Toronto FC open 20th MLS season with road test against FC Dallas
Toronto FC kicks off their 20th MLS season on Saturday against FC Dallas, aiming for a stronger performance after recent struggles, including not reaching the playoffs since 2020. With notable roster changes, including experienced defender Walker Zimmerman, the match serves as both an opener and an opportunity to build momentum for the season ahead.
Foto: Toronto FC
Toronto FC begin their 20th Major League Soccer season Saturday night with a visit to FC Dallas at Toyota Stadium.
Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET as part of MLS opening weekend, with the match available globally on Apple TV in English and Spanish. The fixture marks the start of Toronto’s second season under head coach Robin Fraser and a milestone campaign for a club still searching for its first playoff appearance since 2020.
A familiar opening script
For the eighth consecutive year, Toronto will open its regular season on the road. Since joining MLS in 2007, the club has started away from home in 18 of its 19 seasons.
Historically, season openers have been mixed. Toronto holds a 5-9-5 record in its first matches of the year and has not won an opener since a 3-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union in 2019. The Reds played to draws in each of the past two season openers.
Saturday also presents a chance to improve on a challenging head-to-head record. Toronto has posted a 3-11-6 mark in 20 regular-season meetings with FC Dallas. The club has yet to secure a road victory in Texas.
Dallas history and recent momentum
FC Dallas, one of MLS’s original 1996 clubs, enters the season with continuity and a strong home-field reputation. The two sides last met in May 2024, when Toronto earned a 3-1 victory at BMO Field behind goals from Federico Bernardeschi and Matty Longstaff.
Toronto will be seeking consecutive wins in the series for the first time.
Reinforced roster
Toronto arrives in Texas with several notable additions.
Defender Walker Zimmerman headlines the offseason moves. The 32-year-old centre-back brings extensive MLS experience, including previous time with FC Dallas from 2013 to 2017. During his tenure in Texas, Zimmerman made 110 appearances and helped the club capture the 2016 Supporters’ Shield and U.S. Open Cup. He has also earned 46 caps with the United States Men’s National Team and appeared at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Joining him in strengthening the back line are fullback Matheus Pereira, returning defender Raheem Edwards and veteran goalkeeper William Yarbrough. Pereira arrives from Portugal’s top division, while Edwards returns to Toronto after stints across the league. Yarbrough adds experience in goal following previous MLS and Liga MX campaigns.
Up front, Derrick Etienne Jr. remains in the squad after re-signing in January, and Colombian forward Emilio Aristizábal joins on loan following a productive 2025 season in Colombia’s first division.
Preseason groundwork
Toronto held a three-week preseason camp in Marbella, Spain, for the second consecutive year. The club posted a 3-1-1 record in five friendlies against international opposition, integrating new signings alongside returning players and academy prospects.
The preseason results offer limited predictive value, but they provided Fraser with extended evaluation time in competitive environments.
Reunion for Zimmerman
Saturday’s match also marks a return to Texas for Zimmerman, who began his professional career in Dallas after being selected seventh overall in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. His familiarity with the venue and opponent adds another layer to the season opener.
For Toronto, the objective is clear: begin a landmark season with momentum and signal progress after several rebuilding years. Whether that translates into a result in Texas remains to be seen.
