TORONTO – It's been a long time coming.
As their 10th campaign in MLS moves towards its crescendo, Toronto FC will look to continue making history as the Reds host their first-ever home playoff match on Wednesday night against the Philadelphia Union (7:30 pm ET, ESPN2, UniMas, TSN2).
TFC broke new ground last year with their first taste of the postseason, bitter though it was. But 2016 offers a new chance, one that kicks off in the friendly confines of BMO Field.
Home form, and the points it generates, are the bedrock upon which a successful season is built. With a record of eight wins, three losses and six draws in 2016, Toronto have been a middling home side, but hope that come game time, past indiscretions are left in the regular season and BMO becomes the fortress they need it to be.
“In this final stretch we've left a few points on the table,” said coach Greg Vanney on Monday at TFC's playoff media day, referring to a five-match winless stretch ended by Sunday's victory over Chicago.
“From a performances standpoint, we've had some good ones,” he continued. “In terms of our mentality as a group, defending home field, yes, it feels [that it has become a fortress]. [Our] group feels this is a place they need to come in and defend; they can beat anybody here on any day.”
And the side is eagerly anticipating the clash with the Union.
“I'm happy; looking forward to playing on Wednesday,” said Sebastian Giovinco through a translator. “[It's a] very intense sensation, [one] that the city has been waiting for.”
Fit and scoring, having wrapped up a second consecutive year with over 30 combined goals and assists – the first player in MLS history to do so – Giovinco hopes to continue his love affair with the sports-mad town.
“It is in my best wishes [to capture the city's imagination],” said Giovinco. “I truly believe that football in Toronto deserves this as well. I trust and hope that on Wednesday we will start building another piece of history.”
Toronto has become a second home to the Italian. His second child was born here. He embraces it, and it him. “Yes, it is my city. I want it to be,” stressed Giovinco. “If I didn't manage [to make it so] yet, I will make sure and do my best for it.”
TFC's leaders know that star athletes have a special role, especially in the biggest moments.
“Being captain or a big player on a team in this city carries an extra weight,” said captain Michael Bradley. “I've loved every second of that; playing in this city, for this city, and being captain. It'll be nights like Wednesday night where the responsibility, privilege and passion that I have for this role will get magnified that much more.”
While it remains to be seen if it was worth the wait, one thing is certain.
“Our stadium, when it's full with people who are living every play with us ... there's no better stadium, no better atmosphere in the league,” said Bradley. “I'm confident that when we walk out on Wednesday night we're going to feel the entire stadium and the entire city behind us.”
