Toronto FC hopes to pave way for other MLS clubs in CONCACAF Champions League
TORONTO — Jonathan Osorio says Toronto FC has the chance to start a seismic shift in North American club soccer.
Toronto opens the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final on Tuesday night at BMO Field against Liga MX side C.D. Guadalajara. Mexican clubs have owned this competition for years, but Osorio hopes Toronto’s success will rub off on other Major League Soccer teams.
“I think it’s pretty clear that an MLS club hasn’t won this competition since the change in the format, since it became CONCACAF Champions League so to be the first to do that would be huge,” said Osorio. “I think for it to really change soccer both in the States and Canada, MLS clubs will have to continue to win this tournament because the Liga MX guys have a big history, have a head start of winning this tournament.
“It starts with us, that’s huge, of course, but I think that gives the other teams, and of course ourselves, that belief that it can be done.”