Toronto FC announced Friday that they have hired Maurice "Mo" Johnston as the first head coach in franchise history. Johnston, 43, has spent 10 seasons in Major League Soccer, serving four in a coaching capacity and six as a player.
"Mo represents the next generation of MLS coaches who have extensive playing experience in Europe and North America," said Tom Anselmi, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. "He brings tremendous passion as well as strong leadership abilities to the sidelines.</p>
"His tenure with the League gives him a sound understanding of its players and teams, which will serve us well as we prepare for the upcoming expansion draft and our inaugural season."
Johnston posted just four losses in 17 games (5-4-8) at the helm of the New York Red Bulls during parts of the 2005 and 2006 seasons. He joined the club as an assistant coach in 2003, before taking over the coaching reigns on an interim basis in October 2005. He led the team (then named the MetroStars) to a 2-0-1 mark and the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. He became only the second coach in franchise history to record a playoff victory with a 1-0 win over top-seeded New England. He was named the eighth head coach in franchise history November 9 when the interim tag was removed.
Johnston possessed impressive credentials as a player, having been a standout performer on both sides of the Atlantic. As a forward-midfielder, Johnston played professional soccer for 21 years (1980-2001), including 15 seasons as a member of some of the biggest clubs in Europe.
Johnston played for the Kansas City Wizards from 1996-2001, where he earned MLS All-Star honours three times and was named team most valuable player in 1998 and 1999. He captained the Wizards to the 2000 MLS Championship with a 1-0 victory over the Chicago Fire. In 149 regular-season matches, Johnston totaled 31 goals, 24 assists and 90 points. He posted personal bests with 11 goals in 1998 and nine assists in 1997. He ranks among the all-time franchise leaders in eight statistical categories.
Prior to joining MLS, Johnston played in Scotland, England and France. He was a member of three Scottish Premier Division clubs (Celtic, Rangers, and Hearts), two in the English Premier Division (Everton and Watford), and one in the French Premier (Nantes). He is known internationally for his time with Rangers, leading them to consecutive Scottish Premier League titles from 1989-91.
A native of Glasgow, Johnston became the first Catholic since World War II to play for the predominately Protestant Rangers club. He also appeared in 38 international games for Scotland, recording 14 goals. He led Scotland to the 1990 World Cup in Italy, scoring six goals in eight games. Johnston totaled 310 goals in 529 professional games.
Toronto FC joined Major League Soccer on May 11 as its 13th team and the first outside the United States. Toronto FC will begin play next spring at the new 20,000 seat National Soccer Stadium at Exhibition Place. To become a Toronto FC Club Member, and get first access to the best season tickets, log on to torontofc.ca. Season tickets go on sale to the public November 1.
