One of Our Own: Jonathan Osorio’s best TFC moments

TORONTO, Canada—Toronto FC have seen many players come and go over the club’s 14-year existence, especially in the earlier years, when many of those players—who wore the illustrious red TFC kit—would go on to have short-lived careers in the 6ix.

But on the flip-side, a special few have made their mark as legends of the club, and none might be more special than Toronto’s very own Jonathan Osorio.

On Aug. 28, ‘Oso’ made his 250th appearance for his hometown club in a 1-0 victory over the Montreal Impact, extending his franchise record for most TFC appearances.

After the match, head coach Greg Vanney shared some kind words for his Canadian midfielder.

“Over the course of 250 games he is in many ways the epitome of our team and the organization,” said Vanney. “He’s a guy who grew up in Toronto and has continued to grow as a player during my almost seven years here.

“He just continues to get better and better as a soccer player. His mind for the game, his work, everything he has done, he just continues to grow. He’s passionate about the game and every day he shows up to get better and to play at the highest level.”

Vanney went on to credit Osorio for his professionalism and for the mentor he is becoming to the up-and-coming Canadian talent.

“He’s a workhorse all around the facility, and now he’s the guiding light for a lot of our young Canadian players, in terms of the pathway and the work rate and what it takes to get there and stay there and to make a difference. He’s that guy,” Vanney added. “I love having him on the team. He’s part of the heart and soul of this group. I’m proud of him for 250 and hoping he can get 250 more.”

John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

In honour of the ever-green midfielder’s consistent inclusion and performance in the side, we are looking back at the best moments of Jonathan Osorio’s Toronto FC career.

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FIRST GOAL

Just two weeks after making his TFC debut in a 2-1 win over Sporting KC at BMO Field in March 2013, Osorio displayed to the BMO faithful the fleet-footedness they would go on to become accustomed to. The Brampton native tapped in his first goal at home against the mighty LA Galaxy at the end of March 2013, opening his account for the club where he is now the third-highest goal-scorer, behind only Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco.

2016 MLS CUP FINAL

Starting on the right wing, Osorio played 77 minutes in TFC’s first-ever MLS Cup Final against the Seattle Sounders in 2016 at BMO Field. Osorio was the only Canadian representative to start the match which ended scoreless in regulation, but saw the Reds lose to Seattle on spot-kicks. Though no silverware came from it, massive experience and maturity did throughout the run. The hometown hero shared a message on Instagram after the loss, explaining that Toronto FC had “unfinished business” to take care of next year.

2017 MLS Cup Win

Finishing off unfinished business!

Facing the same opposition in the Sounders, TFC welcomed back the MLS Cup Final on home soil a year after losing in penalties. This time around, the Reds took care of business winning 2-0 in regulation. Osorio started, playing 85 minutes in the heart of the midfield this time. He led all starters in passing percentage with a 95.7 per cent success rate. He created two chances, forced an excellent save out of Stefan Frei himself and was only dispossessed once. On the defensive end, he put in four tackles.

It was a hometown kid making his hometown very proud.

Eye of the Tigres (2018 CCL)

This was majestic.

Tied at one in the 88th minute in leg one of the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League quarter-finals, we were shown the coolness, calmness, and composure of Osorio. This neat little back-heel flick gave Toronto the 2-1 advantage heading into the second leg back at home.

CCL Golden Boot 2018 + CCL Best XI

That goal vs Tigres was just one of four that gave ‘Oso’ the CONCACAF Champions League Golden Boot in 2018. With several magnificent performances against the toughest opposition, he held is own which the courageous fighting spirit we have all come to enjoy from him. It was fitting that he was also named in the CONCACAF Champions League Best XI for the same reasons. Though he doesn't look too happy receiving the trophy for the golden boot, it’s safe to say he keeps that one on display and polished in the cabinet.

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Without a doubt, Jonathan Osorio will go down as a legend at Toronto FC. Yes, his ongoing most matches played stat is one thing, and his third on the goal scoring charts at the club is another, but the list of team successes he has had at the club in his seven-year span is incredible.

Team Honours:

MLS Cup: 2017

Supporters Shield: 2017

Eastern Conference Championship (Playoffs): 2016, 2017, 2019

Canadian Championship: 2016, 2017, 2018

Trillium Cup: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019

Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

As the Canadian international keeps adding to his illustrious career at Toronto FC, it seems that so too do the accolades and awards.

He has cemented his legacy at TFC, and inspired the next set of homegrown talent to come and take the stage. Here’s to 250 more, Oso. One of our own.