Toronto FC General Manager Jason Hernandez has publicly expressed his support for Major League Soccer's (MLS) proposed schedule change, stating the need for the league to align its calendar with other major leagues globally. Hernandez emphasized that Toronto FC (TFC) and its fans have previously dealt with cold weather and are prepared to do so again.
In a virtual media session on Wednesday, Hernandez remarked, "As far as us having to welcome folks into town on months that aren’t the prettiest, that’s something that we’re going to embrace all the way. TFC, we are the North and when folks come to town, we want them to feel yes, to feel that the weather is different from their own market and that we train in it every day and we’re ready for them."
According to MLS's plans, after the conclusion of the 2026 season, the league will introduce a "transition season" that will run from February to May 2027. This transition will consist of a shorter, 14-game regular season, culminating in the playoffs and MLS Cup. The subsequent regular season for 2027-28 is set to start in mid-to-late July 2027, allowing the league to shift to a summer-to-spring format that mirrors the schedule of many other prominent leagues worldwide. The newly established calendar will also include a mid-winter break from mid-December until early February.
Hernandez, who hails from New York, highlighted the advantages of playing in colder weather, suggesting that MLS teams based in warmer climates often leverage their environments to gain a competitive edge. "Too often we mosey down into Miami or Dallas or Houston and they’re waiting for us," he stated, noting the displaying of temperature data at stadiums and training grounds as a reminder of the climate differences. "I’m really looking forward to returning that favour to folks coming up to Toronto some of these (colder) months."
In anticipation of the challenges posed by the colder months, Hernandez mentioned that club staff are already in discussions regarding enhancements to the training facility. Although BMO Field has underground heating, the current training center lacks this feature, which has led to concerns voiced by past coaches regarding the impact of training on artificial turf under a bubble, particularly in the early season which can contribute to player injuries. Hernandez confirmed, "All those things are on the radar and being addressed."
Regarding player personnel, Hernandez did not provide much information on whether any players, whose contract options were declined last month, would return to the team. However, he did indicate that resolutions for some players could be expected before the holiday season. When asked about the future of 36-year-old goalkeeper Sean Johnson, Hernandez simply replied, "I don’t know." Other players under consideration include defenders Kevin Long, Raoul Petretta, Sigurd Rosted, midfielder Nathaniel Edwards, and forwards Derrick Etienne Jr., Hugo Mbongue, and Charlie Sharp.
Petretta and midfielder Maxime Dominguez, who was on loan from Brazil's Vasco da Gama last season, have already bid their farewells. Hernandez indicated that both Edwards and Sharp are not expected to return. Conversely, 21-year-old Mbongue, who was loaned to the Canadian Premier League's Vancouver FC last season, has been invited to the upcoming training camp.
Hernandez also noted the club's plans to utilize free agency, the re-entry draft, and other player movement mechanisms to strengthen the roster. "We think we could have something to say on each and every one of them. That’s a great position to be in," he stated enthusiastically.
In terms of the upcoming MLS SuperDraft, scheduled for December 18, Toronto holds only its second-round selection. Earlier this year, the club traded away its first-round pick to Colorado in exchange for hiring Rapids assistant coach Neil Emblen and first-team analyst Jase Kin, both of whom had previously worked with head coach Robin Fraser during his tenure with Colorado. The club's third-round pick has also been relinquished.
Toronto FC concluded the last season by missing the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year, finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference with a disappointing record of 6 wins, 14 losses, and 14 draws.
