Looking Back On Jermain Defoe’s Time In Major League Soccer

With Jermain Defoe on his way to Sunderland, MLSMultiplex decided to look back on the striker’s tragic love affair with Toronto FC and Major League Soccer. Defoe’s brief time in Toronto was full of ups, downs, and failed promises that ultimately resulted in yet another season without a playoff appearance for the Reds. The following five videos tell the story of Defoe’s only season in MLS and chronicles how the most ambitious plan in MLS history went awry.

1, Introduction

When Defoe was introduced to the fans and media in Toronto, he was paraded on stage like a soldier arriving to conquer. Before he even stepped on the pitch fans were screaming “This is your house!” as they welcomed the striker to Canada. But little did they know at the time that Toronto nor BMO Field would ever really become Defoe’s home. The excitement was nice though and Toronto FC generated a buzz around the team that had never been seen before.

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2. Jermain Defoe Terrifying The League In His First Game

The hype around Jermain Defoe only grew when Toronto FC played their first game. The Reds went into Seattle and beat the Sounders through a brace from their $6 million striker. Defoe didn’t even need twenty minutes of playing time in MLS before he scored his first goal and had people around the world talking about the impact he was going to have on the league.

3. The Battle With Gilberto

Although Defoe was the most expensive striker the team purchased, Toronto also signed another Designated Player up top in the big Brazilian, Gilberto. While Gilberto initially struggled to adapt to the league and find the back of the net, he would become a fan favorite by the end of the campaign. The following video is Gilberto’s first goal and as great as the goal was itself, the events leading up to it involving Defoe are what truly makes it so memorable.

4. Toronto FC vs Tottenham

The deal that brought Defoe to BMO Field also helped bring Tottenham to Toronto for a friendly in the summer. It was match that took place on one of the busiest weeks at the stadium with a legends match between Italy and Portugal, as well as, a friendly taking place between Milan vs Olympiacos also occurring in the same week. The Toronto FC game vs Tottenham was easily the most well attended of the three with fans were eager to watch Defoe take on his old team.

Defoe never quite settled in Toronto and in the match against Tottenham it seemed like Defoe would feel more comfortable on the visitor’s side of the pitch rather than the home side. This may not have been the most discussed moment of the season, but it is one worth looking back on as things started to turn sour shortly after.

5. The Departure

Although Jermain Defoe would feature in a couple of matches after this press conference, it was effectively the end of Jermain Defoe’s time with Toronto FC. It was the first time he faced the media since he went MIA in England to rehab a hamstring injury. This time it was the complete opposite of his arrival at the club back in January. There were no screaming fans from the balcony and nobody was in a celebratory mood.

Having had the privilege of being there, I could honestly say it felt like a child being called into the principal’s office. Defoe refused to take any responsibility as to where his future lay and denied all the rumors linking him with a move abroad. However, neither the fans nor the media bought it and in the end, it proved to be the end.