WTR Mailbag – Post-Dallas, Pre-Vancouver

Well, that was fun wasn't it.

Finally, Toronto FC have played a home match and fans made sure the spectacle was a memorable one, ringing in the new stadium with a loud and warm reception after watching from a distance for the first two months of the season.

As with any endeavour, there were some issues of concern – a lack of chance conversion, getting split open at the back on occasion, and Marky Delgado leaving with a slight knock – but all in all, everyone can be satisfied with a night that will live long in the memory.

But as Michael Bradley said before the match, regardless of what happens, it's only the first of seventeen home games.

A long season lays ahead, and Toronto will face challenges, especially when the trio of DPs depart for their respective national teams, leaving the side short-handed through the month of June.

Reportedly, Bradley and Jozy Altidore will be available through the Columbus game later this month, while Sebastian Giovinco, should he be called, will be absent after the New York game a week later. When they return is anyone's guess.

June's primary feature will be the Voyageurs Cup – a home-and-away series with Montreal being the first hurdle – and whether an understrength TFC can overcome their rivals remains to be seen. And there are some key matches once MLS resumes and as July begins.

All that means that these new few matches, continuing the home stand, will be critical for Toronto to put their best foot forward.

Over the next two weeks they play three matches at BMO Field. Hosting Vancouver on the weekend, then New York City midweek, ahead of that aforementioned Columbus clash.

Nine points would go a long way towards solidifying the early season gains made during the impressive road trip.

It will be interesting, to say the least; fun? Well, that remains to be seen.


Please leave your questions in the comment section below and the WTR staff will respond in kind – N.B. due to the midweek match next week, there will be no Mailbag, so get those questions in now, or continue to use this post as the sounding board until the next edition.