To say Toronto FC’s schedule around the Gold Cup was looking somewhat daunting would be an understatement.
Without two of their stars in Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore on top of as many as five other first-team players, the Reds faced trips to FC Dallas and Orlando City - both of whom are currently on course for a playoff spot - in early July.
They could also expect to be without Bradley and Altidore for a visit to New York City FC, a home match against the Colorado Rapids and potentially the reverse fixture with NYCFC, too, assuming the USA were to go deep into the knockout stage.