Toronto FC's captaincy revelation and preseason plans

In a historic announcement on Tuesday, Jonathan Osorio was revealed as the newest captain of Toronto FC, marking the eighth captaincy in the club's history. This decision was met with enthusiasm from coach Herdman, who emphasized Osorio's significance within the club.

“Jonathan's a very special person at this club,” stated Herdman. “You only have to see his connection with kitchen staff, the equipment people, down to the kids at the TFC Academy who look up to him as that player who went all the way for the club to a championship.”

Having worked closely with Osorio for five years, Herdman spoke of the player's maturity and experiences, including Concacaf qualifying and the World Cup. According to Herdman, Osorio has been patiently waiting for this moment and is well-prepared for the responsibilities that come with being captain.

The team's preseason activities are currently in full swing in Florida, extending throughout the month. Toronto's first match of 2024 is scheduled against Nashville SC on February 2, followed by a return home and a subsequent move to Santa Barbara, California, on February 8 for three more preseason matches.

Coach Herdman highlighted the importance of the initial match against Nashville, emphasizing the focus on pushing the team's limits in a live game environment. The coach also detailed plans for the subsequent phase of the preseason, with matches against Columbus, and Real Salt Lake.

As the anticipation builds for Osorio's captaincy debut, the Toronto FC squad gears up for a challenging preseason schedule. Coach Herdman emphasized the strategic approach, highlighting the upcoming matches against Columbus, Real Salt Lake, and LAFC as crucial tests of the team's identity.