At the halfway mark of the Major League Soccer (MLS) season, Toronto FC has plenty to celebrate, both on and off the pitch.
Toronto FC has established records in its inaugural season that have turned heads on the North American soccer scene. More than 160,000 soccer fans have crossed the turnstiles at BMO Field since April and have quickly established themselves as some of the most boisterous fans in the league. With the ceiling of 14,000 season tickets sold out, the club has played in front of a capacity 20,000 fans in all eight of its home games. This has helped make Canada's only soccer specific stadium one of the toughest venues to play in for visiting teams.
Toronto FC's large and passionate Supporter Groups including USector, the Red Patch Boys, Tribal Rhythm Nation and Go TorontoFC, have developed their own identity, making them unique to Toronto's sports scene. The passion and enthusiasm of the team's Supporter Groups have been instrumental in creating an energetic atmosphere that's reflective of a true soccer experience.
With demand outweighing supply for the team's adidas apparel, jersey sales have also surpassed expectations. Toronto FC's jersey ranks second in sales to LA Galaxy.
BMO Field's concession menu has satisfied the appetites of hungry soccer fans, going far beyond standard sports fare. The stadium boasts one of the most diverse menus fans will find anywhere with selections such as Ye Olde Chip Butty, Scotch Eggs, Portuguese Cornbread Sandwiches, Aranci and Jamaican Patties among the choices catering to discerning palates.
Toronto FC television audiences have also exceeded expectations. National and regional broadcast agreements with the CBC, Rogers Sportsnet and The Score mean soccer fans in Ontario and across the country never have to miss a moment of the action. In May, CBC's broadcast of Toronto FC versus DC United achieved an audience of more than 500,000.
On the pitch, the expansion team has adjusted to Major League Soccer's style of play, posting a 3-3-4 record in its last 10 matches.
"We're reaching the standards we've set for ourselves. Overall I'm pleased with our team performance since the start of the season," said Toronto FC Head Coach Mo Johnston. "We recognize that we're an expansion team and still have a lot of work ahead of us. Our players are going through the natural adjustments of being a new team with lineup changes, new players and injuries. Our veteran leadership, combined with the play of our young players will help this team get closer to making the playoffs."
Johnston added that Toronto FC fans are fantastic and have provided the team with a strong advantage at home, making BMO Field an intimidating place to play in the league.
Toronto FC has solidified its role as a community leader by establishing partnerships with KidSport Ontario and Right to Play to support youth development and growing the game of soccer. All of the team's fundraising efforts in 2007 will benefit their community partners.
Since April, Toronto FC has raised more than $65,000 through the Kick Off Dinner, the Pizza Pizza 50/50 Draw and the Toronto FC Fan Wall, which gives soccer fans a unique opportunity to have their name permanently associated with the club on a special wall inside BMO Field. In June, Johnston and players Ronnie O'Brien and Andrew Boyens supported a Habitat for Humanity build in Toronto funded by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd.
Many of Toronto FC's corporate partners, including Carlsberg and BMO Financial Group, have also played an instrumental support role with the team's efforts in the community. Presently, Toronto FC has formed 26 corporate partnerships with some of the most recognizable Canadian and global brands including Rona, Kia, adidas, Rogers and Sony to name a few.
"We're thrilled with how the city and soccer fans have embraced Toronto FC since the team's inception," said Tom Anselmi, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Ltd. "We're excited about the future of professional soccer in Canada and look forward to continuing to deliver a great quality product and experience for soccer fans.
"Toronto FC's early success would not have been possible without the support of our corporate partners, MLS Commissioner Don Garber and Major League Soccer who recognized the tremendous potential of having a professional soccer team in Toronto."
Anselmi added, "Our fans have established themselves as the strength of Toronto FC through their passion and the commitment to making this team a success both on and off the pitch."
During Garber's midseason state of the league address at the 2007 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game in Colorado, he announced that Toronto will host the 2008 MLS All-Star Game, which will be played next July at BMO Field. The 2008 MLS All-Star international opponent will be announced early next year. Midfielder O'Brien, Defender Jim Brennan, Forwards Danny Dichio and Jeff Cunningham were selected to represent Toronto FC at this year's All-Star Game.
Toronto FC returns home to BMO Field to face Aston Villa FC, one of the oldest and most successful football clubs in the English Premiership, in an international friendly on Wednesday, July 25 following the FIFA U20 World Cup and an extended six game road trip. The road trip saw many players temporarily leave Toronto FC for international duty to play for their respective home countries in Euro qualifying, Copa America, Gold Cup and the Under 20s.
MLS action resumes Sunday, July 29 with a home game against the Chicago Fire. The LA Galaxy, headlined by soccer superstar David Beckham, comes to BMO Field on Sunday, August 5.
TORONTO FC MAJOR MILESTONES
• Sold out all 7 home games: 20,000 fans per game
• Sold out all 14,000 season tickets
• 500,000 viewers for Toronto FC versus Dallas in May 2007
• Toronto FC jerseys rank 2nd in MLS sales
• 26 Toronto FC corporate sponsors
• $65,000 raised by the team since April 2007 in support of KidSport Ontario and Right to Play
• 2008 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game awarded to Toronto
