Toronto FC Update: Transfers, Tactics, and Playoff Chances
After a rollercoaster stretch of results, Toronto FC’s 2025 season is heading into its decisive phase. With just nine matches left to play, the Reds are walking a fine line between a late playoff push and another year of coming up short. Since our last check-in, the team has shown flashes of quality — including a nice win against San Diego the league’s second-best team currently (for more read: https://cafeterodelnorte.com/tfc-vs-san-diego-fc-july-2025-road-win/) — but also familiar struggles in turning possession into real attacking threat.
Now, with key squad changes already in motion and a marquee signing joining the ranks, there’s a renewed sense of optimism around BMO Field. From new faces to tactical tweaks, and from recent form to the uphill playoff battle ahead, let’s break down where TFC stand — and whether this revamped side can pull off the improbable.
Recent Form
Since the last time we spoke about TFC (https://cafeterodelnorte.com/nashville-sc-vs-tfc-recap-july-19-2025/), the team has had mixed results. They suffered a disappointing 2-0 away loss to Charlotte — a crucial game given how close Charlotte was in the standings and how important it was to close that gap.
In their most recent match, away to the Philadelphia Union — the top team in the entire league — Toronto pulled off an impressive 1-1 draw. Across these games, TFC have shown a real willingness to hold possession, often winning in this metric. However, they’ve struggled in shot creation, usually losing both the shot battle and the xG battle.
Now, with several squad changes already made, there’s a sense that things in Toronto could shift significantly for the better.
Squad Changes
Djordje Mihailovic (In)
As many have already seen, Toronto made a huge signing this transfer window, bringing in MLS star Djordje Mihailovic. He now takes on the role of designated player following the departures of Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi earlier this summer.
Mihailovic, 26, scored 23 goals and assisted 16 times in 63 matches over his last two seasons with the Colorado Rapids. For comparison, Insigne recorded 19 goals and 18 assists in 76 matches over three seasons, while Bernardeschi managed 26 goals and 22 assists in 99 matches during his time with TFC.
The numbers show that Mihailovic is more than capable of being a star — something he’s already proven in previous teams and in his TFC debut, where he played 89 minutes. He’s an intelligent player who not only finds ways to get himself into games but also makes those around him better. His influence in attack will be crucial, and his set pieces could be game-changers. At $9 million, he’s an expensive signing, but perhaps the star Toronto truly needed — and one who seems to care about the team.
Malik Henry (Permanent Deal)
This may be a lesser-known name for some, but the 23-year-old Toronto Academy graduate could prove to be an important piece, especially given TFC’s lack of depth on the wing. Henry had already featured in two matches this season before securing a permanent first-team contract.
Since signing, he made an immediate impact, providing the assist that earned TFC a draw against Philadelphia. Though undersized, Henry is extremely quick and technically sound — qualities that could make him a dangerous option moving forward.
Mihailovic made the pass into Henry to start this play.
Tyrese Spicer (Out)
Toronto’s 2024 first overall draft pick departs after two seasons, moving to Orlando. Spicer’s time in Toronto was hampered by injuries, and he never got consistent minutes. Over two years, he played 42 matches, scoring six goals and adding one assist.
I’ve always been a big fan of Spicer, as I’ve mentioned in previous match reviews, but his time here fell short of expectations. He reportedly wanted a big contract, and TFC instead opted to sell him for $550,000 — less than I would’ve hoped for.
With the transfer window still open and links to players like Josh Brownhill circulating, there’s hope that TFC can make a few more smart signings to further strengthen the squad and boost their playoff chances.
Expected Tactics
From the Philadelphia game, we got a glimpse of the tactical direction TFC might take. Fraser initially experimented with a five-at-the-back setup in defense, with Corbeanu at left wing-back. It quickly became clear this didn’t work — Corbeanu simply isn’t a defender, and the structure suffered.
The team soon shifted to a 4-3-3, with Mihailovic on the left wing and Corbeanu on the right, and it looked much better. While some fans are skeptical of Mihailovic playing out wide, there’s no need to worry — he can handle that role well. Plus, this setup gives flexibility for different opponents, including variations where Henry plays on the left and Mihailovic moves into his preferred central attacking midfield role.
Playoff Chances
With nine matches left in the season, TFC’s playoff hopes are still alive, albeit slim. Here’s a breakdown of the remaining fixtures and my predicted points haul:
- 🟩 Vs Columbus Crew (Home) – Win. A tough game, but it’s the first at home in a while. With a new-look squad and hungry players, I believe TFC can take all three points.
- 🟩 Vs Atlanta United (Away) – Win. Winnable and crucial, with both teams currently level on points. A must-win for playoff hopes.
- 🟩 Vs Montreal (Home) – Win. Another winnable game and a rivalry match. With playoff stakes and pride on the line, TFC should come out on top.
- 🟩 Vs New England (Away) – Win. This one’s tough, but given New England’s position just ahead of Toronto, it’s a match TFC have to win to close the gap.
- 🟥 Vs Columbus Crew (Away) – Loss. One of the league’s top sides, and playing them away makes this one a lot tougher — though a draw isn’t impossible.
- 🟩 Vs Inter Miami (Home) – Win. Despite Miami’s world-class names, TFC drew them earlier this season away. At home, with the crowd behind them and playoff hopes alive, I think they edge it.
- Vs Chicago Fire (Away) – Draw. Winnable, but Chicago will also be fighting for a playoff spot and will be difficult to beat on their turf.
- Vs LAFC (Away) – Draw. Another tough away day, but I can see TFC grinding out a point.
- 🟩 Vs Orlando (Home) – Win. Orlando will likely rest players ahead of the playoffs, giving TFC the chance to finish strong with a win.
for the current MLS standings visit – https://www.mlssoccer.com/standings/live/conference#season=MLS-SEA-0001K9&live=true
By my predictions, that’s 20 points from the last nine matches, bringing TFC’s total to 42 points. Even with this impressive run, making the playoffs will be extremely difficult given the strength of the Eastern Conference. That said, not all hope is lost — this squad has the tools to impress, and maybe, just maybe, they can sneak into a playoff spot.
Final Thoughts
Toronto FC’s playoff path is anything but straightforward, but there’s no denying that this revamped squad feels different. The addition of Djordje Mihailovic, the emergence of Malik Henry, and the tactical adjustments under Fraser have all injected fresh hope into a season that was threatening to fizzle out.
The margins will be razor-thin over these final nine matches, and while my predicted 20-point haul may seem ambitious, it’s not out of reach if this team can build on the fight and structure they showed against Philadelphia.
The first real test of this “new-look” TFC comes at home against the Columbus Crew — and I’ll be there in the stands to see it firsthand. Expect a full matchday vlog on my YouTube channel covering the atmosphere, the action, and whether this team can kickstart a true playoff push.
Do you think Toronto FC can pull it off and make the playoffs? Are you excited of Toronto’s new look team?
If you have any thoughts, leave them in the comment section below, and I’ll catch you guys after the next game.
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