
By Stephen Weir
Toronto FC has found a new lucky charm, or perhaps a busload of them. On Saturday night, during Caribbean Heritage Night at BMO Field in Toronto, the embattled home team broke a four-game home losing streak by defeating the Philadelphia Union 2-1.
The outdoor stadium was packed with 25,880 fans, many donning mas costumes and waving special TFC Caribbean flags. On the sidelines, a Moko Jumbie, a traditional stilt walker, cheered on the fans, while drums pounded and spirits soared. It was a night where the team, which had struggled at home, overpowered their visiting opponents.
The timing couldn’t have been better. Just last week, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the team’s owners, fired Bill Manning, a nine-year veteran who served as President of Toronto FC and the Toronto Argonauts. Now, General Manager Jason Hernandez has taken the reins.

Toronto FC collaborated with the Toronto Caribbean Carnival to celebrate Caribbean Heritage Night. Each ticket purchased for the game included a TFC-branded Carnival bandana, with $5 from each ticket sold donated to the Toronto Caribbean Carnival.
The festivities began before the game even started, with the rhythmic beats of drums and the towering presence of the Moko Jumbie setting the tone. At halftime, dancers took to the field, stirring up the crowd with their lively performances.
Food also played a central role in the celebrations. Just before the game, a local food supplier used social media to heighten anticipation. “So, let’s all SHOW UP, and SHOW OUT our vibrant, energetic, and festive selves through Food, Dance, and much more!” read a post. “Wicked Caribbean will be there serving our Doubles, Rotis, Pies and much more.”
The combination of food, dance, and music proved to be a winning formula. “It felt amazing, it felt long overdue,” said Jamaican Canadian Deandre Kerr. “It’s been a tough stretch, so to get this win in front of the fans, they deserve it.”
In the end, the night was more than just a game; it was a celebration of culture, community, and a much-needed come-from-behind victory for Toronto FC.