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Toronto FC: Predicted starting XI for 2020 season

By Connor Somerville

TORONTO, ON - MARCH 29: Alejandro Pozuelo (10) of Toronto FC celebrates after scoring his first Toronto FC goal with teammates Jonathan Osorio (21), Jozy Altidore (17) and Chris Mavinga (23) during the second half of the MLS regular season match between Toronto FC and New York City FC on March 29, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON - MARCH 29: Alejandro Pozuelo (10) of Toronto FC celebrates after scoring his first Toronto FC goal with teammates Jonathan Osorio (21), Jozy Altidore (17) and Chris Mavinga (23) during the second half of the MLS regular season match between Toronto FC and New York City FC on March 29, 2019, at BMO Field in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 29: Toronto FC defender Justin Morrow (2) tackles D.C. United midfielder Lucas Rodriguez (11) during a MLS match between D.C United and Toronto FC on June 29, 2019, at Audi Field, in Washington D.C. (Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 29: Toronto FC defender Justin Morrow (2) tackles D.C. United midfielder Lucas Rodriguez (11) during a MLS match between D.C United and Toronto FC on June 29, 2019, at Audi Field, in Washington D.C. (Photo by Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Defense

Left-back is an easy decision, Justin Morrow. Right now, he is the only option at the position for Toronto FC. Morrow has been the starting left-back for the club for over a half-decade now. He has been very reliable, apart from when taking penalties, and a key piece to Toronto’s success.

At center-back, we have another guaranteed starter in Chris Mavinga. Mavinga is one of the most athletic and talented tacklers in MLS. He frequently bails his teammates out with last-ditch challenges and blocks, and although he has a tendency to wander at times, his athleticism more than makes up for his positional vulnerabilities. To not include him, especially after his new contract extension, would be shocking.

Toronto’s second center-back will be Omar Gonzalez. Gonzalez is a legend in MLS, and his height is an even bigger boost to Toronto’s relatively small backline. At 6’5, he eliminates any possible threat of crosses. On top of this, he added stability to a backline that had struggled with communication and discipline prior to his summer arrival. With a full offseason under his belt, Gonzalez will be a key piece of the puzzle.

Rounding out the backline, Auro Jr. Auro might be a bit of a controversial pick, given the emergence of Richie Laryea last season, but he’s young and a more natural defensive right-back that suits the back four. Laryea will be a very useful substitution off the bench given his attacking threat, but the added defensive security Auro provides gives him the nod.

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