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Toronto FC: 4 questions for the 2022 MLS regular season

By Paul Taylor

MONTREAL, QC - NOVEMBER 21: Members of Toronto FC huddle prior to the game against CF Montréal during the 2021 Canadian Championship Final at Stade Saputo on November 21, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. CF Montréal defeated Toronto FC 1-0 to become the 2021 Canadian Champions. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
MONTREAL, QC - NOVEMBER 21: Members of Toronto FC huddle prior to the game against CF Montréal during the 2021 Canadian Championship Final at Stade Saputo on November 21, 2021 in Montreal, Canada. CF Montréal defeated Toronto FC 1-0 to become the 2021 Canadian Champions. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /
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Toronto FC
Jun 23, 2021; Nashville, TN, USA; Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley (4) and Toronto FC midfielder Jonathan Osorio (21) celebrate after a goal during the first half against the Nashville SC at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

2) What state will TFC be in when Insigne arrives?

Everyone concerned is quite rightly excited about Lorenzo Insigne coming to Toronto. However, there is the not so small aspect of navigating the season prior to his arrival.

Insigne’s first game is projected to be the home clash with the Sounders at the beginning of July. This means that Toronto FC will have played exactly half of their 2022 regular season games by the time he takes the field for them.

This leads to the question of what position TFC will be in, when the Italian makes his debut for them? Will they be challenging, in mid-table, or having a run of form similar to last year’s disastrous campaign?

The latter seems the least likely outcome, just because of Bradley and his history of immediately getting expansion sides and struggling clubs to perform well on a consistent basis. Additionally, the nucleus of talent is there, whether it be recent additions, younger players coming through the ranks, or established veterans.

However, as much as we do not predict the Reds will struggle, the significant revamp of the roster will play a factor in how they perform, especially early on. It is going to take time for the team to gel on the field, both in terms of the new players and Bradley’s game plan; the current lack of depth in midfield is also of some concern.

These factors are reflected in TFC’s odds entering the season. As per Mlssoccer.com, BetMGM has them tied 12th with four other clubs at +2500 to win the MLS Cup.

Overall, the fans will need some patience with their club as they adapt to a new era in Toronto. They won’t be as bad as last season — this isn’t saying much to be fair — but they also shouldn’t be expected to come flying out of the gates.

Prediction: TFC will be on the verge of a playoff spot when Insigne arrives.

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