Few understand better than Toronto FC the importance of Major League Soccer’s regular season.
A new single-elimination playoff format was introduced last season, making home-field advantage an important aspect of the post-season. Toronto, which finished fourth in the East, played three of its four playoff games on the road, upsetting New York City FC and Atlanta United before losing the MLS Cup final in Seattle.
The league, which released its full schedule Thursday, will expand to 26 teams this season, with Inter Miami CF joining the East and Nashville SC added to the West. The Reds will not face FC Dallas, Minnesota United or Los Angeles FC next year.