After an outstanding championship season in 2023, Toronto United seemed positioned to excel at the inaugural event of the 2024 campaign.
However, the defending champions stumbled out of the gate with three straight losses before finding their footing and rallying to salvage a respectable showing.
United finished the Eastern Split with a 4-5 overall record, going 4-2 in their final six matches to demonstrate the championship resilience that defined their title-winning 2023 season.
The Slow Start
Despite having three solid returning veterans and talented new additions, Toronto United couldn't find their rhythm early in the Eastern Split.
The opening three losses raised questions about whether the defending champions could recapture the magic that carried them to the 2023 CNPL title.
Veteran Leadership
Three key players returned from the championship squad to anchor the 2024 roster:
- Carolina Hack: 10-4 record in seven matches, three Player of the Match awards
- Matt Kawamoto: 3-9 record in six matches
- Mark Gottfried: 5-9 record in seven matches
Hack proved to be the team's most consistent performer, leading United with her stellar play and earning recognition as Player of the Match on multiple occasions.
New Faces Making an Impact
United bolstered their championship roster with several talented additions:
- Joanna Phang (25th overall pick): 10-4 record in seven matches, one Player of the Match award
- Chris Alain (former East Toronto Smash): 4-6 record in five matches
- Sneha Iyer: Pre-Eastern Split pick-up
Phang emerged as a key contributor alongside Hack, posting an impressive 10-4 record and proving that United's draft strategy paid dividends.
The Turnaround
After the difficult 0-3 start, Toronto United showed the championship character that defined their 2023 title run.
The team's 4-2 record over their final six matches demonstrated their ability to adjust, compete, and find ways to win even when facing adversity.
While a 4-5 record may not match their championship expectations, the strong finish provides a foundation to build on as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
United's resilient finish to the Eastern Split shows they remain a team capable of competing at the highest level.
With veteran leadership from players like Hack and promising contributions from newcomers like Phang, the defending champions have the pieces in place to make another championship run.
The question now is whether they can carry that late-season momentum forward and return to the form that made them CNPL champions in 2023.