Toronto FC: 4 takeaways from season-opening win in Philadelphia
By Paul Taylor

We break down an encouraging start for Toronto FC, as they come away from Talen Energy Stadium with a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Union.
There was considerable consternation among Toronto FC fans ahead of Saturdayâs MLS season opener in Philadelphia. Looking to bounce back from a nightmare season in 2018, the preparations werenât particularly encouraging.
TFC decided to let Victor Vazquez leave, which was bad enough. This was soon followed by the loss of Sebastian Giovinco which, no matter who you believe or whose side youâre on, remains extremely questionable.
Then there was the humiliating exit at the first stage of the Champions League. And to top it all off, Jozy Altidore was still out after having offseason surgery on his ankle, while also dealing with a knee issue.
In the end though none of it mattered, as the Reds started the 2019 MLS season with a hard-earned 3-1 win against the Union. While there is still plenty to be concerned with, itâs tough to argue with three points on opening day.
As head coach Greg Vanney told Sportsnetâs John Molinaro and the rest of the media: âIt was a mentality win.â Letâs break down all the action with our four takeaways.