With clock ticking on TFC’s Saturday opener, striker Jozy Altidore pitches heartfelt plea for common sense at home south of the border.
In the wake of its best season ever, Toronto FC unveiled its new wall of honour at BMO Field on Thursday.
The MLS franchise is using the north wall of the east stand, located next to the box office at Gate 1, to celebrate the franchise’s “iconic moments” and MLS honours.
It replaces the previous wall, which disappeared some time ago. That celebrated first captain/player Jim Brennan and first goal-scorer Danny Dichio on a strip of wall just underneath the pressbox in the west stand.
“With our 10-year anniversary (the 2016 season), it was really important to recognize that this club has had a history and there’s been some good players that have come through here,” team president Bill Manning said. “We’re hoping the next decade can be even better . . . So it’s cool. This is something we hope to add to. And hopefully it’s here for the next 50 years.”
The iconic moments section honours:
The 1976 Soccer Bowl champion Toronto Metros-Croatia
TFC’s first goal, scored by Danny Dichio on May 12, 2007
Maurice Edu, the 2007 MLS rookie of the year Sebastian Giovinco, 2015 MLS MVP The 2016 MLS Eastern Conference championship
Manning said unlike the previous wall, the new one won’t contain a hall of fame element.
“There is a Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame,” he said.
“Hopefully these guys will get into that one. This is more about a recognition of what we call iconic moments and hopefully there’s many more than what’s up the wall there. And then guys who have earned achievement or distinction from the league.”