3. Toronto FC
Toronto FC made it to last year’s MLS Cup, then re-signed Michael Bradley to a TAM deal and added a new Designated Player, all the while returning the crux of what has been one of the best teams of the last decade. And now they have been handed more look.
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The near-four-month suspension of play has allowed key Toronto players to get fit, including Bradley and the man they replaced him with as the third DP, Pablo Piatti. As TFC head coach Greg Vanney told reporters on Thursday:
"“Everybody is moving forward, Pablo included. He’s looked great. He’s been very dynamic. His fitness level is good. He’s been great. It’s been nice to have him on the ball, he’s got a good personality, he’s explosive — very quick, shift. So it’s nice <…> We’re looking forward to having him back, and now that he is, just to keep building as we get into the competition, both in training and eventually in games, to keep him healthy and an active part of the team.”"
Toronto were also handed a nice draw. D.C. United, a team they beat in the playoffs last year, and the New England Revolution, are the other playoff teams, while the Montreal Impact round out the group. None are easy games, but TFC will be favoured in all three match-ups. Now with Bradley and Piatti fit, they are a force to be reckoned with.