BMO Field is a long ways away from Estadio da Luz in Lisbon, but SL Benfica made themselves right at home on Tuesday.
The Portuguese club had their first practice at BMO Field on Tuesday in preparation for Wednesday night's friendly against Toronto FC. Many representatives of the local Portuguese media and a few lucky supporters of As Aguias were on hand to see such stars as Rui Costa and Miguelito warm up on Toronto's turf.
Benfica are one of the 'big three' of Portuguese soccer, along with FC Porto and Sporting Clube de Portugal. The three clubs have combined to win 71 of 73 titles in the top-tier Portuguese bwin Liga. Benfica's 31 titles are the most of any Portuguese side. The team is coming off yet another successful season, which included a quarterfinal finish in the UEFA Cup and a pair of wins in the group stage of the Champions' League.
Benfica will actually be acknowledged as the home side on Wednesday, as is the custom in international friendlies, while TFC will be wearing their road grey jerseys in front of the home fans.
Besides the jerseys, TFC might feel more like they're at an away game due to a split in the stands. Toronto's Portuguese community has been well-represented at BMO Field this season, but it is likely that their support will shift to their countrymen on Wednesday.
That's fine with TFC striker Danny Dichio, who is looking at the big picture of what the friendly will mean for his club's still-growing reputation.
"It brings us a bit of exposure in Portugal and in Europe," Dichio said on Monday. "As a new franchise, we want to put our name out there. We want to start portraying the Toronto FC name so people recognize us on and off the pitch."
Benfica won't be the only European side to visit BMO Field this season. Aston Villa, from the English Premiership, will visit Toronto on July 25.
The matches continue a long tradition of friendlies between international squads and MLS clubs. Also on Wednesday, Scotland's Rangers FC will be taking on the Los Angeles Galaxy, and FA Cup champions Chelsea will also be making the trip across the Atlantic later this summer. Celtic FC will be the international opponents for the MLS All-Stars on July 19 in Colorado at the 2007 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game.
Johnston, who starred for both Celtic and Rangers during his playing days, is a big supporter of the international matches.
"I think it's wonderful that MLS brings in the likes of Benfica, Celtic, in past years Real Madrid, Barcelona -- all the best teams in the world," Johnston said. "When our fans get to see these soccer players in these games, players like Rui Costa, they'll love it. [Benfica] are a team that is respected throughout the world."
While Johnston said he will field a competitive lineup out of respect for Benfica and the fans, the coach plans some early substitutions and rest for some of his starters. The friendly comes at something of an unfortunate time for Toronto FC, as the team has played three games in the last 12 days and has another match on Saturday in Columbus.
"In the second half you'll probably be seeing a lot of the younger guys coming into the game," Johnston said.
The international experience may be useful for some of Toronto's reserve squad, several of whom are expected to be playing for Canada in the upcoming FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
Johnston said he hopes for a good display of soccer from both his club and Benfica. While it might seem like something of a mismatch on paper (a first-year MLS club against a Champions League regular), Johnston feels Toronto FC will gives their "away" fans something to cheer about.
"We can sense that our fans don't really see us as an expansion team," Johnston said. "They look at it and go 'Hmm, we've really got something here.'"
Mark Polishuk is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
