TFC

TFC’s Full Journey: The Definitive Season Ranking (2007–2024)

Toronto FC entered Major League Soccer in 2007 as the league’s first and only Canadian team — a title they held until Vancouver Whitecaps joined in 2011. From their inaugural match at BMO Field to lifting trophies and making deep playoff runs, the club’s journey has been filled with incredible highs and frustrating lows.

As of now, the 2024 season hasn’t gone quite as hoped. With inconsistency on the pitch and a struggle to climb the standings, fans are once again left wondering where this campaign stacks up in the broader context of TFC’s history.

In this post, we take a deep dive into all 17 seasons Toronto FC has played, ranking each one from best to worst. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or a newcomer to the Reds, this breakdown offers a complete look at how each year shaped the identity of the club.

 1st – 2017 Season

TFC 2017 MLS win
  • Record: 20W–9D–5L
  • Points: 69
  • Goals: 74 GF / 43 GA
  • Finish: 1st in Eastern Conference (11 teams), 1st overall in MLS (22 teams)

2017 was TFC’s most dominant season to date. They topped the regular season table, clinched the Supporters’ Shield, and stormed through the MLS Cup Playoffs. After edging past the Red Bulls and Columbus Crew, they met Seattle again in a repeat final from the year before — and this time, Toronto prevailed 2-0 at BMO Field.

They also lifted the Canadian Championship, beating Montreal over two legs (1-1 and 2-1). Greg Vanney won Coach of the Year, Giovinco and Altidore both finished among the league’s top 10 scorers, and the club completed a historic domestic treble.

Easy one to top our list, as this marks the only time in Toronto’s history where they were able to win the MLS, and as we can see it was a very dominant display, they proved they were the best team that year.

2nd – 2016 Season

  • Record: 14W–9D–10L
  • Points: 53
  • Goals: 51 GF / 39 GA
  • Finish: 3rd in Eastern Conference (10), 5th overall (20 teams)

Toronto reached their first-ever MLS Cup Final in 2016. They dominated early rounds — crushing NYCFC 7-0 on aggregate and coming back from behind to beat Montreal in an all-time classic Eastern Final. In the final, they lost to Seattle in heartbreaking fashion on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

They also captured the Canadian Championship, edging Vancouver thanks to the away goals rule. Giovinco was again a standout performer, finishing third in MLS goals (17) and second in assists (15).

Sebastian Giovinco TFC

3rd – 2019 Season

  • Record: 13W–11D–10L
  • Points: 50
  • Goals: 57 GF / 52 GA
  • Finish: 4th in Eastern Conference (12 teams), 9th overall (24 teams)

TFC entered the playoffs hot and pulled off an exciting run to the MLS Cup Final for the third time in four years. After a thrilling extra-time win over D.C. United and impressive victories over NYCFC and Atlanta United, they once again faced Seattle in the final — but lost 3-1 in a hard-fought match.

In the 2019 Concacaf Champions League, they were upset early by Panamanian side Independiente (4-0 loss and 1-1 draw).

4th – 2018 Season

  • Record: 10W–6D–18L
  • Points: 36
  • Goals: 59 GF / 64 GA
  • Finish: 9th in Eastern Conference (11), 19th in MLS (23)

Although the league season was disappointing, 2018 is remembered for TFC’s stunning Concacaf Champions League campaign. They beat Colorado, Tigres, and Club América en route to the final, where they tied Guadalajara on aggregate but lost in a penalty shootout — their best international performance ever.

They also retained the Canadian Championship, dismantling Vancouver 5-2 in the second leg after a 2-2 draw.

5th – 2015 Season

  • Record: 15W–4D–15L
  • Points: 49
  • Goals: 56 GF / 56 GA
  • Finish: 6th in Eastern Conference (10), 12th in MLS (20)

This was a milestone year — TFC qualified for the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Although they lost 3-0 to Montreal in the first round, the season is most remembered for the arrival of Sebastian Giovinco, who won MLS MVP, Golden Boot (22 goals), and led the league in assists (16).

6th – 2020 Season

  • Record: 13W–5D–5L
  • Points: 44 (COVID-shortened season)
  • Goals: 33 GF / 26 GA
  • Finish: 2nd in Eastern Conference (14), 2nd overall in MLS (26)

Toronto had a strong regular season despite the pandemic disruptions but were upset in the first playoff round by Nashville SC in extra time. Alejandro Pozuelo was named league MVP, topping the assists chart (10) and finishing among the top goal scorers.

They won the Canadian Championship in penalties against Forge FC, their most recent trophy to date.

Alejandro Pozuelo TFC

7th – 2011 Season

Despite poor league form, TFC reached the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions League. They beat LA Galaxy in the quarterfinals (4-3 aggregate) and held Santos Laguna 1-1 in the first leg before falling 6-2 in the second.

They also won the Canadian Championship, defeating Vancouver 3-2 on aggregate.

8th – 2009 Season

  • Record: 10W–9D–11L
  • Points: 39
  • Goals: 37 GF / 46 GA
  • Finish: 5th in Eastern Conference (7), 12th in MLS (15)

Although they missed the playoffs, 2009 was a breakthrough year — Toronto won their first-ever piece of silverware, the Canadian Championship, edging out Vancouver on goal difference.

9th – 2010 Season

  • Record: 9W–8D–13L
  • Points: 35
  • Goals: 33 GF / 41 GA
  • Finish: 5th in Eastern Conference (8), 11th in MLS (16)

The season was another mid-table finish, but De Rosario finished third in league scoring with 15 goals. Toronto defended their Canadian Championship title, finishing top of the round-robin with 8 points.

De Rosario TFC

10th – 2021 Season

  • Record: 6W–10D–18L
  • Points: 28
  • Goals: 39 GF / 66 GA
  • Finish: 13th in Eastern Conference (14), 26th in MLS (27)

TFC did manage a win over Club León in the CCL, but were knocked out by Cruz Azul. Yeferson Soteldo tallied 10 assists, and Justin Morrow earned the league’s Humanitarian of the Year award — but on the field, the team was far below standard.

Justin Marrow TFC

11th – 2012 Season

  • Record: 5W–8D–21L
  • Points: 23
  • Goals: 36 GF / 62 GA
  • Finish: 10th in Eastern Conference (10), 19th in MLS (19)

Montreal joined MLS this year, and although TFC finished dead last, they did win another Canadian Championship, again beating Vancouver. They also competed in the Concacaf Champions League but did not advance from the group stage.

12th – 2014 Season

  • Record: 11W–8D–15L
  • Points: 41
  • Goals: 44 GF / 55 GA
  • Finish: 7th in Eastern Conference (10), 13th in MLS (19)

Toronto looked close to reaching the playoffs but fell just short. The club continued its search for consistency during this transitional period.

13th – 2024 Season

  • Record: 11W–4D–19L
  • Points: 37
  • Goals: 40 GF / 61 GA
  • Finish: 11th in Eastern Conference (15), 22nd in MLS (29)

A slightly improved year after 2023’s disaster, though still far from playoff contention. There were no cup appearances or tournament runs of note.

14th – 2008 Season

  • Record: 9W–8D–13L
  • Points: 35
  • Goals: 34 GF / 43 GA
  • Finish: 7th in Eastern Conference (7), 12th in MLS (14)

Toronto avoided last place this time but still finished at the bottom of the East. It was a step forward from their inaugural season, though the playoffs remained out of reach.

15th – 2022 Season

15th – 2022 Season

  • Record: 9W–7D–18L
  • Points: 34
  • Goals: 49 GF / 66 GA
  • Finish: 13th in Eastern Conference (14), 27th in MLS (28)

This was a year of high-profile signings but disappointing returns. Despite flashes of quality, defensive frailty and inconsistency plagued the team throughout.

16th – 2013 Season

  • Record: 6W–11D–17L
  • Points: 29
  • Goals: 30 GF / 47 GA
  • Finish: 9th in Eastern Conference (10), 17th in MLS (19)

2013 was another forgettable campaign. There were no cup runs, no notable individual accolades, and very little progress on the field.

17th – 2007 Season

  • Record: 6W–7D–17L
  • Points: 25
  • Goals: 25 GF / 44 GA
  • Finish: 7th in Eastern Conference (7), 13th in MLS (13)

Toronto’s inaugural MLS season was historically rough. They scored the fewest goals in the league, finished last, and were the only Canadian team in the league at the time. Still, it laid the foundation for what was to come.

18th – 2023 Season

  • Record: 4W–10D–20L
  • Points: 22
  • Goals: 26 GF / 59 GA
  • Finish: 15th in Eastern Conference (15 teams), 29th in MLS (29 teams)

2023 marked the lowest point in club history, both statistically and emotionally. Toronto FC finished dead last in the entire league, managing just four wins all season and scoring a league-worst 26 goals. The defense was equally concerning, conceding 59 goals. With no playoff hopes and no cup success, 2023 deservedly earns 18th place on this list — a season fans will want to forget.

Final Thoughts

As we can see, the 2024 season — while far from ideal — isn’t the worst Toronto FC has endured. In fact, when looking back at the full scope of the club’s history, it becomes clear that inconsistency has been a recurring theme. Despite being in the league for 17 seasons, TFC has only made the MLS playoffs five times.

That said, when this team hits its stride, it hits it in a big way. Toronto FC has won the MLS Cup, reached the final of the Concacaf Champions League, and lifted the Canadian Championship an impressive eight times. These highs remind fans of the club’s potential and what can be achieved with the right foundation.

Hopefully, better days lie ahead — with more playoff pushes, more silverware, and more unforgettable memories still to come.

Any changes you would make to the ranking? What was your favorite TFC moment?

Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

To see more on TFC’s amazing MLS run in 2017 read: https://www.tsn.ca/altidore-leads-toronto-fc-to-win-first-mls-cup-title-1.939378

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