Toronto FC Season Preview - Goalkeepers and Defenders

the 2025 season saw a marked improvement in goals allowed from the previous year. Thanks to an improved backline, Toronto FC conceded 44 goals - a 17 goal improvement from a 2024 campaign that let in 61 goals.

As Toronto FC prepares for the 2026 MLS season, the backline finds itself in the midst of a significant "changing of the guard" under head coach Robin Fraser. Here is a preview of the players lining up for TFC at the back for the start of the 2026 campaign.

Goalkeepers

One of the biggest moves of the offseason for Toronto FC is letting former goalkeeper Sean Johnson's option year expire and allow him to leave the club. As a free agent, Johnson signed with DC United through the 2027 season. So, what are we to expect from TFC players between the sticks?

Luka Gavran - The Hamilton native has been the keeper-in-waiting since signing with the senior team in 2022. He split his time with TFC II and the first team for the 2022 season, as Quentin Westberg and Alex Bono were still on the Toronto FC Roster. After Sean Johnson and Tomas Romero signed with the club in 2023, Gavran was relegated to being the third option.

In short, he's an untested option for the starting job. He's started a total of 16 MLS regular season games for TFC as a fill-in for Johnson due to injury and international duty. During that time, he's put up a 64.8% save percentage, which would be good enough for 25th in the league last year. Will he be able to handle the rigours of a full MLS season?

William Yarbrough - Born in Mexico, he started his career with Club Leon in Liga MX in 2012. He played with the team for eight seasons before making the move to MLS with Colorado Rapids in 2020. Yarbrough was the starter for Robin Fraser with the Rapids. Most recently, he played with the San Jose Earthquakes as a fill-in for the injured Daniel and was the third option for Inter Miami, and did not see any playing time last season.

The 36-year-old has loads of experience in MLS and Robin Fraser knows him well. Perhaps he might be a little past his prime, but don't discount the fact that he was signed as a backup to Gavran. If Gavran doesn't have a strong start to the season, look for Yarbrough to see some starts.

Adisa De Rosario - the 21-year-old keeper is the third option for the club in net and should probably spend most of his time on loan to TFC II. Unless there's an injury, we won't see De Rosario on the

Defenders

With the exits of Kevin Long, Raoul Petretta, and Sigurd Rosted, the club has turned to two-time MLS Defender of the Year Walker Zimmerman to provide much-needed leadership. Alongside Zimmerman and new Brazilian fullback Matheus Pereira, the Reds are betting on a blend of proven MLS pedigree and emerging homegrown talent to solidify a unit that must be the foundation for their first playoff push since 2020.

Walker Zimmerman (Center-Back): The biggest splash of the offseason. The two-time MLS Defender of the Year arrives to provide the veteran leadership and aerial dominance that the backline lacked last season. The 32-year-old has some durability issues - he missed 12 games last year through injury and has lingering knee problems. While Zimmerman was playing for Nashville under a DP contract, we assume that he is playing on at TAM-level contract and not taking up a DP spot. If so, it was a shrewd signing by Hernandez if he can stay healthy.

Matheus Pereira (Left-Back): Signed from Portuguese side Santa Clara, the Brazilian is expected to mirror Richie Laryea’s high-octane energy on the opposite wing, offering a potent attacking threat from the left. Pereira is 25 and entering his prime footballing years. If he can

Richie Laryea (Right-Back): A vital engine for both club and country. Now with Zimmerman behind him, expect Laryea to have even more license to push forward and overwhelm opposing defenses. Richie will resume his style of physical play, drawing fouls, and annoying opposing players. Can you believe that Laryea has never been shown a red card?

Zane Monlouis (Center-Back): The former Arsenal U-21 captain looks to build on his first full year in MLS. His composure on the ball makes him an ideal tactical fit for a team looking to play out from the back. With the injury to Gomis, look for Monlouis to start in the backline beside Zimmerman.

Nicksoen Gomis (Center-Back): After a promising but injury-interrupted start to his TFC career, Gomis provides a left-footed balance in the center and is a strong candidate to partner Zimmerman when healthy. After his season-ending Achilles injury in 2025, he is back training with the team but not completely up to match fitness.

Lazar Stefanovic (Center-Back): Only 19 years old but physically imposing , Stefanovic is no longer just a "prospect." He is expected to be the primary rotation option for the central defense this year, aiming to be third or fourth on the depth chart.

Kosi Thompson (Right-Back/Midfield): Though listed as a midfielder in some rosters, Thompson logged heavy minutes as a fullback last season. His tactical flexibility makes him a "Swiss Army knife" for the defensive unit and will see some starting minutes.

Henry Wingo (Right-Back/Wing-Back): A player with MLS and European experience, Wingo provides elite speed and can fill multiple roles depending on whether Robin Fraser opts for a back four or a back five. The problem is that Wingo has only played in 13 matches with Toronto FC and was underwhelming with his play. He'll need to earn his minutes and justify his $700k salary.

Kobe Franklin (Right-Back): The homegrown defender has been with the senior roster since 2022 and has played in 74 matches. The 2026 season is shaping up to be a deciding year for the player as his contract expires in December and only saw around 800 minutes on a bad team. The 22-year-old will continue to fight for minutes amongst the other youngsters on the team.

Adam Pearlman (Center-Back): Returning from a loan spell in the CPL, Pearlman adds homegrown depth and will be looking to capitalize on any opportunities during the busy schedule early in the year. Look for Pearlman to be another loan candidate.

Toronto FC needs to have a sound defensive campaign as the team has a compressed schedule from February to May in the lead up to the World Cup. With a number of new faces in the backline, it remains to be seen how much of an impact the changes will have on the teams ability to keep the ball out of the net.