TORONTO – Toronto FC may have the weekend off, but for those in need of their Saturday football, fret not, BMO Field will be in full voice.
The Canadian Men's National Team will take centre-stage at 7 pm on TFC's home ground as they brace for a friendly against Jamaica, the side that knocked them out of the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer.
“Playing here in Toronto, we get that extra push from the fans; they get behind us,” said Brampton-native, Atiba Hutchinson, back in the squad. “Playing in Canada in general has been helping us the last few years.”
For many players in the squad, a match in Toronto is a homecoming of sorts.
“It feels good to be back close to home,” added another Brampton-native, Cyle Larin. “I have a lot of family coming out to watch the game. It's special to play at BMO, it's a great stadium, nice field. Everyone is excited for [Saturday].”
Larin has played at BMO Field before, with his club side Orlando City SC, but for others the wait has been much, much longer.
“I'm excited to play my first professional match in my home town,” smiled yet another Brampton-native, Junior Hoilett, who plays for Cardiff City. “I've been away for many years. It's good to come back with a great group of players, as well as friends, to play in front of my family and friends.”
“The city is on a high with Toronto FC doing so well,” added Hoilett. “Hopefully we can keep that going and get the result.”
“I always wanted to play back home,” continued Hoilett. “I left Toronto when I was 13. The last time I played a competitive game in Toronto was probably for Toronto CS Azzuri.”
And all will have many friends and families in attendance.
“Too many [friends and family coming],” laughed Hoilett. “I ordered over 150 tickets. A lot of people who haven't seen me play live. It's exciting. It's great for the city; for the nation.”
And even for those who grace the field on the shores of Lake Ontario more regularly, a national team date is special.
“It's my first time playing for the Canadian National Team at home, so there's going to be a lot of friends and family there,” said Raheem Edwards.
So too for Jay Chapman: “I've never been a part of the national team when they've played at BMO. My parents have never been there to watch me play with the national team. It's going to be cool to have them at the game.”
Even Jonathan Osorio, who has had the pleasure before, is looking forward to it: “I always enjoy playing here at BMO, in front of friends and family. [I'm] very excited.”
And Edwards knows there will be a little something special in the air; not just the smells of the Canadian National Exhibition wafting around the ground.
“It's going to be a great atmosphere,” said Edwards. “As you know there are a lot of Jamaicans in Toronto. It's going to be jam-packed atmosphere. I can't wait.”
Though he left at 13, Hoilett unveiled he was familiar with MLS.
“I watch it every week,” said the 27-year old. “I'm a Toronto FC fan. I'm happy they're doing so well. I've got friends on the team. It's exciting for Toronto. I watched the finals last year, thought they should have won. I'm hoping they get the trophy this year.”
And he's impressed with how his sport has exploded since leaving all those years ago.
“It's crazy how much it's developed over the years,” said Hoilett. “TFC have put a great base, for not just local GTA kids. It's an opportunity for kids to come through and play on a high level. MLS has grown every year. It's exciting.”
For all those looking forward to the match, one stands above.
“Whenever I get a chance to play at BMO Field, I'm excited,” said Tosaint Ricketts, who joined TFC last season. “I've had some special moments there with the national team and TFC. It's a special place for me. More than half of [my international goals] have been at BMO Field.”
Asked why, Ricketts smiled: “It's home. For me it's the one place throughout my career I could call home. Coming back here and playing for TFC... it has kind of fit in.”
