.
FC Dallas will represents the opponent, which should add even more incentive for the Reds. Toronto lost the only game between the two sides last season, leaving Toyota Stadium on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline.
2) Out for revenge (April 23)
Games involving Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact are always going to be intense affairs, especially with the rivalry between the two cities. However, the first meeting of 2016 will be even more highly anticipated than usual.
April 23 will offer the first chance for TFC to gain at least some measure of revenge for the embarrassing 3-0 defeat the last time the rivals met. The loss resulted in the Reds being one-and-done in their first ever playoffs appearance,
Just to give Toronto FC even more motivation – as if they needed any – the first encounter will take place in Montreal, the scene of their playoff nightmare. Prepare for some fireworks!
3) Renewing a rivalry (May 14)
Similar to facing Montreal, Toronto fans will be excited to take on their other Canadian rivals in MLS. Certainly, encounters with the Vancouver Whitecaps are always something to look forward to.
Unfortunately, with the exception of the Whitecaps inaugural MLS campaign in 2011, the two sides only meet once a year during the regular season. The last match-up took place on opening day in 2015, with Toronto FC securing an impressive 3-1 victory in Vancouver.
This time, the Reds will have the advantage of hosting the game at BMO Field, where the Whitecaps always struggle. In three regular season visits to Southern Ontario, Vancouver have tied once and lost twice.
4) Entertaining the MLS Cup champions (May 1)
One of the best ways for any team to get some idea of how far they have progressed, is to play the reigning champions. As such, Toronto FC will be keen to take on the Portland Timbers.
TFC get their opportunity on May 1, when they face Portland. As with last season, the two sides will only meet once in 2016.
Toronto FC will be hoping for a similar result to the last encounter, when they won 1-0 with – who else – Sebastian Giovinco scoring the winning goal. The only difference on this occasion is that the match-up will take place at Providence Park.
5) By the numbers
TFC begin the 2016 campaign where they always do – on the road. This will be the tenth straight season they have opened their season playing away from home.
Furthermore – as we mentioned earlier – the Reds will play eight consecutive road games to start the season, while renovations are completed to BMO Field. This is actually one more than last season, when they faced a similar scenario, with one of the few pluses being they will not play any mid-week games during this period.
The positive to take out of this scenario is the home-heavy schedule after this point, which should benefit TFC – as long as they remain in playoff contention. In this respect, five of their final six games of the regular season will take place at BMO Field.
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What are your thoughts on Toronto FC’s 2016 schedule? Let us know in the comments section below.