The New and improved TFC!

By: Mark Shannon

The last few years for Toronto FC fans haven’t been all that exciting.  The team has been considered the laughing stock of the league ever since it’s inception into the league.  Seven years and no playoffs….Talk about Toronto Maple Leafs 2.0.

Those are the echoes of TFC Supporters heard at home, and away as the Reds take on the MLS.  

Toronto till I die,
Toronto till I die,
I know I am I’m sure I am,
Toronto till I die…

Toronto FC fans have something to finally cheer about in the early outsets of the season. Toronto FC are off to their best start in franchise history with a 3-1-0 record and are tied for first with Columbus on nine points. Tim Bezbatchenko, Ryan Nelsen, and Tim Leiweke are the brain trust behind what should be a cup contender for years to come.  There are no David Clarkson like contracts on TFC, no James Reimers between the pipes, but there is a greater determination to succeed.

With the addition of some big names in Europe Toronto has transformed themselves from a bottom feeder…to a MLS powerhouse…or so we hope.  Jermaine Defoe is the biggest name to jump aboard the MLS bandwagon since David Beckham in 2007.  Defoe was known to be a clinical finisher in front of goal and through three games (dealing with injury the last two) has notched three goals.  American international Michael “Pitbull” Bradley as we like to call him has given TFC an identity in the middle of the park that they have lacked since joining the MLS.  Bradley’s take no prisoners attitude (as evidenced by his head wound) is what it takes to win games and it seems to be rubbing off on the other players. Bradley also has the pugnaciousness that Brian Bur….I mean Ryan Nelsen would like in his squad.

Julio Cesar even though he is only with the team for a few months is a great addition because he has the leadership and veteran presence in the net.  He’s been around the block a few times and will be leading Brazil into the World Cup come June! Gilberto another addition in the winter has showed flashes of brilliance in front of net.

When Toronto and their newcomers get accustomed to each other….look out because they’re going to be tough to beat.