In 2007, Major League Soccer officially became an international league with the introduction of Toronto FC. While on-field success was a little slow to come, the Reds have always had tremendous fan support, remaining the pre-eminent MLS franchise in Canada despite Montreal and Vancouver also being awarded franchises in recent years.

Starting Slowly

Despite plenty of support, Toronto FC struggled on the field during their early years. The club failed to make the MLS Playoffs in each of its first eight seasons. Ontario native Dwayne De Rosario and a few other notable players kept fans in their seats during those years, as did a few appearances in CONCACAF Champions League by virtue of winning the Canadian Championship every year from 2009 to 2012.

Good Times Are Here to Stay

With attendance starting to dwindle in 2012 and 2013, Toronto FC gave themselves a much-needed jumpstart by signing star players like U.S. National Team captain Michael Bradley in 2014, longtime Juventus forward Sebastian Giovinco and American striker Jozy Altidore in 2015. This all-star group helped to usher in a new chapter in TFC history.

Toronto FC finally made the MLS Playoffs for the first time in 2015. A year later, they suffered a heartbreaking defeat in the MLS Cup, losing in penalties to the Seattle Sounders on their home field. But Toronto FC got redemption the following year. Once again, they faced the Sounders in MLS Cup on their home field, but this time, Toronto prevailed 2-0 to take home the 2017 MLS championship. In 2018, Toronto FC made a run all the way to the CONCACAF Champions League finals, losing in penalties but setting the stage for continued success in the years to come.