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York United FC is rebranding, becoming Toronto FC
It is the third name change for the Canadian Premier League side, but the first under the current ownership group.
The team, one of the CPL’s original franchises, debuted in 2019 as York 9 FC – a franchise for the nine municipalities that make up York Region north of Toronto: Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, and Wychurch-Stoffel.
York 9 FC became York United FC in December 2020, billing the change as a move to the city of Toronto and the surrounding area.
Mexican brothers Ricardo, Eduardo and Miguel Pascal bought the team in November 2023, through Game Plan Sports Group. The league, through Canadian Soccer Business, which shares the same ownership as the CPL, took over the franchise in April 2023, buying it from the Baldassara family.
Ricardo Pasquel says Inter Toronto fits the city.
“Toronto is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and one of the most important cities … it has everything,” he said in an interview. “So we want to create a club that really identifies where we are right now. It’s an honor to have the word Toronto in our name.
“And Inter also comes to represent the city – we’ve been saying since we’ve been here that diversity is our strength. You have people from all over the world living in Toronto. It’s like a world within a city. So what better word to represent it than international/international.”
The new crest, which was unveiled at a ceremony Thursday evening, was “inspired by Toronto’s iconic skyline and the three rivers that flow into Lake Ontario, a symbol of unity and constant movement,” the club said in a statement.
Inter Toronto colors include “Lake Ontario Blue, Trillium White, Sunrise Gold, and Tower Stone.” York United’s primary jersey features white, green and blue.
While the club have released their new name and colours, the uniforms will not be revealed until early next year when all eight CPL clubs will detail their kits.
The new name is just one of many moves the franchise is making.
The CPL team is also expanding its academy presence. After fielding an under-21 team for the first time this season, it plans to add under-13, under-14, under-15 and under-18 teams next year.
“We really believe in the talent pool that exists in Canada, especially in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area),” said Pasquel.
Club ownership is also considering upgrading Lamport Stadium, located north of BMO Field, and making the 50-year-old venue its new home.
“We are in very good discussions with the city of Toronto regarding Lamport,” Pascale said. “They want us to play there. From our end, we’ve talked about investing in Lamport, revitalizing Lamport – not just for us but for the benefit of the community.”
The Pasquel brothers have family ties to football.
Their late grandfather, on their mother’s side, played for Club America and Nicasa – and later became president and owner of Nicasa.
His son, their uncle, later became president of Club America and general manager of the Mexican national team. The second uncle was the first Toluka then president of Shivas. Their father, Miguel Pascal Sr., was the chief financial officer of the Mexican Football Federation before becoming general secretary.
Ricardo, who grew up supporting Chivas like his father, said the idea to buy into the CPL came after watching a CPL game on television in Mexico at the end of 2022. The brothers started investigating the league and trying to secure partners.
York finished fifth in the eight-team CPL last season at 10-10-8, after sending the Halifax Wanderers to the playoffs via penalty shootout after a 4-1 loss to Cavalry FC in the semi-final playoff qualifiers.
