TFC on Playoff Journey Part II ’06

It is conceivable that the player moves Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) has been making since last summer, with its Toronto FC franchise, is to make the MLS playoffs in 2026.
The Reds won just 6 of 34 games, with 14 losses and 14 draws, for a total of 32 points. It came as no surprise that TFC finished the 2025 season 12th out of the 15 teams in the Eastern Conference with just 37 goals scored and 44 against. While the goal numbers should have been reversed, it was easier said than done, given what seemed like very soft, high (DP)-priced forwards who, quite honestly, could not handle the MLS physicality and athleticism with their predictable style of play.

Then came the long-awaited move in July 2025, with the release of the two Designated Players (DPs), which, from our (SSR) assessment, was long overdue. Since that time, the club has been cleaning house and has signed 13 players, including Josh Sargent, with the premise that a central defender will be signed the following day, with more moves to come.
This sets the stage for an exciting 2026 season for the Reds’ supporters, since the last time MLSE was in this awkward position and met the moment was when they had to answer to the best fans in the MLS, who were annoyed by the team’s dismal play and results.
Back then, MLSE responded with the Bloody Big Deal. Here at Stars Soccer Review, the playoff seemed inevitable, so we document The Club’s journey from 2007 with the Bloody Big Deal with Bradley and Jermaine Defoe. However, the deal turned out to be bloody indeed. Defoe left the city before the objective was met, but MLSE cleaned up well, and although the results were not immediate, they stayed on track.
Back then, MLSE responded with the Bloody Big Deal, and although it brought immediate results, they stayed on track, signed Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco, and the rest is history.
Toronto FC made the playoffs, and although they lost the MLS Cup final on penalty kicks to Seattle the first time, they avenged the loss against Seattle the following year, in 2017. Toronto FC won the MLS Cup and the Supporters’ Shield with the best overall league record, setting a domestic triple crown record in 2017. While the accomplishments did not happen overnight, it seems safe to say the Reds’ 2026 MLS season is on the right track and looks better than the 2025 season.

The club signed Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco, and the rest is history.
Toronto FC made the playoffs, and although they lost the MLS Cup final on penalty kicks to Seattle the first time, they avenged the loss against Seattle the following year, in 2017. Toronto FC won the MLS Cup and the Supporters’ Shield with the best overall league record, setting a domestic triple crown record in 2017. While the accomplishments did not happen overnight, it seems safe to say the Reds’ 2026 MLS season is on the right track and looks better than the 2025 season.