Toronto FC is set to return to their home stadium on Saturday after more than a month on the road, hosting the Columbus Crew in a match that will feature the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/soccer/mls/”>MLS debut of their newest designated player, midfielder Djordje Mihailovic. The club’s roster changes and fresh additions have created an atmosphere of renewed optimism as they look to regain momentum late in the season.
Head coach Robin Fraser, reflecting on Mihailovic’s initial impact since joining Toronto FC, praised the midfielder’s technical skill and soccer acumen. Fraser summarized his impression simply: “he’s really good.”
Assessing Mihailovic’s Immediate Effect on the Team
Fraser elaborated on Mihailovic’s style of play, highlighting the 26-year-old’s composure and decision-making under pressure as well as his natural ability to influence matches. He said,
“Watching him play, his ability to handle the ball in tight spaces, his ability to find solutions and execute them — all while it looks like he’s having a stroll in the park — is pretty cool.”
Fraser added,
“He’s just a very aware player who’s very capable of exploiting situations that he sees.”
Mihailovic arrived in Toronto in early August after a transfer from the Colorado Rapids in a deal reportedly worth up to US$9 million. His contract extends through 2028, with an option for 2029, reflecting the club’s long-term plans centered around his presence.
His first start for TFC resulted in a 1-1 draw against the Eastern Conference-leading Philadelphia Union, a performance that helped end a two-match losing streak and offered hope for the team’s offensive capabilities going forward.
Leadership and Team Integration Off the Field
Fraser also touched on how Mihailovic fits in socially and professionally within the squad.
“He’s just one of the guys in the locker room. He obviously carries weight and influence because of the title that goes with him, but he doesn’t carry himself like he’s better than anyone, he doesn’t look down at anyone,”
Fraser noted, continuing,
“Real excited about where we’re going and the fact that he’s been a part of it.”
Veteran defender Richie Laryea echoed the sentiment about Mihailovic’s ease in settling in. Laryea commented,
“Even from the first session he was in and then to the game that he played against Philly — that’s a tough place for anyone to have their first game is away at Philly — and I think he did pretty well. He has a ton of quality and he’s going to help us a lot for years to come.”
A Period of Active Roster Changes Fuels a New Team Dynamic
Toronto FC’s recent roster activity has been significant, reflecting a strategic shift. After securing Mihailovic, the club parted ways with high-profile Italian players Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi in July. Additional moves included loaning forward Charlie Sharp to the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the United Soccer League and signing Malik Henry from TFC II to strengthen the squad.
Most recently, TFC traded midfielder Matty Longstaff to CF Montreal in exchange for forward Jules-Anthony Vilsaint and up to $275,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM), with Vilsaint expected to be available for Saturday’s game. The club also acquired an extra $350,000 in GAM from separate deals with Miami and Charlotte, increasing their flexibility for further transactions.
Fraser explained how these moves have altered the club‘s focus and environment.
“Some of the distractions that have been there all year have been removed and now we just find ourselves in a position where we look around and ‘OK, this is our group,’”
he said, adding that the noise from external sources seems to have quieted down.
The transfer window remains open until Thursday, and Fraser confirmed that general manager Jason Hernandez is exploring additional potential signings to bolster the squad.
Current Standings and the Road Ahead for Toronto FC
Toronto FC currently occupies 12th place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 5 wins, 7 losses, and 13 draws. They sit 14 points behind the playoff line, reflecting the uphill challenge ahead. Columbus Crew, by contrast, holds a stronger position tied for fourth with a 12-8-5 record and 44 points.
This match marks Toronto’s first home appearance since a 1-1 draw against Atlanta on July 12. With the team reportedly at its healthiest level of the season, internal competition has intensified, raising expectations for greater performances on the pitch.
Fraser emphasized the importance of progress for the remaining nine games.
“If this was April, this would be a perfect spot to be in because we feel like we’re building and we’re growing,”
he said.
“Having said all of that and all the positives that we can talk about, we have put ourselves in a big hole. Winning is still the No. 1 priority and we don’t even want to talk about the P-word, but we can do everything we can to try to get involved in that discussion.”
Offensive Challenges and the Hope Linked to Mihailovic’s Arrival
Toronto FC’s offense has struggled this season, scoring only 26 goals in 25 matches, and has not scored more than one goal in a game since their 3-0 victory over Portland at the end of June. Mihailovic’s proven record—with 48 goals and 63 assists across 244 career games in MLS and Europe—offers hope for greater attacking production.
The matchup against Columbus presents a chance to exploit defensive weaknesses, as the Crew’s defense ranks closer to league average, unlike Philadelphia’s notably stingy backline that Toronto recently faced.
Columbus Crew’s Recent Form and Competitive Outlook
The Columbus Crew arrive following two consecutive wins in the Leagues Cup, despite their earlier exit during the group phase as reigning champions. In MLS play, they have secured victories in five of their last eight matches, indicating strong form heading into the contest with Toronto FC.