Latest news with #Insigne
Mint
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Mint
FC Cincinnati cant afford to look past Toronto FC
FC Cincinnati have a highly anticipated showdown this weekend at the rival Columbus Crew, who are tied with them atop the Eastern Conference. First, Cincinnati must head north of the border to face Toronto FC Wednesday night. Cincinnati (8-3-1, 25 points) is coming off a 2-1 win at home against Austin FC on Saturday, bouncing back from a 1-0 defeat in its prior match at New York City FC. After a lackluster offensive showing at NYCFC, snapping their five-match winning streak, FC Cincinnati were relentlessly assertive on offense against Austin FC, outshooting them 18-11, including 7-2 in shots on goal. "(There was) certainly an improvement with how we move the ball and have better decisions, more composure, you know, trying to figure out how to play through (Austin FC's) press," Cincinnati head coach Pat Noonan said. "We scored some really good goals when we needed to." FC Cincinnati forward Evander scored his team-leading seventh goal of the season and had the assist on midfielder Gerardo Valenzuela's game-winning goal Saturday. Evander's performance earned him a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday for the weekend, the 26-year-old's fourth such honor this season. Toronto FC (2-6-4, 10 points) sits in 13th in the Eastern Conference, but they picked up three points in a 2-0 home win against D.C. United on Saturday. It was their first home win of the season. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson and forward Lorenzo Insigne were both named to the MLS Team of the Matchday. Johnson turned away all five of D.C.'s shots on goal for Toronto's fourth clean sheet of the season. Insigne scored in the 48th minute and then had an assist on an offensive sequence that led to an own goal. "I thought (Insigne) was excellent," Toronto head coach Robin Fraser said. "Again, his intelligence and understanding of what's happening on the field offensively and defensively, I think, is underestimated." FC Cincinnati earned three points in a 2-0 home win over Toronto FC on March 8. They are 8-4-1 against Toronto FC all-time. On Tuesday, FC Cincinnati signed MLS legend Kei Kamara through 2025 with an option for 2026. The 40-year-old striker ranks No. 2 in MLS history with 147 regular-season goals and No. 4 with 445 appearances.
Toronto Sun
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
From frozen out to firing: Lorenzo Insigne reclaims his place with Toronto FC
Published May 12, 2025 • 4 minute read Toronto FC forward Lorenzo Insigne (centre) celebrates a goal against D.C. United with Theo Corbeanu (7) and Raoul Petretta (28) during second-half MLS soccer action in Toronto, Saturday, May 10, 2025. Photo by Frank Gunn / The Canadian Press Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. Lorenzo Insigne, who was on the outs with Toronto FC at the beginning of the season, says he has put the difficult times behind him and remains committed to the TFC cause. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account After being left out of the lineup for the first four games of the MLS season, amidst talk of attempts to move his $15-million-plus US salary out the door to clubs in Italy, Spain, Turkey and Brazil, the 33-year-old Italian designated player is back in the starting 11 and making a difference. Insigne says he prefers to look forward rather than back, with Wednesday's home game against FC Cincinnati the immediate challenge. 'It was a very difficult time at the beginning (of the season),' Insigne, speaking through an interpreter, said Monday in a rare interview. 'I don't want to talk about it. But I'm a person who is very mentally strong. Throughout my career, I have been through so much stuff. I try not to think about it. I also have a very strong wife, family, at home that helps me get through it.' 'It wasn't a happy time for me,' he added. 'But I'm not going to keep thinking about it.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. While Insigne admits to having had 'words with the club' _ there were candid talks over his future with MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley — he says he always believed he had the respect of his teammates and the club. 'I've always been happy here and as long as my contract lasts, I'm going to do the best I can to make us win,' Insigne said. Insigne's deal run through June 2026 with an option for the remainder of the '26 season. Insigne turned boos into cheers Saturday when he scored one goal and set up another in Toronto's 2-0 win over D.C. United. His first league goal in 11 months gave Toronto (2-6-4) its first home win since Sept. 14. The father of three celebrated the goal by making a heart sign for his wife and family in the stands. 'The straw that stirs the drink,' the MLS club tweeted afterwards, conveniently forgetting earlier attempts to isolate the Italian. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'I thought he was excellent today,' Toronto coach Robin Fraser said after the match. 'People just look at the money and look at the scoresheet and go 'Oh he hasn't done this, he hasn't done that,'' he added. 'But I thought his intelligence and managing the game, offensively and defensively, moving players around to where we needed specific things done, I thought it was really a very, very good performance from him. And scoring the goal is like the cherry on top.' And a rare cherry, considering Insigne's goal came via a header. The five-foot-four 130-pounder dove to head home a Theo Corbeanu cross. Insigne is healthier and seemingly happier than in previous seasons with Toronto, when he battled through a string of injuries and his body language often seemed negative and forlorn. From the outside looking in, Insigne has handled his differences with the club with class. There were no protests when he was dropped from the starting 11, with the official line that he did not fit in the team's new style of play under Fraser. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'With the money I earn, I could just sit down, I could have said, 'Who cares? I make a lot of money. I don't have to do anything,'' Insigne said. 'But that's not who I am. I'm going to always, every day, come and work hard. And as long as my contract's here, that is my goal at the end — I'm here to work hard and respect everybody.' In truth, the club wanted to spread his sizable salary for much-needed roster upgrades. And it could continue to try to move him when the summer transfer window opens July 24. Toronto has other fires to put out these days, with supporters' groups staging a protest outside BMO Field on Saturday. They carried a banner that read 'Empty Words Empty Seats,' a seeming reference to a recent message to season ticket-holders from Pelley, who urged fans to stick with the team as its rebuild continues. Toronto league's record since last making the playoffs in 2020 is a dismal 32-81-35. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Insigne says he understands the fan unrest, but wants supporters to know that everyone at the club is invested in turning the franchise around. No one is more upset than the players when things don't go well. 'We're the first ones to get angry about it,' he said. Insigne, who says he is relishing a freer role on the pitch under Fraser, believes the club is on the right track. He also talks up living in Toronto. 'My kids don't want to leave Toronto,' he said with a chuckle. 'I'm very happy here,' he added. 'I know a lot of the fans think I'm not happy here, because I don't speak English and stuff … Toronto feels like home to me.' His message to the fans is simple — we need you. 'We promise you that we are fighting just as hard as they are to win and to move forward.' Columnists Toronto Maple Leafs Editorial Cartoons Toronto & GTA World
Winnipeg Free Press
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Frozen out, now firing: Lorenzo Insigne reclaims his place with Toronto FC
TORONTO – Lorenzo Insigne, who was on the outs with Toronto FC at the beginning of the season, says he has put the difficult times behind him and remains committed to the TFC cause. After being left out of the lineup for the first four games of the MLS season, amidst talk of attempts to move his US$15-million-plus salary out the door to clubs in Italy, Spain, Turkey and Brazil, the 33-year-old Italian designated player is back in the starting 11 and making a difference. Insigne says he prefers to look forward rather than back, with Wednesday's home game against FC Cincinnati the immediate challenge. 'It was a very difficult time at the beginning (of the season),' Insigne, speaking through an interpreter, said Monday in a rare interview. 'I don't want to talk about it. But I'm a person who is very mentally strong. Throughout my career, I have been through so much stuff. I try not to think about it. I also have a very strong wife, family, at home that helps me get through it.' 'It wasn't a happy time for me,' he added. 'But I'm not going to keep thinking about it.' While Insigne admits to having had 'words with the club' — there were candid talks over his future with MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley — he says he always believed he had the respect of his teammates and the club. 'I've always been happy here and as long as my contract lasts, I'm going to do the best I can to make us win,' Insigne said. Insigne's deal run through June 2026 with an option for the remainder of the '26 season. Insigne turned boos into cheers Saturday when he scored one goal and set up another in Toronto's 2-0 win over D.C. United. His first league goal in 11 months gave Toronto (2-6-4) its first home win since Sept. 14. The father of three celebrated the goal by making a heart sign for his wife and family in the stands. 'The straw that stirs the drink,' the MLS club tweeted afterwards, conveniently forgetting earlier attempts to isolate the Italian. 'I thought he was excellent today,' Toronto coach Robin Fraser said after the match. 'People just look at the money and look at the scoresheet and go 'Oh he hasn't done this, he hasn't done that,'' he added. 'But I thought his intelligence and managing the game, offensively and defensively, moving players around to where we needed specific things done, I thought it was really a very, very good performance from him. And scoring the goal is like the cherry on top.' And a rare cherry, considering Insigne's goal came via a header. The five-foot-four 130-pounder dove to head home a Theo Corbeanu cross. Insigne is healthier and seemingly happier than in previous seasons with Toronto, when he battled through a string of injuries and his body language often seemed negative and forlorn. From the outside looking in, Insigne has handled his differences with the club with class. There were no protests when he was dropped from the starting 11, with the official line that he did not fit in the team's new style of play under Fraser. 'With the money I earn, I could just sit down, I could have said, 'Who cares? I make a lot of money. I don't have to do anything,'' Insigne said. 'But that's not who I am. I'm going to always, every day, come and work hard. And as long as my contract's here, that is my goal at the end — I'm here to work hard and respect everybody.' In truth, the club wanted to spread his sizable salary for much-needed roster upgrades. And it could continue to try to move him when the summer transfer window opens July 24. Toronto has other fires to put out these days, with supporters' groups staging a protest outside BMO Field on Saturday. They carried a banner that read 'Empty Words = Empty Seats,' a seeming reference to a recent message to season ticket-holders from Pelley, who urged fans to stick with the team as its rebuild continues. Toronto league's record since last making the playoffs in 2020 is a dismal 32-81-35. Insigne says he understands the fan unrest, but wants supporters to know that everyone at the club is invested in turning the franchise around. No one is more upset than the players when things don't go well. 'We're the first ones to get angry about it,' he said. Insigne, who says he is relishing a freer role on the pitch under Fraser, believes the club is on the right track. He also talks up living in Toronto. 'My kids don't want to leave Toronto,' he said with a chuckle. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'I'm very happy here,' he added. 'I know a lot of the fans think I'm not happy here, because I don't speak English and stuff … Toronto feels like home to me.' His message to the fans is simple — we need you. 'We promise you that we are fighting just as hard as they are to win and to move forward.' — This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 12, 2025
Toronto Star
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Star
Lorenzo Insigne scores a goal, sets up another as Toronto FC defeats D.C. United 2-0
TORONTO - Italian star Lorenzo Insigne, considered surplus to requirements by Toronto FC to start the season, stole the show Saturday. The 33-year-old Insigne scored his first MLS goal in 11 months and set up another as Toronto defeated D.C. United 2-0 for its first home win this season.
Toronto Sun
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Toronto Sun
Lorenzo Insigne scores goal, sets up another as Toronto FC defeats D.C. United
Published May 10, 2025 • 4 minute read Toronto FC forward Lorenzo Insigne (centre) celebrates his goal against D.C. United with teammate Federico Bernardeschi (right) during second half MLS action in Toronto, Saturday, May 10, 2025. Photo by Frank Gunn / THE CANADIAN PRESS Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. TORONTO — Lorenzo Insigne scored his first MLS goal in 11 months and set up another as Toronto FC defeated D.C. United 2-0 on Saturday for its first home win this season. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account It was one-way traffic in the first half with Toronto launching 14 shots (including five on target) to one for D.C., whose off-target shot came in stoppage time. But TFC's goal-scoring drought continued until the 49th minute when a diving Insigne headed home Theo Corbeanu's cross on a rapid-fire Toronto counter-attack. It was the first league goal for the 33-year-old Italian since June 15, 2024, in a 4-1 loss to Chicago. Insigne, whose US$15.4-million salary was second only to Miami's Lionel Messi in MLS last season, now has 15 goals in 62 career MLS appearances. Toronto didn't even bother to dress insigne for the first four games of the season, looking to unload him. But he earned his keep Saturday Toronto (2-6-4) had not scored at home in league play in 488 minutes, dating back to Deandre Kerr's goal March 15 in a 2-1 loss to the Chicago Fire. TFC came into the game 0-3-2 in league play at BMO Field this season and had not won there since a 2-1 decision over Austin FC on Sept. 14. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Insigne also set up the second goal in the 66th minute, firing in a dangerous cross that sliding defender Lucas Bartlett put into his own net, attempting to prevent the ball reaching Toronto forward Ola Brynhildsen. D.C. United (3-6-3) tried to rally after going down 2-0 but Toronto 'keeper Sean Johnson was up to the task before an announced crowd of 20,236. With fellow Italian Federico Bernardeschi showing a spring in his step and Insigne on the mark, Toronto finally bared its teeth on offence. More than a few missed it. Supporters groups, who normally populate the south stand of BMO Field gathered outside the northeast corner of the stadium in protest as the game kicked off. They carried a banner that read 'Empty Words Empty Seats,' a seeming reference to the message earlier this week to season ticket-holders from MLSE president and CEO Keith Pelley, who urged fans to stick with the team as its rebuild continues. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Toronto was coming off back-to-back shutout home losses to NYCFC and New England that snapped a four-game unbeaten run (1-0-3). After going unbeaten in its first four games (1-0-3) of the season, which included a 2-2 draw with visiting Toronto in the season opener, D.C. lost four straight during which it was outscored 14-2. But the team seemed to have found its footing ahead of the visit north of the border, winning three of its last four (3-1-0) in all competitions. Coming off a 2-0 win over the Charleston Battery in U.S. Open Cup action Tuesday, D.C. United went into weekend play in 12th place in the Eastern Conference — two places and five points ahead of Toronto. Toronto coach Robin Fraser made two changes to his starting 11, inserting Kevin Long and Insigne. Former Toronto midfielder Brandon Servania started for D.C. Toronto was missing injured captain Jonathan Osorio, defenders Richie Laryea, Nicksoen Gomis and Henry Wingo, midfielder Markus Cimermancic and forward Kerr. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. It was all Toronto to start on a sunny 21 C afternoon at BMO Field, with Bernardeschi and Corbeanu tormenting the visitors' five-man backline. Corbeanu fired a rocket of a shot in the ninth minute that D.C. goalkeeper Luis Barraza tipped over the crossbar. Deybi Flores, making his 50th appearance for Toronto in all competitions, hit the goalpost with a shot off the ensuing corner. Barraza made a fine save to deny Insigne in the 24th minute after Bernardeschi, found behind the D.C. defence by a long ball from Alonso Coello, located Insigne cutting into the box. Brynhildsen got to the rebound but hammered it off target. D.C. star striker Christian Benteke, the reigning MLS Golden Boot winner, had a quiet afternoon. And when he finally got a sniff of goal, Johnson was there to stop him. D.C. came into weekend play last in the 30-team league in defence, conceding 2.09 goals a game on average. In contrast, Toronto was tied for 17th (1.45). This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But 10 of D.C.'s goals allowed came from two losses — 4-1 at Orlando on March 22 and 6-1 at San Jose on April 6. The D.C. defence appears to have steadied in recent weeks, allowing just six goals in its previous four league outings. Toronto has also been getting its defensive act together. After conceding 12 goals in its first five games, it has allowed just four in its last seven six matches. TFC had won just two of its last 17 meetings (2-5-10) with D.C United. UP NEXT: Toronto hosts FC Cincinnati on Wednesday before visiting CF Montreal on Saturday. D.C. United welcomes New York City FC on Wednesday and plays at Nashville SC on Saturday. Toronto Maple Leafs Editorials Columnists Columnists Toronto & GTA
