We now know the 34 fixtures that will comprise Toronto FC’s 2016 campaign.
Trips to BMO Field by the LA Galaxy and the Seattle Sounders highlight the home portion of the schedule, the 401 Derby takes on extra meaning after last year’s events and a visit to the defending MLS Cup champions coincides with the return of Will Johnson to Portland. Here are just a few of the games to keep an eye as we inch closer to March. Download the full schedule here.
Season Opener: New York Red Bulls vs. Toronto FC - March 6th, 1:30 PM ET TSN4
Toronto FC travels to Red Bull Arena to take on the reigning Supporters’ Shield winners on opening day. The Reds haven’t found much success in Harrison, but it’s a new year and opening day is always a bit of a crapshoot. A midfield battle between Michael Bradley and Will Johnson versus Dax McCarty and Sacha Kljestan is a tantalizing way to begin the new campaign. Also, who can forget Sebastian Giovinco turning the Red Bulls defence into dust at BMO Field.
NYCFC vs. Toronto FC - March 13th, 5:00 PM ET SNOne
The Reds take on Lampard, Villa and Pirlo at Yankee Stadium for the first time in 2016. Patrick Vieira takes over for Jason Kreis in one of the more intriguing coaching changes in recent memory. Will a year together help the second-year side morph from playoff outsider to a contender? They certainly have the talent to do so.
Colorado Rapids vs. Toronto FC - April 2nd, 8:00 PM ET TSN
Drew Moor became a massive fan favourite in the Mile-High City, helping the Rapids capture the 2010 MLS Cup in Toronto at BMO Field. Moor returns to Dick's Sporting Goods Park in a different uniform to kickoff spring.
Montreal Impact vs. Toronto FC - April 23rd, 4:00 PM ET TSN4
Time heals all wounds, but the scars remain. TFC will look for revenge at Stade Saputo after last year’s 3-0 defeat in the first round of the MLS playoffs. The 401 Derby is always charged up, but this game, the first after that playoff match, will have a little something else added. Will Didier Drogba be in Montreal’s squad? We will find out soon.
Portland Timbers vs. Toronto FC - May 1st, 4:00 PM ET TSN2
The storylines are plentiful. The reigning MLS Cup champions against the reigning league MVP. Will Johnson returning to his former stomping grounds where he was a favourite son. A nationally televised game in both countries on a Sunday afternoon. This should be fun.
Toronto FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps - May 14th, 7:30 PM ET TSN4
The rivalry between these Canadian clubs runs deep. Last season the Reds spoiled Vancouver’s home opener with a thorough 3-1 victory at BC Place. Two goals from Jozy Altidore led the way, and his last, via the penalty spot, created an iconic image that sums up how these two fanbases feel about each other.
Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew - May 21st, 7:30 PM ET SN360
The Eastern Conference champions were very close to capturing the MLS Cup in 2015. A 2-1 loss at home to the Portland Timbers was a heart wrenching blow, but the Crew return a nearly unchanged side for the 2016 season, one that should challenge once again for Eastern Conference bragging rights. Columbus, along with the Red Bulls, is a team the Reds must overcome if they want to find themselves atop the table by season’s end.
Toronto FC vs. LA Galaxy - June 18th, 7:30 PM ET SN360
The Galaxy return to BMO Field for the first time since 2013. This time Steven Gerrard and Giovani dos Santos will join Robbie Keane in what continues to be a star-studded lineup fielded by Bruce Arena’s side. With LAFC drawing plaudits for their brand design ahead of their introduction to the league in 2018, expect the Galaxy to be especially motivated to remind those around Los Angeles who owns the track in southern California.
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Toronto FC - July 16th, 10:30 ET SN360
This match marks Toronto FC’s first visit to Avaya Stadium and a homecoming of sorts for Justin Morrow and Steven Beitashour. The fullbacks were members of the 2012 Western Conference winning Earthquake side.
Toronto FC vs. Chicago Fire - Oct 23rd, 4:00 PM ET TSN4
Who knows where we’ll stand by the time the season finale against the Chicago Fire at BMO Field rolls around. Last season a loss to the Impact at Stade Saputo in the finale set up a tricky away playoff fixture and we all know how that went. This time the Reds will be at home, and, if everything goes to plan, in position to cement their place in the MLS playoffs.
Click the image below to download a wallpaper featuring the 2016 schedule
