It seems like only yesterday Toronto FC won their first MLS Cup. In fact, it’s been about six weeks since TFC completed the treble with their MLS Cup victory on a chilly day in early December. This week, the team begins their pre-season training camp in Los Angeles with the defence of the MLS Cup, the Supporters’ Shield and the Canadian Championship at the forefront of players’ minds.

The Athletic will be there every step of the way through the 2018 season — and we hope you will, too.

At the end of the 2016 MLS season, the idea of expanding our soccer coverage was in a precarious position. As a new startup, our resources had to be used as efficiently as possible. But, having said that, there are great stories to tell about TFC and Canadian soccer as a whole. Our coverage has shown that time and time again.

Toronto’s soccer fans are a diverse, passionate bunch. What I tried to do with coverage in 2017 was reflect that diversity by telling unconventional stories that allowed readers to better understand the players they watch and cheer for. Several of those stories also approached the game from an analytical perspective.

Occasionally I’ll hear from soccer fans lamenting that their sport is not getting the same kind of attention as some other sports in Canada. It’s a valid argument — though soccer may never receive the type of intense media coverage hockey demands, particularly in a city like Toronto. As a fan of the game myself, I get it. I grew up rising early on Saturday mornings to watch soccer abroad, knowing the game was a still a niche sport in my own backyard.

But what I hope The Athletic can be is an outlet where soccer fans can turn to for unique stories you won’t find anywhere else. Our soccer coverage won’t be singular in it’s approach, but in each piece, we’ll strive to be thoughtful, creative and balanced.

Last year, I bet on Toronto soccer fans investing in The Athletic to read about the sport, and team, they love. I’m going to do the same this year, and this time, I’m asking even more fans to consider investing in our soccer coverage.

Here are some of the stories we’re especially proud of from last season:

A look at how TFC managed to dominate MLS without strong possession numbers, and what that meant for the future of the possession stat

An in-depth feature on TFC’s heavy investment in their academy

A video breakdown of Tosaint Ricketts, with commentary from TFC assistant coach Dan Calichman

A lengthy Q & A with new Canadian Premier League Commissioner David Clanachan

An examination of how Alphonso Davies could shape the future of Canadian soccer

And our Talking to TFC series, in which we get to know players away from the pitch

The Athletic will bring you more thoughtful TFC coverage this year, but we also aim to do more than that. We’re going to add more national coverage, especially as the possibility of Canada co-hosting the World Cup in 2026 begins to (hopefully) become a reality. That also includes covering the growth of the CPL and the continued success of the women’s national team.

Ambitious? Perhaps. But ambition served our coverage well last season. I don’t know too many Canadian fans who aren’t ambitious about their hopes for what soccer can one day become here.

This week, I will be in Los Angeles to report on TFC’s training camp. What I’m asking from you is to support The Athletic as we endeavour to expand our soccer coverage. You can subscribe here with a special 30% discount, and please reach out with your thoughts on future stories you’d like to see.

As always, we sincerely appreciate the support from our subscribers as we continue to grow. Please help spread the word if you have liked what you’ve read so far.

Sincerely,

Joshua Kloke

(Top photo: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports)