:Toronto Croatia

{{Infobox football club

| clubname = Toronto Croatia

| image = CNSCTorontoCroatia.svg

| fullname = Croatian National Sports Club Toronto Croatia

| founded = {{Start date and age|1956}}

| stadium = Paramount Fine Foods Centre

| manager = Milodrag Akmadzic

| coach = Josip Keran

| league = Arena Soccer

| season =

| position =

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| leftarm1 = DD0000

| body1 = DD0000

| rightarm1 = DD0000

| shorts1 = ffffff

| socks1 = 003399

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| pattern_ra2 =

| leftarm2 = 003399

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| chairman = Josip Pavicic

| caption =

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}}

C.N.S.C. Toronto Croatia (Croatian National Sports Club Toronto Croatia) is a Canadian soccer team based in Toronto, Ontario, that plays in the Supergroup Open Division in the Canadian Academy of Football. The team's colours are red, white and blue, similar to those of the Croatia national team.

The club was founded in 1956 by the Croatian diaspora in Toronto.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cpsl.org/torontocroatia.htm|title=Toronto Croatia|date=April 23, 2001|access-date=July 19, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010423072921/http://www.cpsl.org/torontocroatia.htm|archive-date=April 23, 2001|df=mdy-all}} Initially the team played in various local amateur leagues before making the transition to the professional ranks by joining the Canadian National Soccer League (CNSL) in 1962. In 1975, after a period of dominance in the CNSL, the organization purchased the Toronto Metros of the North American Soccer League and retained their heritage by inserting Croatia into the team's name. Their greatest success occurred in the 1976 season, where Toronto captured the Soccer Bowl. The 1976 team was later inducted into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame.

In 1979 the club sold its share to Global Television Network and returned to the CNSL. Toronto Croatia became a founding member of the Canadian International Soccer League in 1994, returned to the CNSL in 1997, and the following year became a charter member of the Canadian Professional Soccer League (later the Canadian Soccer League [CSL]). They established themselves as an elite club with a league record of six championships. The team has been among the most-successful clubs in Canadian soccer history, and one of the most-successful Croatian diaspora clubs. Toronto Croatia has a noted historical rivalry with the Serbian White Eagles.

History

= Early years (1956–1967) =

Croatian National Sports Club Toronto Croatia was formed by the Croatian diaspora in Toronto, Ontario on October 5, 1956 in order to foster closer links with the homeland by promoting organized sporting events and competitions.{{Cite web|url=http://www.torontocroatia.org/clubhistory/19561959.html|title=C.N.S.C. TORONTO CROATIA|date=September 1, 2009|access-date=July 12, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901001856/http://www.torontocroatia.org/clubhistory/19561959.html|archive-date=September 1, 2009|df=mdy-all}} The original founders of the club were Kreso Mance, Franjo Jurisic, and Juraj Boljkovac who served as the club's first president.{{Cite news|url=https://mojahrvatska.vecernji.hr/price/upoznajte-najuspjesniju-momcad-u-hrvatskom-iseljenistvu-koja-je-po-nastupu-dobivala-manje-od-11-dolara-1149226|title=Upoznajte najuspješniju momčad u hrvatskom iseljeništvu koja je po nastupu dobivala manje od 11 dolara|last=SOPTA|first=MARIN|access-date=July 16, 2017|language=hr}} Vlado Romanov was selected as the inaugural head coach, while Mance was appointed the first team captain. The club originally competed in the Metro Toronto League, and made its debut against Belfast United.{{Citation|last=Jakov Sedlar|title=CROATIA TORONTO: One Big Croatian Story|date=October 27, 2015|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waVnVXEerjI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/waVnVXEerjI| archive-date=2021-12-12 |url-status=live|access-date=July 12, 2017}}{{cbignore}} During the club's fledgeling years the team saw little on-field success with their biggest achievement occurring in the 1959 season, when Toronto Croatia participated in the Continental Soccer League and claimed the Continental Cup after defeating Germania by a score of 2–1.{{Cite web|url=http://www.torontocroatia.org/clubhistory/19561959.html|title=C.N.S.C. TORONTO CROATIA|date=September 1, 2009|access-date=July 14, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090901001856/http://www.torontocroatia.org/clubhistory/19561959.html|archive-date=September 1, 2009|df=mdy-all}}

In the 1960s the club received support from club president Nikola Baric, the Croatian community, and Rev. Dragutin Kamber's Croatian parishioners,{{Cite web|url=http://www.torontocroatia.org/clubhistory/19601969.html|title=C.N.S.C. TORONTO CROATIA|date=May 27, 2010|access-date=July 12, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527100947/http://www.torontocroatia.org/clubhistory/19601969.html|archive-date=May 27, 2010|df=mdy-all}} and the club began to develop into a solid team. Toronto Croatia joined the Toronto and District League in 1960, where they played for two seasons, then transitioned to the professional Canadian National Soccer League (CNSL) in 1962. After several mediocre seasons Toronto Croatia reached the championship finals in the 1966 season, finishing second to Windsor Teutonia.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/usadave/cnsl.html|title=Canada – Canadian National Soccer League|website=RSSSF|access-date=July 15, 2017}}

= National Soccer League success (1970–1975) =

Having established themselves as a NSL-title contender, Toronto Croatia began attracting talent from the SFR Yugoslavia. They also hired I. Kezman, a professional head coach from Europe.{{Cite web|url=http://www.torontocroatia.org/clubhistory/19701979.html|title=C.N.S.C. TORONTO CROATIA|date=May 27, 2010|access-date=July 16, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527101853/http://www.torontocroatia.org/clubhistory/19701979.html|archive-date=May 27, 2010|df=mdy-all}} Among the influx of players were Alan Harvey, Rudolf Milicevic, Najrudin Jazic, Jerko Granic, Osvaldo Gonzales, Harry de Vlugt, Lutz Wolansky, Aleja Solak, and Marijan Bilic.{{Cite news|url=https://mojahrvatska.vecernji.hr/price/gradski-vijecnik-toronta-ova-momcad-je-nesto-najbolje-sto-se-moglo-dogoditi-nasoj-ligi-svi-zele-pobijediti-croatiju-1150767|title=Gradski vijećnik Toronta: Ova momčad je nešto najbolje što se moglo dogoditi našoj ligi. Svi žele pobijediti Croatiju!|last=SOPTA|first=MARIN|access-date=July 16, 2017|language=hr}} Kezman resigned after a lacklustre start to the 1970 season and was replaced by Arthur Rodrigues and Jure Sikic. Under this management the team won the regular season title but was defeated in the championship final by Hamilton Croatia.

Significant additions were brought in for the 1971 season with the arrival of former Dinamo Zagreb head coach Ivan Jazbinšek and Dinamo alumni Bruno Pilaš, Marijan Bradvic, and Zlatko Mesić. Under the leadership of Jazbinšek the team claimed its first treble by winning the regular season title, NSL Championship, and the Croatian-North American Soccer Tournament. At the conclusion of the season the league awarded Željko Bilecki with its Top Goaltender award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/usadave/cnsl.html|title=Canada - Canadian National Soccer League|website=RSSSF|access-date=July 17, 2017}}

For the 1972 season Vladimir Šimunić replaced Jazbinšek and helped secure another regular-season title and the NSL Cup, while Bilecki received his second Goalkeeper of the Year award. Notable players brought in from abroad included Joško Gluić and Ante Ivković. Šimunić continued with the team for two more seasons, which saw Toronto Croatia win a fourth-consecutive regular-season title in 1973 and a second NSL Championship in 1974.

= North American Soccer League years (1975–1978) =

File:Eusebio (1963 version2).jpg was instrumental in winning the Soccer Bowl '76 for Toronto Metros-Croatia]]

In 1975 the club purchased the Toronto Metros of the North American Soccer League to form Toronto Metros-Croatia,{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/feb/11/how-eusebio-and-a-team-of-canadian-croatians-took-north-american-soccer-by-storm|title=How Eusébio and a team of Canadian Croatians took North American soccer by storm|last=Lewis|first=Michael|date=February 11, 2015|work=The Guardian|access-date=July 23, 2017|issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite news|url=https://mojahrvatska.vecernji.hr/price/evo-zasto-je-nogomet-podijelio-hrvatsku-zajednicu-u-torontu-1152458|title=Evo zašto je nogomet podijelio hrvatsku zajednicu u Torontu|last=SOPTA|first=MARIN|access-date=July 23, 2017|language=hr}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.torontofc.ca/post/2016/02/29/torontos-soccer-history-1971-1987|title=Toronto's Soccer History: 1971 - 1987|last=Crawford|first=Colin}} while still retaining a reserve team in the NSL. During this period the team attracted many soccer stars, such as Portuguese superstar Eusébio, and were successful enough that they won Soccer Bowl '76 – in a 3–0 victory over the Minnesota Kicks – at the Kingdome in Seattle.{{Cite news|url=http://www.nasl.com/news/2015/10/22/throwback-thursday--toronto-metros-croatia-win-first-nasl-title-by-canadian-side-in-1976|title=THROWBACK THURSDAY {{!}} Toronto Metros-Croatia Win First NASL Title By Canadian Side In 1976|last=Levine|first=Matthew|access-date=July 23, 2017}} The squad was originally led by Ivan Marković, but after a heated confrontation with Eusébio he decided to resign.{{Cite news|url=https://mojahrvatska.vecernji.hr/price/najuspjesnija-momcad-u-hrvatskomu-iseljenistvu-prodana-je-za-dva-milijuna-dolara-1154085|title=Najuspješnija momčad u hrvatskom iseljeništvu prodana je za dva milijuna dolara|last=SOPTA|first=MARIN|access-date=July 23, 2017|language=hr}}{{Cite news|date=July 12, 1976|title=Maricovic . steps down as coach of Metros|page=S7|work=The Globe and Mail}} His immediate replacement was former-player Marijan Bilić as an interim coach, and a suitable successor was found in Domagoj Kapetanović,{{Cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rGAvAAAAIBAJ&sjid=OdsFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1206,5878348&dq=stars+win+nasl&hl=en|title=Beaver County Times - Google News Archive Search}} an immigrant to Canada who had played for Dinamo Zagreb. The champions' team was: Paolo Cimpiel, Tadeusz Polak, Željko Bilecki, Ivan Lukačević, Robert Iarusci, Eusébio, Mladen Cukon, Carmen Marcantonio, Ivair Ferreira, Wolfgang Sühnholz, Damir Sutevski, Ivan Grnja, Filip Blašković and Chris Horrocks.[http://nasljerseys.com/images/Metros/Metros-Croatia%2076%20Road%20Team%202.jpg NASL] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017050121/http://www.nasljerseys.com/images/Metros/Metros-Croatia%2076%20Road%20Team%202.jpg |date=October 17, 2012 }} 1976 Champions – Toronto Metros

However, the NASL was never comfortable with the Croatia link (an obvious ethnic connection).{{Cite news|url=http://torontoist.com/2016/09/historicist-toronto-metros-croatia-1976-soccer-bowl-champions/|title=Historicist: Toronto Metros-Croatia, 1976 Soccer Bowl Champions|last=BRADBURN|first=JAMIE|date=September 24, 2016|work=Torontoist|access-date=July 23, 2017}} League executives lobbied CBS to ensure they were only referred to as "Toronto" in the televised coverage of Soccer Bowl. In 1978, the team was bought out, leaving the Toronto Blizzard in the NASL, while Toronto Croatia returned to the NSL. The club's successes, despite the instabilities it found in each of the leagues in which it had played, showed what a small ethnic group could accomplish in the North American sport.{{Cite web|url=http://canadiansoccerleague.ca/how-eusebio-and-a-group-of-croatian-canadians-took-north-american-soccer-by-storm/|title=How Eusebio and a group of Croatian Canadians took North American soccer by storm {{!}} Canadian Soccer League|website=canadiansoccerleague.ca|date=February 15, 2015|access-date=August 7, 2017}} The 1976 team was inducted into the Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame as its 2010 Team of Distinction.{{Cite web|url=http://www.canadasoccer.com/honoured-members-p160784#Teams|title=Honoured Members {{!}} Canada Soccer|website=www.canadasoccer.com|access-date=August 22, 2017}}

= Return to NSL and Puma League (1979–1997) =

In 1983 the club entered a new national league, the Canadian Professional Soccer League (CPSL).{{Cite web|last=Konotopetz|first=Gyle|date=May 21, 1983|title=They talk a big game - but can they sell it?|url=http://www.newspapers.com/image/483381177/?terms=Carlos+Salguero+hamilton+steelers|access-date=2020-08-22|website=Newspapers.com|publisher=Calgary Herald|page=43|language=en}} This league comprised six teams from across Canada (Edmonton, Montreal, etc.) and initially got off to a strong start. The team was entered as Mississauga Croatia and played its games at Centennial Park Stadium. Due to spiralling costs and poor attendance across the league, two of the teams folded and the league disbanded following a winner-takes-all final. Toronto Croatia returned to the NSL.{{cite book|first=Elliot J.|last=Huntley|title=73 Days – The Story of the Canadian Professional Soccer League|year=2015}}

Towards the late 1980s, many players and coaches were brought over from Croatia to help elevate the team and its youth programs. Some of the notable players and managers arriving at that time were Drago Šantić (Sibenik), Velimir Crljen (Zadar), Dubravko Ledić (Mostar), and Mišo Smajlović.

The early 1990s saw the team rise to prominence in the community once again as the Croatian War of Independence had begun in the homeland. This activity culminated in a trip to Croatia sponsored by the Croatian Ministry of Sports and Culture, featuring Toronto against Dinamo Zagreb, Hajduk Split, Osijek, Rijeka, Varazdin, and Tomislavgrad. As in the early 1970s, the team became a symbol for the Croatian diaspora community in coming together and campaigning for official recognition for the homeland. At this time, the NSL was beginning to see an elevated level of play, and the attendance at all league games was beginning to rise. Toronto Croatia consistently had the largest attendance of all teams in the league during this era (1990–1995).{{citation needed|date=March 2018}}

With numerous players brought in from Croatia including Josip Lukacevic, Ivan Simic, Goran Pavlic, Mate Stanic, Robert Rupcic and the local youth system providing young talent (Joe Buntic, Frank Delisimunovic, Rob Milek, Anton Granic), the team won the NSL SuperCup and Croatian North American Soccer tournament. Following these successes were PUMA League Championship wins in 1992 and 1995. During both of those seasons, Toronto Croatia won both the League and Croatian National Tournament for North America. During the PUMA league era, Velimir Crljen, Goran Grubesic, Frank Delisimunovic and Anton Granic were voted to the All Star team).{{citation needed|date=November 2019}}

In 1995, Toronto Croatia departed from the CNSL after a dispute with Toronto Italia over alleged debts owned to the club.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl03.htm|title=Italia Out Let's Get On With It|last=Bailey|first=David|publisher=Canada Kicks}} As a result Toronto Croatia joined the newly formed Canadian International Soccer League, which had sponsorship from Puma.{{Cite web|url=http://www.geocities.com/london_ontario_soccer_fan/london.html|title=Pro Soccer in London, Ontario|date=May 2, 2001|access-date=July 23, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010502081248/http://www.geocities.com/london_ontario_soccer_fan/london.html|archive-date=May 2, 2001|df=mdy-all}} Though the Puma League was a short-lived experiment Toronto Croatia managed to win the league in two consecutive seasons.{{Cite web|url=http://www.torontocroatia.org/clubhistory.html|title=C.N.S.C. TORONTO CROATIA|date=September 2, 2009|access-date=July 29, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090902214425/http://www.torontocroatia.org/clubhistory.html|archive-date=September 2, 2009|df=mdy-all}} After the Puma League folded Toronto Croatia, along with Kosova Albanians and Hamilton White Eagles, rejoined the CNSL in 1997.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/cnsl9701.htm|title=CNSL 1996-1997 The Off Season|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=July 29, 2017}} The club continued its tradition of recruiting high-profile Croatian managers from abroad by assigning coaching duties to Zlatko Haramincic.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/cnsl9726.htm|title=September 3, 1997.|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=July 29, 2017}} In their return season to the CNSL they finished as runners up in the regular season, which subsequently secured the team a postseason berth. They were eliminated in the preliminary round of the playoffs after 8–1 defeat on goals on aggregate to Toronto Supra.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/cnsl9728.htm|title=September 12, 1997|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=July 29, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/cnsl9730.htm|title=September 17, 1997|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=July 29, 2017}}

= Founding member of the CPSL and average success (1998–2005) =

After years of feuding between the Ontario Soccer Association and the CNSL both parties decided to reconcile their differences in 1998 by forming the new Canadian Professional Soccer League.{{Cite web|url=http://www.canadakicks.com/news/news378.htm|title=CPSL Reincarnated|last=Hendren|first=Paul|date=February 19, 1999|publisher=Canada Kicks|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990219143201/http://www.canadakicks.com/news/news378.htm|archive-date=February 19, 1999|url-status=bot: unknown|access-date=August 1, 2017|df=mdy-all}} The project was an attempt to form an exclusively Canadian league, beginning with an Ontario Division.{{Cite web|url=http://www.canadakicks.com/1997/NEWS380.HTM|title=The OSA's hopes for the CPSL are national.|last=Ault|first=Bill|date=October 23, 1999|publisher=Canada Kicks|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991023040250/http://www.canadakicks.com/1997/NEWS380.HTM|archive-date=October 23, 1999|url-status=bot: unknown|access-date=August 1, 2017|df=mdy-all}} Toronto Croatia became a founding member along with Glen Shields, London City, Mississauga Eagles, North York Astros, St. Catharines Wolves, Toronto Olympians, and York Region Shooters.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl06.htm|title=CPSL Ready To Go|last=Bailey|first=David|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 1, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl00.htm|title=Canadian Professional Soccer League (Ontario Division) Inaugural Season 1998.|last=Glover|first=Robin}} In preparation for their CPSL debut the club brought in former Dinamo Zagreb manager Rudolf Belin{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl13.htm|title=Toronto Croatia vs Mississauga Eagles|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 1, 2017}} and signed new additions due to the retirement of several key players.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl09.htm|title=Croatia Optimistic|last=Krznaric|first=Zeljimir|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|publisher=Canada Kicks|access-date=August 1, 2017}} They made their CPSL debut on June 3, 1998 in a Canada Cup match against Glen Shields, where they were defeated 3–1 with Stephen Warren providing their only goal.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpsl08.htm|title=Toronto Croatia vs Glen Shields|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 1, 2017}} The season was a setback as they finished at the bottom of the standings and failed to advance past their group stage in the Canada Cup tournament.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/98cpwk18.htm|title=1998 CPSL Standings Week 18|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 1, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/99cpsl02.htm|title=Ontario SoccerNet - CPSL Ontario Update|last=Spiers|first=Bill|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 2, 2017}}

In 1999 changes were made in Toronto Croatia's managerial department with the appointment of Bruno Pilaš as head coach.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/99cpsl05.htm|title=Toronto Croatia vs St Catharines Roma Wolves|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 2, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/99cpsl69.htm|title=Toronto Croatia family relations|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 2, 2017}} Pilaš was able to challenge the Toronto Olympians for the league championship, finishing the season as runners up with the third-highest offensive and defensive record.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/99cpw18a.htm|title=Ontario SoccerNet - CPSL Ontario Results and Standings|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 2, 2017}} The club also had a solid Canada Cup tournament, losing the finals 3–0 to the Olympians.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/99cpsl71.htm|title=Toronto Croatia vs Toronto Olympians|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 2, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/99cpsl63.htm|title=Canada Kicks -- Olympians Take Cup|last=Bailey|first=David|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|publisher=Canada Kicks|access-date=August 2, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/99cpsl60.htm|title=Ontario SoccerNet - CPSL Ontario Update|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 2, 2017}} In the preliminary round of the postseason Toronto defeated Glen Shields 5–2.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/99cpsl72.htm|title=Toronto Croatia vs Glen Shields Sun Devils|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 2, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/99cpsl61.htm|title=Ontario SoccerNet - CPSL Ontario Update|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 2, 2017}} In the CPSL Championship final they lost again to the Olympians, who achieved a treble that season.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/99cpsl74.htm|title=Toronto Olympians vs Toronto Croatia|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 2, 2017}} At the conclusion of the season George Azcurra was named the Goalkeeper of the Year.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/99cpsl76.htm|title=CPSL 1999 Award Winners|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 2, 2017}}

From 2000 season Velimir Crljen became head coach and Milodrag Akmadzic Backo assistant coach and player. After that in next 15 years (with small breaks) they won many trophies. It was the most successful part of the history. Since 2006 president of the club is Josip Pavicic, also having successful entrepreneurial career. Since 2010 manager is Ivan Kulis. With home players they brought some players from Croatian first and second division. Though Toronto failed in repeating their previous season performance they achieved a postseason berth by finishing third in the standings with the league's second-best offensive and defensive records.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/00cp0059.htm|title=CPSL - League Standings|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 2, 2017}} Toronto Croatia won their Canada Cup tournament group and advanced to the semifinals, where they were defeated by the Olympians in a 3–2 penalty shootout.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/00cp0032.htm|title=Canadian Professional Soccer League|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 2, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/00cp0057.htm|title=Canadian Professional Soccer League|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 2, 2017}} Their playoff run began with a 3–1 victory over St. Catharines,{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/00cpsl32.htm|title=Olympians, Croatia reach final|last=Kippen|first=Steve|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|publisher=London Free Press|access-date=August 2, 2017}} advancing to the CPSL Championship final where they again faced the Toronto Olympians. This time Croatia avenged their previous defeats with the Draganic brothers producing goals for a 2–1 championship victory which denied the Olympians back-to-back trebles.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cpsl.org/releases/2000/2000oct2.htm|title=2000 - Oct. 2 - Toronto Croatia denies Olympians Triple Crown|date=May 25, 2001|access-date=August 2, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010525080601/http://www.cpsl.org/releases/2000/2000oct2.htm|archive-date=May 25, 2001|df=mdy-all}}

Bruno Pilaš returned as head coach for the 2001 season, when the club relocated to Streetsville, Mississauga to play at Memorial Park, where Mayor Hazel McCallion performed the ceremonial kickoff.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/01cpsl13.htm|title=2001 - June 11 - Wizards Magical in CPSL Debut|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 3, 2017}} Toronto Croatia finished three points shy of a postseason berth and was unable to defend the championship.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/01cpwk21.htm|title=CPSL (Ontario) - League Standings|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 3, 2017}} They likewise failed to advance past their group stage at the Canada Cup tournament.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/01cpcp14.htm|title=CPSL (Ontario) - Cup Standings|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 3, 2017}} Though the season was an overall failure for Toronto, it was the final occasion as a member of the CPSL that the club would fail to qualify for the postseason. On a positive note George Azcurra received his second Goalkeeper of the Year award.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/01cpsl8v.htm|title=Roma Run Wild|last=Ault|first=Bill|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|publisher=Canada Kicks|access-date=August 3, 2017}}

In 2002, as a result of an increase in teams, the CPSL split the league with Croatia placed in the Western Conference.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cpsl.org/releases/2002/2002april14.htm|title=2002 - April. 14 - Expanded CPSL will kick-off 5-month Campaign|date=June 5, 2002|access-date=August 5, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020605125110/http://www.cpsl.org/releases/2002/2002april14.htm|archive-date=June 5, 2002|df=mdy-all}} Zarko Brala managed the squad{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports02/02cpsl29.htm|title=Mississauga News: Olympians Attack Sizzling|last=Brown|first=Joel|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|publisher=THE MISSISSAUGA NEWS|access-date=August 5, 2017}} for the majority of the 2002 season, competing with the Mississauga Olympians for the Conference title, but was discharged on September 9.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports02/02cpsl3y.htm|title=Toronto Croatia soccer coach relieved of his duties|last=Brown|first=Joel|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|publisher=Mississauga News|access-date=August 5, 2017}} His dismissal came following the team's defeat in the annual Croatian-North American Soccer Tournament, in which he placed his son, back-up goalkeeper Anthony Brala, into the starting line-up instead of George Azcurra. This brought a negative reaction from the Croatian community, which prompted team president Mario Skara to relive him of his duties. Brala's immediate replacement was former head coach Drago Santic, who had helped the team capture the Puma League title in 1996.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports02/02cpsl3u.htm|title=Croatia, Olympians secure CPSL playoff berths|last=Brown|first=Joel|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|publisher=Mississauga News|access-date=August 5, 2017}} Under the guidance of Santic the team won the Western Conference title and achieved a six-game undefeated streak.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports02/02cpsl3j.htm|title=CPSL report Croatia secures Conference title|last=Brown|first=Joel|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|publisher=Mississauga News|access-date=August 5, 2017}} The team also finished second in the Canada Cup tournament, losing 1–0 to the Ottawa Wizards.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports02/02cpsl99.htm|title=September 29, 2002 CPSL Ottawa Wizards vs Toronto Croatia|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 5, 2017}} However they performed poorly in the playoffs, with a defeat to the North York Astros in the preliminary round.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports02/02cpsl1l.htm|title=October 19, 2002 CPSL North York Astros vs Toronto Croatia (by Rocket Robin)|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 5, 2017}} Toronto Croatia had the second-best defensive record in the league, with Azcurra recognized as Goalkeeper of the Year and Domagoj Sain as Defender of the Year.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports02/02cpsl1n.htm|title=October 20, 2002 CPSL Awards Dinner (by Rocket Robin)|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 5, 2017}}

Toronto Croatia began the 2003 season with a devastating streak of five defeats and an early departure from the Open Canada Cup with a 4–2 loss to Toronto Supra.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports03/03cpsl67.htm|title=July 7, 2003 CPSL North York vs Toronto Croatia (from CPSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 6, 2017}} As a result Santic was relieved from his coaching duties and Velemir Crljen returned in his previous capacity as player-coach. To improve the team's situation, Crljen used the club's overseas connections to bring in players including Josip Juric, Antonijo Zupan, Jure Pavic, Ivica Raguz, and Ante Pavlovic.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cpsl.org/gallery/toronto_croatia.asp|title=CPSL - Canadian Professional Soccer League|date=August 31, 2004|access-date=August 7, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040831094027/http://www.cpsl.org/gallery/toronto_croatia.asp|archive-date=August 31, 2004|df=mdy-all}} These additions helped the team recover and finish third in their conference, gaining a postseason berth. In the first round of the playoffs they defeated the Brampton Hitmen 4–3 in a penalty shootout.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports03/03cpsl2m.htm|title=September 30, 2003 CPSL Playoffs Brampton Hitmen vs Toronto Croatia|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 6, 2017}} However this result was overturned by the league after Brampton filed a protest that two suspended Croatian officials had overseen the match.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports03/03cpsl6i.htm|title=October 1, 2003 CPSL Toronto Croatia vs Brampton (League decision)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 6, 2017}} At the conclusion of the season Domagoj Sain received his second Defender of the Year award.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports03/03cpsl6n.htm|title=October 5, 2003 CPSL Awards Dinner from CPSL site|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 6, 2017}}

Aldo Krajcar served as head coach for the 2004 season in which the club won another CPSL Championship. They achieved a second-place finish in the Western Conference followed by a 5–0 victory over the Windsor Border Stars in the first round of the postseason.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports04/04cpsl2e.htm|title=October 5, 2004 QuarterFinal Results (from CPSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 7, 2017}} The club was required to play a wildcard match against the Brampton Hitmen, avenging their previous playoff encounter with a score of 3–1.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports04/04cpsl2k.htm|title=October 11, 2004 CPSL Rogers Cup Finals Vaughan Shooters vs Toronto Croatia (from CPSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 7, 2017}} Croatia defeated Western Conference champions Hamilton Thunder 2–0, and in the finals beat the Vaughan Shooters 4–0 with Marasovic, Marko Milicevic, and Zupan scoring the goals.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports04/04cpsl2j.htm|title=October 11, 2004 CPSL Rogers Cup Final Vaughan Shooters vs Toronto Croatia (by Rocket Robin)|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 7, 2017}}

Crljen returned for his third term as head coach in 2005, with the team acquiring Caribbean talent Hayden Fitzwilliams, Caswain Mason, and Halburto Harris.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cpsl.org/teams.asp?id=6|title=Canadian Professional Soccer League - Clubs|date=December 25, 2005|access-date=August 8, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051225074736/http://www.cpsl.org/teams.asp?id=6|archive-date=December 25, 2005|df=mdy-all}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.croatiatoronto.com/players.html|title=Croatian National Sports Club - Toronto, Canada|date=September 4, 2005|access-date=August 9, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050904013945/http://www.croatiatoronto.com/players.html|archive-date=September 4, 2005|df=mdy-all}} Toronto Croatia was transferred to the Eastern Conference, over which they battled with Vaughan for supremacy, with Vaughan finishing as champions.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports05/05cpwk21.htm|title=October 4, 2005 CPSL Week 20 Standings (Amended) (end of Regular Season)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 8, 2017}} In the first round of the postseason they beat Laval Dynamites with Leo Laurito scoring the winning goal.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports05/05cpsl2i.htm|title=October 6, 2005 CPSL Toronto Croatia vs Laval Dynamites (from CPSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 8, 2017}} Croatia faced North York Astros in a wildcard round, where player-coach Crljen secured the match 1–0 with an overtime goal.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports05/05cpsl2j.htm|title=October 7, 2005 CPSL Championship Wildcard game North York Astros vs Toronto Croatia (from CPSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 8, 2017}} In the second round they lost to Vaughan Shooters, 4–0, failing to defend their championship.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports05/05cpsl2k.htm|title=October 8, 2005 CPSL Championship Semi-Finals (from CPSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 8, 2017}}

= {{anchor|Rebirth of Croatia–Serbia rivalry and International success (2006–2009)}}International Division and rebirth of Croatia–Serbia rivalry (2006–2009) =

File:White Eagles freekick.jpg.]]

In 2006 the CPSL re-branded itself as the Canadian Soccer League (CSL), and introduced the International Division which represented the various ethnic communities in the Greater Toronto Area.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports05/05cpsl1c.htm|title=September 15, 2005 CPSL Press Conference--Launch of International Division (from CPSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 9, 2017}} The launch of the division saw the return of Toronto Croatia's traditional rivals, the Serbian White Eagles, which revived their historical derby match.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports06/06cpsl07.htm|title=March 2, 2006 CPSL pre-season story (from Toronto Star)|last=Kelly|first=Cathal|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 9, 2017}} The club also celebrated its 50th anniversary, and went on a tour of Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina where they played the Dinamo Zagreb B team at Maksimir Stadium before the Croatian Supercup, and also played NK Široki Brijeg and NK Primorac Biograd. The organization retained the services of Josip Cvitanovic as club president, and Theo Krajacic as club representative.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports06/06cpsl01.htm|title=Dec 12, 2005 CPSL Toronto Croatia news (from CPSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 9, 2017}} After gaining coaching experience in Croatia and Asia, former player-coach Mladen Pralija returned to manage the team.{{citation needed|date=April 2025}} The 2006 International Division season was primarily a battle between the two former-Yugoslavian represented teams, which produced the highest attendances throughout the league.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports06/06cpsl3e.htm|title=Soccer fans damage Ivor Wynne|last=Morse|first=Paul|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|publisher=The Hamilton Spectator|access-date=August 9, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports06/06cpsl2y.htm|title=Serbia and Croatia renew CSL rivarly(sic)|last=ZICARELLI|first=FRANK|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|publisher=Toronto Sun|access-date=August 9, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports06/06cpsl2t.htm|title=September 7, 2006 CSL Toronto Croatia vs Serbian White Eagles (by Rocket Robin)|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 9, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports06/06cpsl4b.htm|title=October 22, 2006 CSL Award Winners (from CSL press release)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 9, 2017}} The regular season concluded with the White Eagles claiming the division with Croatia finishing as runners up.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports06/06cpwk20.htm|title=September 30, 2006 CSL Week 20 Final Standings (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 9, 2017}} In the postseason Croatia beat Laval 1–0{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports06/06cpsl3m.htm|title=October 1, 2006 CSL Quarterfinal results (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 9, 2017}} but were defeated in the semifinals 1–0 by Italia Shooters.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports06/06cpsl3v.htm|title=October 7, 2006 CSL summary of Semi-Final games (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 9, 2017}} Toronto Croatia's Azcurra was named the Goalkeeper of the Year for a fifth time, which was a league record for an individual player.

2007 season Milodrag Akmadzic Backo became the coach. Prior to the 2007 season the team moved to the Hershey Centre after the league banned the use of Memorial Park.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports07/07csl009.htm|title=May 15, 2007 CSL Press Conference (by Rocket Robin)|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 10, 2017}} The team won the inaugural Croatian World Club Championship, a tournament for the Croatian diaspora clubs throughout the world,{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports07/07csl034.htm|title=June 7, 2007 CSL news (from CSL media release)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 10, 2017}} with a 3–1 victory over Canberra Croatia in the final. Team veteran Domagoj Sain was recognized as the tournament's {{abbr|MVP|most-valuable player}}.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports07/07csl059.htm|title=July 3, 2007 CSL Toronto Croatia win world title (from CSL media release)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 10, 2017}} The team was awarded the championship trophy by Croatian Football Federation president Vlatko Marković.

In the regular season Croatia continued their battle with the White Eagles over the primacy of the International Division, a rivalry which helped increase attendance throughout the CSL.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports07/07csl070.htm|title=July 16, 2007 CSL news---League Attendance Increases (from CSL media release)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 10, 2017}} Though Croatia achieved an unbeaten streak with only one defeat they fell short of Serbia by four points in the division.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports07/07cswk22.htm|title=October 8, 2007 Canadian Soccer League Week 22 Standings|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 10, 2017}} In the postseason Toronto Croatia defeated North York Astros 4–2,{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports07/07csl145.htm|title=October 14, 2007 CSL details of Sunday's games (from CSL media release)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 10, 2017}} and beat National Division titleholders St. Catharines Wolves 3–2 with goals by Fitzwilliams, Tihomir Maletic and an own goal by Wolves.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports07/07csl151.htm|title=October 20, 2007 CSL Semi-Final St Catharines Wolves vs Toronto Croatia (from CSL media release)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 10, 2017}} In the CSL championship finals their rivalry with Serbia reached its climax; lacking an adequate stadium available in order to separate the fans the league was forced to change the format to a two-leg game rather than the standard knockout.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports07/07csl155.htm|title=October 23, 2007 CSL Announcement--Two Game Final--Serbian White Eagles vs Toronto Croatia (from CSL media release)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 10, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports07/07csl158.htm|title=Ethnic tension divides CSL final|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|publisher=Toronto Sun|access-date=August 10, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports07/07csl159.htm|title=CSL keeps Balkan fans apart|last=Kelly|first=Cathal|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|publisher=Toronto Star|access-date=August 10, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports07/07csl160.htm|title=Local Soccer Playoff "Segregation" Sparks Controversy|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|publisher=CityNews|access-date=August 10, 2017}} In the two-game final Croatia defeated the White Eagles by a score of 4–1 goals on aggregate.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mississauga.com/sports-story/3160871-croatia-on-top-for-now/|title=Croatia on top, for now {{!}} Mississauga.com|date=October 28, 2007|work=Mississauga.com|access-date=August 10, 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.mississauga.com/sports-story/3160824-croatia-wins-soccer-crown/|title=Croatia wins soccer crown {{!}} Mississauga.com|date=October 29, 2007|work=Mississauga.com|access-date=August 10, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports07/07csl165.htm|title=Toronto Croatia beats Serbian White Eagles to win CSL title|last=Abel|first=Dave|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|publisher=THE CANADIAN PRESS|access-date=August 10, 2017}} At the CSL awards banquet team captain Sain became first player to win Defender of the Year a third time, and Maletic was voted Rookie of the Year.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports07/07csl168.htm|title=November 5, 2007 CSL Award Ceremony 2007 (from CSL media release)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 10, 2017}}

In 2008 Croatia went through a transitional period as many core veterans like Azcurra, Leo Marasovic, Robert Fran, Rudi Spaic, and Robert Grnja retired from competitive soccer.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mississauga.com/sports-story/3135356-soccer-team-s-goal-is-back-to-back-titles/|title=Soccer team's goal is back-to-back titles {{!}} Mississauga.com|date=May 23, 2008|work=Mississauga.com|access-date=August 12, 2017}} Former Prva HNL manager Miroslav Buljan was hired for the 2008 season and strengthened the roster with the additions of Tonći Pirija and Hugo Herrera.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mississauga.com/sports-story/3135358-soccer-club-starts-season-off-on-the-wrong-foot/|title=Soccer club starts season off on the wrong foot {{!}} Mississauga.com|last=Gossai|first=Amit|date=May 23, 2008|work=Mississauga.com|access-date=August 12, 2017}} The league introduced the creation of a reserve division to provide a developmental platform for young players to transition to the professional ranks and Toronto Croatia added a reserve squad.{{Cite web|url=http://www.canadiansoccerleague.ca/news_archive.php?news_id=92214|title=Canadian Soccer League Powered by Goalline Sports Administration Software|date=December 1, 2008|access-date=August 12, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201111416/http://www.canadiansoccerleague.ca/news_archive.php?news_id=92214|archive-date=December 1, 2008|df=mdy-all}} Their on-field performance was mediocre as they finished third in the International Division.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mississauga.com/sports-story/3139188-croatia-grabs-spot-in-csl-playoffs/|title=Croatia grabs spot in CSL playoffs {{!}} Mississauga.com|last=Gossai|first=Amit|date=September 20, 2008|work=Mississauga.com|access-date=August 12, 2017}} Their postseason was cut short after losing to 2–1 to Portugal FC in the preliminary round.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mississauga.com/sports-story/3142169-croatia-out-of-finals-in-loss-to-portugal/|title=Croatia out of finals in loss to Portugal {{!}} Mississauga.com|date=October 14, 2008|work=Mississauga.com|access-date=August 12, 2017}}

As the CSL received sanctioning from the Canadian Soccer Association in 2009, Toronto Croatia formed a partnership with Clarkson Sheridan Soccer Club to jointly develop youth players.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports09/09csl141.htm|title=November 14, 2009 CSL has critical role to play (from CSL news release)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 13, 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.mississauga.com/sports-story/3147323-toronto-croatia-partners-with-local-club/|title=Toronto Croatia partners with local club {{!}} Mississauga.com|last=Kurek|first=Dominik|date=June 30, 2009|work=Mississauga.com|access-date=August 13, 2017}} Before the start of the season the club moved to Centennial Park Stadium in the Toronto district of Etobicoke, as the Hershey Centre did not meet the standards of a professional facility.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mississauga.com/sports-story/3146459-soccer-club-bolts-for-greener-fields/|title=Soccer club bolts for greener fields {{!}} Mississauga.com|last=Chin|first=Joseph|date=May 7, 2009|work=Mississauga.com|access-date=August 13, 2017}} During the regular season Toronto continued its annual rivalry with the White Eagles for the division title, where ultimately Serbia claimed the title with Croatia behind by one point.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports09/09cslw19.htm|title=September 21st, 2009 CSL League Standings Week 19 End of Regular Season|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 13, 2017}} In the opening round of the playoffs they faced the Brampton Lions and won 4–1 points in aggregate,{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports09/09csl128.htm|title=October 4, 2009 CSL Sunday Quarter-Final results (from CSL media release)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 13, 2017}} but subsequently lost in the semifinals to Serbia.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports09/09csl135.htm|title=October 18, 2009 CSL weekend semi-final games (from CSL media release)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 13, 2017}}

= League powerhouse and departure to CAF (2010–present) =

File:Toronto Croatia 2012.jpg in 2012]]

Prior to the start of the 2010 season Crljen was relieved as coach and replaced by Kreso Grnjto.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mississauga.com/sports-story/3155584-toronto-croatia-opener-delayed/|title=Toronto Croatia opener delayed {{!}} Mississauga.com|last=Gossai|first=Amit|date=May 17, 2010|work=Mississauga.com|access-date=August 14, 2017}} The team recruited players from overseas including Ivan Žgela and Ante Zurak.{{Cite web|url=http://canadiansoccerleague.com/teams/team.asp?ID=12|title=Canadian Soccer League|date=February 28, 2011|access-date=August 14, 2017|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110228074820/http://canadiansoccerleague.com/teams/team.asp?ID=12|archive-date=February 28, 2011|df=mdy-all}} Further changes saw the promotion of club secretary Pino Jazbec to the CSL Executive Committee as League Administrator.{{Cite web|url=http://canadiansoccerleague.com/contact/|title=Canadian Soccer League|date=March 16, 2011|access-date=August 14, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110316154835/http://canadiansoccerleague.com/contact/|archive-date=March 16, 2011|df=mdy-all}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports/10csl013.htm|title=May 4, 2010 CSL Press Conference (by Rocket Robin)|last=Glover|first=Robin|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 14, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports12/12csl006.htm|title=January 7th, 2012--People In The News (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 17, 2017}} The CSL administration also restructured the league by combining both the International and National Divisions to form the CSL First Division with a single-table structure. The regular season was unremarkable for Toronto Croatia as the team barely qualified for the playoffs.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports/10cslw23.htm|title=October 13th, 2010--Canadian Soccer League First Division Week 23|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 14, 2017}} In the opening round of the postseason Croatia achieved an upset victory against regular-season champions York Region Shooters, winning 3–1 on goals on aggregate.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports/10csl160.htm|title=October 17, 2010 CSL--details of Sunday games (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 14, 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.mississauga.com/sports-story/3159268-soccer-squad-advances-with-upset/|title=Soccer squad advances with upset {{!}} Mississauga.com|last=Colpitts|first=Iain|date=October 18, 2010|work=Mississauga.com|access-date=August 14, 2017}} However Toronto then lost 2–0 in the semifinals against Hamilton Croatia.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports/10csl168.htm|title=October 24, 2010 CSL--Hamilton Croatia vs Toronto Croatia (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 14, 2017}} At the conclusion of the season Tihomir Maletic won both the CSL Golden Boot and MVP.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports/10csl174.htm|title=October 31, 2010 CSL Final--Hamilton Croatia vs Brantford Galaxy (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 14, 2017}}

Veteran head coach Crljen was hired to lead the team for the 2011 season, in which the club saw a return to prominence. Toronto Croatia finished second in the regular season with the best defensive record and the second-best offensive record.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports11/11cslw23.htm|title=October 10, 2011 CSL--Week 23 Standings (from CSL web site)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 16, 2017}} At the international level they achieved their second Croatian World Club Championship.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports11/11csl080.htm|title=July 1, 2011 CSL--details of Niagara United vs Bedlington Terriers FC and Toronto Croatia tournament in Croatia (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 16, 2017}} In the preliminary round of the playoffs they defeated Mississauga Eagles FC 8–1 on goals on aggregate.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mississauga.com/sports-story/3159268-soccer-squad-advances-with-upset/|title=Soccer squad advances with upset {{!}} Mississauga.com|last=Colpitts|first=Iain|date=October 18, 2010|work=Mississauga.com|access-date=August 16, 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.mississauga.com/sports-story/3120088-eagles-upset-toronto-croatia/|title=Eagles upset Toronto Croatia {{!}} Mississauga.com|last=Colpitts|first=Iain|date=September 19, 2011|work=Mississauga.com|access-date=August 16, 2017}} In the following round Croatia defeated the York Region Shooters 2–0 with goals by Josip Keran and Fitzwilliams.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports11/11csl192.htm|title=October 23, 2011 CSL--details on Sunday's games (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 16, 2017}} In the finals a goal by Fitzwilliams secured a 1–0 victory over Capital City F.C., winning Toronto Croatia the CSL Championship.{{Cite web|url=http://www.torontosun.com/2011/10/29/toronto-croatia-wins-csl-title|title=Toronto Croatia wins CSL title|last1=Larson|first1=Kurt|last2=Sun|first2=Toronto|website=Toronto Sun|access-date=August 16, 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports11/11csl194.htm|title=October 29, 2011 CSL--Toronto Croatia vs Capital City FC CSL Final (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 16, 2017}} At the conclusion of the season Croatia went home with the majority of the CSL team awards, and Crljen was recognized as Coach of the Year. Maletic received his second-consecutive MVP award and Sven Arapovic was given Defender of the Year. Club president Joe Pavicic received the Harry Paul Gauss award for his allegiance, commitment and support to the league and its member clubs.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports11/11csl198.htm|title=November 15, 2011--Toronto Croatia's Tihomir Maletic MVP For Second Year...Annual Award Winners Announced Sunday (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 16, 2017}}

In 2012 Croatia produced another solid season with the club investing in foreign talent from Croatia by acquiring former 1. HNL and 2. HNL veterans like Josip Bonacin, Andelo Srzentic, Dino Buljan, and Marin Vucemilovic-Grgic.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports12/12csl151.htm|title=October 25, 2012 CSL--pregame article on CSL Final (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 17, 2017}} The club achieved their first regular-season title since 2002 and the best offensive and defensive records, with only one loss throughout the season.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports12/12cslw23.htm|title=October 11, 2012 CSL--Week 23 Standings [end of Regular season] (from CSL web site)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 17, 2017}} In the postseason they defeated Niagara United 2–0{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports12/12csl146.htm|title=October 14, 2012 CSL Quarterfinals--details from Sunday's games (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 17, 2017}} and rival White Eagles 4–0.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports12/12csl150.htm|title=October 21, 2012 CSL Semi-Finals--details of Sunday's games (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 17, 2017}} In the championship finals Croatia successfully defended their title by defeating Montreal Impact Academy 1–0 with Vucemilovic-Grgic sealing the match for Toronto.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports12/12csl152.htm|title=October 27, 2012 CSL Final--Toronto Croatia vs Montreal Impact Academy (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 17, 2017}} After attaining a prosperous season the league recognized Vucemilovic-Grgic as MVP and Antonio Ilic as Goalkeeper of the Year.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports12/12csl157.htm|title=November 25, 2012--2012 CSL Awards Dinner (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 17, 2017}}

On September 13, 2012 CBC News released an article with wiretap evidence which revealed a bribe in the order of {{Euro|15,000}} ({{currency|18,000|CAD}}) was paid to Antonijo Zupan, who was to share it with other players on his team.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/exclusive-canadian-soccer-an-easy-target-for-match-fixing-1.1212414|title=Canadian soccer an easy target for match-fixing – Canada – CBC News|author=Ben Rycroft, Alex Shprintsen and Joseph Loiero|access-date=September 13, 2012|publisher=CBC.ca}} According to the report, monies were paid to fix at least one CSL match, on September 12, 2009, v Trois-Rivières Attak.{{cite news|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/exclusive-canadian-soccer-match-fixed-by-global-crime-syndicate-1.1277810|title=EXCLUSIVE | Canadian soccer match fixed by global crime syndicate – Canada – CBC News|date=September 12, 2009|access-date=September 12, 2012|publisher=CBC.ca}} Zupan denied any knowledge of receiving any money for fixing a match. In response to the allegations of match fixing the CSL issued a statement stating that the league would continue to conduct the necessary steps in order to prevent any future tampering of matches.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports12/12csl159.htm|title=December 20, 2012--CSL The Ups and Downs of 2012 in the CSL...a league retrospective (from CSL web site)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 24, 2017}}

During 2013–2015 Croatia's continued to dominate the CSL, finishing in the top three each year, winning the championship in 2015 and finishing as runners up in 2014.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mississauga.com/sports-story/6061284-toronto-croatia-captures-10th-csl-title/|title=Toronto Croatia captures 10th CSL title {{!}} Mississauga.com|last=Colpitts|first=Iain|date=October 29, 2015|work=Mississauga.com|access-date=August 20, 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.mississauga.com/sports-story/5934647-croatia-locks-up-second-place/|title=Croatia locks up second place {{!}} Mississauga.com|last=Colpitts|first=Iain|date=September 28, 2015|work=Mississauga.com|access-date=August 20, 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.mississauga.com/sports-story/4946738-croatia-loses-csl-championship-game-in-a-shootout/|title=Croatia loses CSL Championship game in a shootout {{!}} Mississauga.com|last=Colpitts|first=Iain|date=October 27, 2014|work=Mississauga.com|access-date=August 20, 2017}} The club returned to the Hershey Centre in 2014, due to renovations of Centennial Park Stadium in preparation for the 2015 Pan American Games.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports14/14csl007.htm|title=March 12, 2014 CSL--CSL Clubs Invite Players....Toronto Croatia move to Hershey Centre (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 20, 2017}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.mississauga.com/sports-story/4494139-toronto-croatia-returns-to-hershey-centre/|title=Toronto Croatia returns to Hershey Centre {{!}} Mississauga.com|last=Colpitts|first=Iain|date=May 1, 2014|work=Mississauga.com|access-date=August 20, 2017}} Toronto Croatia began reinvesting in their youth structure in 2013 by relaunching their reserve team, which secured the Second Division regular season title and were runners up in the championship. Due to this immediate success the reserve team formed an affiliation with Ferenc Puskás Football Academy, and HNK Rijeka Academy.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports14/14csl013.htm|title=May 10, 2014 CSL--North York Astros and Toronto Croatia preseason news (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 20, 2017}} In 2014, the club released a documentary which detailed the history of the organization.{{Cite web|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports14/14csl005.htm|title=TORONTO CROATIA - A GREAT CROATIAN (AND CANADIAN) STORY.... Premiere showing of documentary Jan 17 (from CSL website)|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com|access-date=August 20, 2017}}

In 2016 Toronto Croatia departed from the CSL and became a founding member in the LIKA SUPERGROUP Open Division in the Canadian Academy of Futbol (CAF), an academy player developmental league. Coach was Josip Keran.{{Cite web|url=http://www.cafsoccer.com/news-events/caf-announces-lika-supergroup-open-division-at-next-gen-presentation/|title=CAF Announces LIKA Supergroup Open Division at Next Gen Presentation {{!}} CAF - Canada's Premier Soccer Development Academy League|website=www.cafsoccer.com|access-date=August 20, 2017|archive-date=August 8, 2017|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170808123342/http://www.cafsoccer.com/news-events/caf-announces-lika-supergroup-open-division-at-next-gen-presentation/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://canadiansoccerleague.ca/csl-set-for-may-kickoff/|title=CSL SET FOR MAY KICKOFF {{!}} Canadian Soccer League|last=Adamson|first=Stan|website=canadiansoccerleague.ca|date=April 4, 2016|access-date=August 20, 2017}}

Since 2017 Croatia Toronto compete in National Arena Soccer League. Both seasons they were first on the end of the season. President is Josip Pavicic, coach Milodrag Akmadzic Backo, assistant coach Zoran Marijanovic, team menager Ivan Kulis and captain was Josip Keran.[http://www.hljnt.com/index.htm H.Lj.N.T.] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080412202040/http://www.hljnt.com/index.htm |date=April 12, 2008 }}{{clarify|date=March 2018}}

Year-by-year

Year !Division !League !Regular Season !Play-offs
class="wikitable"
1962{{Cite web\|url=https://www.rsssf.org/usadave/cnsl.html\|title=Canada - Canadian National Soccer League\|website=RSSSF\|access-date=August 20, 2017}} \|2 \|{{abbr\|NSL\|National Soccer League}} \|11th \|
1963 \|2 \|NSL \|7th \|
1964 \|2 \|NSL \|7th \|
1965 \|2 \|NSL \|7th \|
1966 \|2 \|NSL \|5th \| style="background:#ffcbcb;"\|Final
1967 \|2 \|NSL \|10th \|
1968 \|2 \|NSL \|6th \|Quarter-Finals
1969 \|2 \|NSL \|7th \|were not played
1970 \|2 \|NSL \| style="background:#b3b7ff;"\|1st \| style="background:#ffcbcb;"\|Final
1971 \|2 \|NSL \| style="background:#b3b7ff;"\|1st \| style="background:#ffebad;"\|Champions
1972 \|2 \|NSL \| style="background:#b3b7ff;"\|1st \|
1973 \|2 \|NSL \| style="background:#b3b7ff;"\|1st \| style="background:#ffcbcb;"\|Final
1974 \|2 \|NSL \|3rd \| style="background:#ffebad;"\|Champions
1975{{Cite web\|url=https://www.rsssf.org/usadave/nasl.html\|title=North American Soccer League\|website=RSSSF\|access-date=August 20, 2017}} \|1 – Northern Division \|{{abbr\|NASL\|North American Soccer League}} \|2nd \|Quarter-Finals
1976 \|1 – Atlantic Conference, Northern Division \|NASL \|2nd \| style="background:#ffebad;"\|Champions
1977 \|1 – Atlantic Conference, Northern Division \|NASL \| style="background:#b3b7ff;"\|1st, Atlantic, Northern \|Quarter-Finals
1978 \|1 – National Conference, Eastern Division \|NASL \|3rd \|1st round
1979 \|2 \|{{abbr\|NSL\|National Soccer League}} \|8th \|were not played
1980 \|2 \|NSL \|11th \|
1981 \|2 \|NSL \|5th \|
1982 \|2 \|NSL \|10th \|
1983 \|1 \|{{abbr\|CPSL\|Canadian Professional Soccer League}} \|4th \|Semi-Finals
1984 \|2 \|{{abbr\|NSL\|National Soccer League}} \| \|
1985 \|2 \|NSL \|6th \|Quarter-Finals
1986 \|2 \|NSL \|8th \|
1987 \|2 \|NSL \|2nd \|Semi-Finals
1988 \|2 \|NSL \|4th \| style="background:#ffebad;"\|Champions
1989 \|2 \|NSL \| style="background:#ffcbcb;"\|2nd \|were not played
1990 \|2 \|NSL \|4th \|were not played
1991 \|2 \|NSL \|4th \|were not played
1992 \|2 \|NSL \| style="background:#ffebad;"\|Champions \|were not played
1993 \|2 – Western Division \|NSL \|2nd \|Quarter-Finals
1997 \|2 \|{{abbr\|CNSL\|Canadian National Soccer League}} \|2nd \|Quarter-finals
1998{{Cite web\|url=https://www.rsssf.org/usadave/cpslii.html\|title=Canada - Canadian Professional/Premier Soccer League II\|website=RSSSF\|access-date=August 20, 2017}} \|3 \|{{abbr\|CPSL\|Canadian Professional Soccer League}} \|8th \|did not qualify
1999 \|3 \|CPSL \|2nd \| style="background:#ffcbcb;"\|Final
2000 \|3 \|CPSL \|3rd \| style="background:#ffebad;"\|Champions
2001 \|3 \|CPSL \|6th \|did not qualify
2002 \|3 – Western Conference \|CPSL \| style="background:#b3b7ff;"\|1st, Western \|Semi-finals
2003 \|3 – Western Conference \|CPSL \|3rd, Western \|Quarter-Finals
2004 \|3 – Western Conference \|CPSL \|2nd, Western \| style="background:#ffebad;"\|Champions
2005 \|3 – Eastern Conference \|CPSL \|2nd, Eastern \|Semi-Finals
2006{{Cite web\|url=https://www.rsssf.org/usadave/csl2.html\|title=Canada - Canadian Soccer League II\|website=RSSSF\|access-date=August 20, 2017}} \|3 – International Division \|{{Abbr\|CSL\|Canadian Soccer League}} \|2nd, International \|Semi-Finals
2007 \|3 – International Division \|CSL \|2nd, International \| style="background:#ffebad;"\|Champions
2008 \|3 – International Division \|CSL \|3rd, International \|Quarter-Finals
2009 \|3 – International Division \|CSL \|2nd, International \|Semi-Finals
2010 \|3 – First Division \|CSL \|8th \|Semi-Finals
2011 \|3 – First Division \|CSL \|2nd \| style="background:#ffebad;"\|Champions
2012 \|3 – First Division \|CSL \|style="background:#b3b7ff;"\|1st \|style="background:#ffebad;"\|Champions
2013{{Cite web\|url=http://www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com/reports13/13cslw23.htm\|title=October 7, 2013 CSL--CSL Week 23 Standings Final Standings Regular Season (from CSL web site)\|website=www.rocketrobinsoccerintoronto.com\|access-date=August 20, 2017}} \|3 – First Division \|CSL \|3rd \|Semi-Finals
2014{{Cite web\|url=http://canadiansoccerleague.ca/first-division-2014-standings/\|title=First Division 2014 Standings {{!}} Canadian Soccer League\|website=canadiansoccerleague.ca\|access-date=August 20, 2017\|archive-date=August 13, 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813040144/http://canadiansoccerleague.ca/first-division-2014-standings/\|url-status=dead}} \|3 – First Division \|CSL \|2nd \| style="background:#ffcbcb;"\|Final
2015{{Cite web\|url=http://canadiansoccerleague.ca/first-division-standings-2015/\|title=First Division Standings 2015 {{!}} Canadian Soccer League\|website=canadiansoccerleague.ca\|access-date=August 20, 2017\|archive-date=August 1, 2016\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160801032549/http://canadiansoccerleague.ca/first-division-standings-2015/\|url-status=dead}} \|3 – First Division \|CSL \|2nd \|style="background:#ffebad;"\|Champions