TFC Republic Weekly: March 16-22
Saturday's draw against New York in the home opener showed that Toronto FC very much remains a work in progress.
Welcome to the latest edition of TFC Republic Weekly, an email newsletter that will land in the inbox of both paid subscribers and free members of TFC Republic every Monday.
This newsletter will look at what's in store over the next seven days for Toronto FC, and also get a glimpse of what to expect at TFC Republic in the coming days.
So, without further ado...
Toronto FC settles for draw in home opener
Toronto FC was seconds away from earning a win over the New York Red Bulls in Saturday's home opener at BMO Field, but a goal by the visitors with the last kick of the game meant Robin Fraser's side had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Dániel Sallói scored for TFC who are now 1-2-1 at the start of the 2026 MLS campaign.
Toronto now has an all-time record of 9-7-4 in home openers and will play its next eight games at BMO Field. TFC are winless in 14 regular-season meetings (0-9-4) vs. the Red Bulls, a streak that dates back to 2019.
"It's very disappointing and disappointing on a couple of fronts. This didn't feel like we were as energetic as we needed to be from the very beginning, and I don't want to keep referencing past games, but six days ago [a 1-0 road win vs. FC Cincinnati], we had one of the most incredibly energetic performances I've seen," Fraser said.
"I told [the players] when they are really at it, we can compete with anyone. We have to really be at it. And I felt like today we were just not quite as energetic and sharp as we needed to be. Certainly, I thought Red Bull played with a tremendous amount of energy."
Sallói added: "I thought we were fighting, but we weren't playing enough. I think we had a lot more control in Cincinnati over the game defensively."
John Molinaro
Josh Sargent looks lively his MLS debut
New DP striker Josh Sargent made his MLS debut when he was subbed on in the 70th minute for TFC against the Red Bulls.
The American international came close to making an immediate impact when he nearly scored during a goal-mouth scramble off a corner kick right after his introduction into the match.
He also had a scoring chance late in the game, only to see his attempt on goal saved by Red Bulls goalkeeper Ethan Horvath.
"He looked like a very, very experienced player in how he used his body in aerial challenges, his choices in tight spaces, ability to play the ball across the field, runs the run in behind that led to the really good chance. I'm very excited about Josh and what he's going to be for this club," Robin Fraser said.
John Molinaro
Michael Bradley returns to BMO Field
Saturday's game marked the return to BMO Field of former Michael Bradley for the first time since his retirement at the conclusion of the 2023 MLS season.
The former TFC captain was a major reason behind the club's success during its glory period, revered among the team's loyal supporters for the way he spearheaded the transformation of the Reds from one of the worst clubs in MLS to a league superpower.
Bradley scored 19 goals and registered 23 assists in 308 appearances in all competitions during his time in Toronto, which also included him winning an MLS Cup, a Supporters' Shield and four Canadian Championships.
Bradley received a warm reception from the club and fans at BMO Field when he was introduced prior to kickoff.
"It was special. Weird, weird feeling, being back in the stadium ... It felt strange to be back. Always good to see a lot of a lot of familiar faces, and obviously the stadium is looking a little bit different at the moment, but this will always be a place that is special," Bradley said.
John Molinaro
TFC vs. Columbus Crew on Saturday
Toronto FC returns to action when it hosts the Columbus Crew in the second game on a nine-match homestand on Saturday (1:00 p.m. ET/Apple TV)
Columbus (0-2-2) is still looking for its first win of the season after suffering a 1-0 loss at home to Nashville SC on Saturday. It was the second game in a row that the Crew were shut out.
"It's been four games where, in one way, you could say that the ball doesn't bounce our way. I also believe that, overall, you get what you deserve. That's why it's important that I'm not a victim or the players are not a victim," coach Henrik Rydstrom said.
Columbus leads the all-time MLS regular season series against Toronto with 20 wins and 15 draws in 46 meetings. TFC sports an all-time home record of 7-7-8 in regular season action against the Crew. The Reds are winless in their last nine games against Columbus (six losses), including draws in their two meetings last season.
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Stories to look out for at TFC Republic
Where do things stand with Toronto FC after the first four contests of the 2026 MLS season? Where do the Reds go from here? What improvements have to be made? I'll have a special video blog on the current state of the union at the club. Look for it on Wednesday morning/afternoon.
Other stories that will be published later this week include:
- A TFC notebook column after Tuesday or Wednesday's training session (or possibly Thursday).
- A piece on the four stories to watch for this week.
- In-depth pre- and post-game coverage of Toronto's match vs. the Columbus Crew.
- An audio interview piece with with Brianna Mac Kay of the Columbus Dispatch ahead of Saturday's home game vs. the Crew.
- A new TFC Talk interview with beat reporter James Grossi.
- The weekly Random Thoughts column.
- The weekly TFC 2 report
- The reader mailbag.
- Regular "TFC Tidbits" stories throughout the week.
- And much more!
TFC Republic mailbag
TFC Republic will feature a regular reader mailbag column where I answer questions from subscribers about Toronto FC and Canadian soccer in general.
I'll answer the best questions submitted to me by TFC Republic readers, so feel free to drop me an email at jmo1897@gmail.com. You can also reach out to me via Twitter.
TFC Republic subscribers can get up to a 25% discount on ticket prices for Toronto FC home games during the 2026 MLS regular season and the 2026 Canadian Championship.
To receive the special promo code, email me at jmo1897@gmail.com
(Please don't share promo code with non-TFC Republic subscribers).
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.
