Toronto FC announce 2018 preseason schedule and friendlies

The shortest offseason in Toronto FC history is already about to come to an end. The club announced their preseason plans today, which get underway on January 22 when the players report for medical evaluations.

The club then departs for Los Angeles, where the majority of preseason will be based out of UC Irvine. Toronto FC play their hosts in their first preseason friendly on February 3. While based out of UC Irvine, they also play Cal State Fullerton.

On January 31 comes the first big test, a preseason match against Club Tijuana of Liga MX at San Diego State University. Toronto FC said this offseason that they were looking to play Central American opposition to prepare for their CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) campaign.

The club’s final announced friendly comes on February 2 when they take on MLS expansion side Los Angeles FC at UCLA. There is no word from the club whether these matches will be viewable online.

Toronto FC’s final leg of preseason comes on February 6 when, after a short stop back in Toronto, they head down to Mexico City. The club has not yet announced any plans for friendlies while they are in Mexico, but those updates should follow shortly.

The trip to Mexico will give Toronto a chance to acclimatize themselves to the sort of atmosphere and conditions they will face should they progress in the continental competition.

TFC’s preseason schedule concludes on February 14 when they travel back to Toronto, where they will start preparing for their Champions League tie against Colorado Rapids. The reds’ season starts on February 20 when they visit Colorado for the first leg of CCL. The home leg is scheduled for February 28 at BMO Field.

TORONTO FC – LOS ANGELES FRIENDLY SCHEDULE

Saturday, January 27 – UC Irvine

Monday, January 29 – Cal State Fullerton

Wednesday, January 31 – Club Tijuana (Xolos) at San Diego State University

Friday, February 2 – Los Angeles Football Club at UCLA