Toronto FC's projected starting 11 for the MLS season opener
TFC Republic takes a look at how the Reds might line up and who'll be in the starting 11 away to FC Dallas this weekend.
You can subscribe to TFC Republic by CLICKING HERE, or by clicking on the subscribe button on the home page. A monthly subscription costs just $8, while a yearly subscription is $50 (a savings of 48%).
The 2026 MLS regular season kicks off this weekend, giving a clean slate to Toronto FC following a disappointing campaign.
After finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference last year, TFC will be looking to make progress under second-year coach Robin Fraser and clinch a playoff berth for the first time since 2020.
TFC have made a few roster moves this winter, and more additions are expected before the MLS primary transfer window closes on March 26. But for the time being, Fraser's side has its immediate sights set on Saturday's season opener away to FC Dallas (8:30 p.m. ET/Apple).
Note: I will be at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas to cover Saturday's game, so be sure to visit TFC Republic all weekend in order to check out our special on-site coverage.
Let's take a look at how Toronto FC could line up this weekend against FC Dallas.
John Molinaro
Goalkeeper
Starter: Luka Gavran
Options off the bench: William Yarbrough, Adisa De Rosario
With Sean Johnson out of the picture, Luka Gavran will finally get a chance to become TFC's starting goalkeeper after serving as the team's backup for the last two and a half seasons. Gavran made four starts in all competitions during 2025 and displayed enough in the rare opportunities he was given to convince management he was the right man for the job, and that there wasn't any need to look elsewhere for a new No. 1 goalkeeper. Now he has to prove himself that he can be a starter in MLS.
Defenders
Starters: Richie Laryea, Zane Monlouis, Walker Zimmerman, Kosi Thompson
Options off the bench: Henry Wingo, Raheem Edwards, Adam Pearlman, Lazar Stefanovic
Nicksoen Gomis and newcomer Matheus Pereira are dealing with fitness issues and aren't expected to be available for matchday 1, while Henry Wingo only recently returned to action in pre-season training camp after a lengthy injury absence. What's more, three starters out of the back four from last season are gone: Kevin Long, Sigurd Rosted and Raoul Petretta.
The good news is that Zane Monlouis has recovered from his season-ending injury last year and he had a number of reps in pre-season play. Look for the Englishman to partner newcomer Walker Zimmerman in the heart of TFC's defence. Zimmerman was brought in to anchor the back line and serve as the team's defensive quarterback, much in the same way that Drew Moor did when he came to Toronto prior to the 2016 season.
Under normal circumstances, Richie Laryea would start at the right fullback spot. But Matheus Pereira's fitness issues mean there'll be a hole to fill at the left fullback spot against Dallas. Kosi Thompson saw regular minutes during pre-season (albeit in a back three), so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him drafted in as a fullback on his natural right side, with Laryea shifting over to the left.
Midfielders
Starters: Alonso Coello, José Cifuentes, Djordje Mihailovic, Jonathan Osorio, Malik Henry
Options off the bench: Derrick Etienne Jr, Markus Cimermancic
Theo Corbeanu's fitness issues will rule him out this weekend, which means Robin Fraser will likely turn to youngster Malik Henry to fill in at the right-wing spot. Henry showed promise late last season in a series of substitute appearances after signing a first team contract in August and is eager to prove that he can handle more responsibility.
There's a genuine debate amongst fans as to what Djordje Mihailovic's best position is, either a traditional No. 10 or a left-sided attacker who can drift into the middle. Lucky for TFC that he's equally adept at playing in both spots but look for him to start out on the left in Dallas, thus accommodating Jonathan Osorio who'll take up a more traditional central midfield role.
Alonso Coello and José Cifuentes should form a double pivot right in front of the back four much like they did for most of the second half of last season. Coello will act as the pressure valve while taking up a deep-lying role, while Cifuentes will be expected to get forward in support of the attack, while also tracking back and doing his best to help the Reds win back possession.
RELATED READING: News | Features | Match reports | Newsletter | Opinion | Q&As | Roster moves | TFC 2 | Audio | Videos
Forwards
Starter: Deandre Kerr
Options off the bench: Jules-Anthony Vilsaint, Emilio Aristizábal
TFC are still light on options up front even with this week's addition of Colombian youth international Emilio Aristizábal, who has only had a few training sessions with his new team. Robin Fraser could throw the newcomer into the deep end right away by giving him the start against Dallas. But one would suspect he'll acclimate him to life in MLS by bringing him off the bench.
It makes sense to give the starting role in the season opener to Deandre Kerr, as he's been heavily involved in training camp and has forged on-field relationships late last season with Malik Henry and Djordje Mihailovic. Kerr is also looking to finally have a breakout year for the Reds in the hopes of earning a new deal once his contract runs out at the end of the 2026 campaign.
(Top photo by Lucas Kschischang/Toronto FC)
TFC Republic has a comments section! At the very bottom of every story, there is a feature where you can post your comments, so be sure to share your thoughts and views.
