When Toronto FC did not retain the majority of their defenders following a dismal 2021 season, it was very likely that the defensive struggles would continue, mainly due to the amount of roster turnover.
As numerous injuries and suspensions hampered TFC’s backline in the first half of this season, cohesion and consistency was nowhere to be found. Designated Player Carlos Salcedo has not lived up to the billing, Shane O’Neill was seen as a depth signing and has since started 12 matches, Lukas MacNaughton was a star in the Canadian Premier League, but the MLS is very much a step up in quality, leading to some unconfident displays from the Canadian defender.