Toronto FC's fourth season kicks off Saturday in Columbus as the Reds attempt to create history by beating the Crew for the first time. The game will be broadcast live in High Definition on GOLTV Canada and on the radio on The FAN 590.
A new era begins for Toronto with Preki in charge of his first MLS game with the team, and despite problems scoring goals during preseason, the coach believes his squad is capable of causing an opening day upset.
"We are all very excited about this opening match and having the chance to start competing," he said. "The players have been working hard and this will continue to be a work in progress. Everyone is committed and we have quality. We shouldn't be afraid to play against anybody."
The Reds were unable to score a goal in their final preseason tournament in Charleston, but Preki is concentrating on making his side difficult to beat. "I'm not really concerned about scoring goals. We have to be hard to play against and not give goals away. I'm sure we will find people to score goals from throughout the team. We have to share the load all over the pitch and if we do that we will become successful."
With pieces still being added to the squad in the build up to First Kick, Preki knows there is still much work to do. The TFC coach preaches patience, but also believes his team has the ability to have a successful season.
"It is a group effort and not an individual sport. If we work hard we can achieve things. The stronger we are as a group the more we can achieve. It is a process and we are not going to be good overnight, but we will be good at some point. We have some really good players here and we just have to learn to play together."
The Trillum Cup is once again on the line for the winners of the season series between TFC and the Crew, with Toronto yet to win a match against Columbus (Played 9, Drawn 5, Lost 4). The Crew have the advantage of already having played competitive matches this year, losing 5-4 in a two-leg CONCACAF Champions League Quarter Final against Toluca of Mexico earlier this month.
Toronto FC will debut a new white road kit against Columbus.
