As part of its 10th anniversary celebrations, Toronto FC is proud to announce the Ten Seasons Heritage Series as part of the promotional schedule that will take place throughout the 2016 season at BMO Field.
The series will feature a collection of four matches that will look back and celebrate key players and moments from Toronto FC’s first ten seasons in Major League Soccer and the history of soccer in Toronto. Each match will feature player appearances, autograph signings and video collections highlighting the players and special moments. As part of the Heritage Series 15,000 limited edition Heritage Series player cards will be given away on entry to the first 15,000 fans to enter the stadium on match day. The first match of the Heritage Series will take place on Saturday, May 14 against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC as the Reds will honour Danny Dichio. Dichio played three seasons for Toronto FC (2007-09) and is remembered for scoring the first goal in club history in the 24th minute against the Chicago Fire on May 12, 2007. Following his retirement in 2009, Dichio moved into a coaching role at the club working with both the Kia Toronto FC Academy and with the first team. Currently, Dichio is the head coach of the Kia Toronto FC Academy OSL (Ontario Soccer League) Team.
On Saturday, July 23, TFC will honour Jimmy Brennan, the club’s first captain. Signed on September 8, 2006, Brennan played in three seasons for the club before retiring on April 6, 2010. Brennan was named a 2008 MLS All-Star and also won back-to-back Canadian Championships in 2009 and 2010 with TFC. Following his retirement as a player Brennan remained with the club, working in the front office and coaching in the Academy and with the first team. He was part of the coaching staff that won the 2012 Amway Canadian Championship marking his first as a coach and third in total.
The third match, scheduled for Saturday, August 27 against the Montreal Impact will see TFC honour Toronto Metros-Croatia and the 40th anniversary of the Soccer Bowl Championship. In 1976, Toronto Metros-Croatia qualified for the playoffs and defeated the Rochester Lancers, Chicago Sting and defending champion Tampa Bay Rowdies to advance to the Soccer Bowl. They claimed their first ever NASL championship after defeating the Minnesota Kicks, 3-0 on August 28, 1976.
The final match of the series will take place on Saturday, September 18 against the New York Red Bulls. TFC will honour Dwayne De Rosario, who spent just over three seasons with the club and ended his accomplished career as TFC’s all-time leader in goals scored across all competitions with 33. De Rosario also won two Canadian Championships with Toronto FC (2009, 2010) and was named tournament MVP on both occasions. De Rosario, who retired on May 30, 2015, currently works as a Club Ambassador for Toronto FC.
Fans looking to secure all four commemorative cards can purchase the Heritage Series Pack at torontofc.ca. The full Ten Seasons Heritage Series and 2016 promotional schedule are included at the bottom of this release.
Saturday, May 7 vs. FC Dallas: TFC Home Opener and Grand Re-Opening of BMO Field. Pre-match rally event and march to the match from Brazen Head in Liberty Village. 30,000 BMO Ten Seasons Commemorative Lanyards given out on entry.
Saturday, May 14 vs. Vancouver: Heritage Series Match 1 – Danny Dichio. 15,000 Limited edition player cards given out on entry. Appearance and autograph signing.
Wednesday, May 18 vs. NYCFC: Sebastian Giovinco T-Shirt Giveaway. 10,000 given away on entry.
Saturday, June 18 vs. LA Galaxy: 10,000 TFC specialty hats given away on entry.
Saturday, July 2 vs. Seattle: Canada Day Celebration. Post-match fireworks.
Saturday, July 23 vs. D.C. United: Heritage Series Match 2 – Jimmy Brennan. 15,000 limited edition player cards given out on entry. Appearance and autograph signing.
Wednesday, August 3 vs. Real Salt Lake: Special Giveaway - 10,000 TFC cape flags given out on entry.
Saturday, August 27 vs. Montreal: Heritage Series Match 3 – Toronto Metros-Croatia. 15,000 limited edition player cards given out on entry. Appearance and autograph signing. Free admission to the CNE with your match ticket.
Sunday, September 18 vs. NY Red Bulls: Heritage Series Match 4 – Dwayne De Rosario. 15,000 limited edition player cards given out on entry. Appearance and autograph signing.
Saturday, September 24 vs. Philadelphia: Canadian Armed Forces Night. More than 500 troops expected to be in attendance. Special opening ceremonies.
Saturday, October 23 vs. Chicago: Decision Day. Kia Toronto FC toques given out on entry.
