AFC Toronto’s head coach Marko Milanovic mentioned that the team took a brief break following their 2-1 defeat against Vancouver Rise in the Northern Super League final on November 15. Milanovic humorously shared that they had a couple of days of relaxation. Despite the loss, Milanovic’s team is gearing up for the World Sevens Football tournament in Florida, where they will compete against top teams for a $5 million prize pool.
This unique seven-a-side tournament will feature AFC Toronto, along with prominent clubs like Mexico’s Club America, Brazil’s Flamengo, and others. The games will be played on a smaller field with modified rules allowing unlimited substitutions and eliminating offsides. Milanovic likened the tournament to indoor soccer played outdoors, highlighting the challenge of adjusting to the absence of offsides for his defensive line.
The upcoming tournament in Davie, Florida, at Beyond Bancard Field will coincide with the MLS Cup final nearby. AFC Toronto is set to face tough competition from Tigres, Flamengo, and Kansas City in the group stage matches. Despite their recent loss, Milanovic noted that the team is moving past the disappointment and focusing on their performance in the upcoming games.
The World Sevens Football tournament has seen success in the past, with Bayern Munich women clinching the title by defeating Manchester United. The event not only provides an exciting platform for top teams but also promotes fair sharing of prize money among players and staff. Milanovic expressed his readiness to take all available players to the tournament, emphasizing the team’s determination to compete at their best level.
