Just three years removed from finishing second in the Major League Soccer Supporters Shield race, Toronto FC has struggled to find the same form. In each of their last two seasons, the club has finished 26th and 27th in the league. Coming into Leagues Cup 2023, Toronto FC is currently 28th in the league. The team hasn’t won a match since May 27th, and has only scored once in its last six matches. But Toronto FC could use the tournament as a change to salvage a difficult season. In 2013, a three-win D.C. United won the U.S. Open Cup. Toronto FC could do the same.
Jonathan Osorio has unfinished business
MLS veteran and current club captain Jonathan Osorio had a chance to sign with other clubs this past offseason. But he chose to re-sign with Toronto FC in the hopes of bringing the club back to its previous success. It’s been a difficult season so far, but Leagues Cup 2023 could be an opportunity for Osorio to get started on his goal of bringing Toronto FC back to the top tier of MLS.
Osorio is no stranger to leading his club on a long run in an international club competition. In the 207/18 CONCACAF Champions Cup he scored four goals in eight matches, leading the club to the final before losing to Chivas de Guadalajara. Tapping back into that form could help Toronto FC make a run.
Kobe Franklin, a rookie defender shining in year one
At just 20 years old, Kobe Franklin is the second-youngest field player getting regular starts for the club. In his rookie season, he’s been trusted to play fullback on both sides of the pitch even though he’s naturally a right fullback.
Leagues Cup 2023 will be another test for Franklin, who is in the middle of his first professional season. In his short soccer career, Franklin has yet to face international competition (not counting the American clubs his Canadian club faces) and he’s never participated in a club knockout tournament. Franklin has impressed so far in his rookie season and has the chance to shine even more in Leagues Cup 2023.
