The 2012 season was a historically difficult campaign for Toronto FC, finishing dead last in MLS with a 5-21-8 record. The team set a league record by losing their first nine consecutive matches, which led to the departure of head coach Aron Winter, who was replaced by Paul Mariner. TFC struggled heavily on defense, conceding a club-low 62 goals. A bright spot came early in the year when they upset the LA Galaxy to reach the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals before falling to Santos Laguna.