During the off-season, Toronto FC agreed to a one-year partnership with USL outfit Wilmington Hammerheads.
Jackson, Justin Morrow, Dwayne De Rosario, Gilberto, Michael Bradley, Jermain Defoe, Bradley Orr, Collen Warner, Luke Moore, Dominic Oduro, Warren Creavalle and Júlio César came to Toronto.
Toronto will start the season on March 15 against the Seattle Sounders FC and finish on October 25 against the New England Revolution.
[1] Toronto held off renewal of season tickets "months later than normal — hoping that off-season moves have given ticket-holders a reason to get back on board.
"[2] Toronto FC agreed to a one-year partnership with USL outfit Wilmington Hammerheads on January 22.
[3] During the off-season, Toronto acquired Jackson,[4] Issey Nakajima-Farran,[5] Justin Morrow,[6] and Dwayne De Rosario.
"[8] In addition to Gilberto, Michael Bradley and Jermain Defoe joined the club as designated players.
The options on Gale Agbossoumonde, Joe Bendik, Mark Bloom, Bright Dike, Jeremy Hall, Chris Konopka, Reggie Lambe, Ryan Richter, Quillan Roberts, Emery Welshman, and Andrew Wiedeman were exercised.
[17] Tim Bezbatchenko confirmed that Darel Russell, Michael Thomas, Stefan Frei, Justin Braun, and Danny Koevermans would not return to the club in 2014 after their contracts expired or their options were declined.
"[18] The club are "attempting to make the veteran's salary cap hit match his on-field production.
[26] Leiweke was quoted, stating, that "the days of us putting our toe in the water and trying to find a cheap DP (designated player) are over.
[26] Jermain Defoe,[25] Alberto Gilardino[25] Samuel Eto'o[28] and Fabio Quagliarella[29] were rumoured to join Toronto FC.
The club denied the report about signing Defoe,[30] but Bezbatchenko stated that "it's obvious the public "knows" who the targets are.
"[31] Bezbatchenko also stated that "We've identified 3–5 (potential Designated Players) that would fit the role" and that "We're really honing in [sic] on two.
[35] The club put together a television advertisement stating that it's a "bloody big deal" that Defoe is coming to Toronto FC.
[35] The ads were running on The Sports Network and Sportsnet with Toronto being the main focus of the marketing campaign.
[35] Even though MLSE was using Defoe in their marketing campaigns, British newspaper The Guardian stated "The money may be good but the club are woeful and playing in Canada may end the striker's World Cup hopes.
[79] In the second match, on September 6, Philadelphia won 2–0 with goals from Connor Casey and Andrew Wenger.
Michael Bradley was critical of the referee after the match and was eventually fined an undisclosed amount for the comment.
[83] Then on September 21, Toronto defeated Chivas USA 3–0 with goals from Jackson, Luke Moore, and Gilberto.