Canadian Crusaders

Canadian Crusaders
Full nameCanadian Crusaders
FoundedAugust 4, 2022 (2022-08-04) (as Central Florida Crusaders)[1]
StadiumScarborough Soccer Centre
OwnerLuigi Di Serio
Head coachLorenzo Redwood
LeagueMajor League Indoor Soccer
2024–25Regular season: 3rd
Playoffs: 8th
Websitewww.cacrusaders.com

Canadian Crusaders is an indoor soccer team based in Scarborough, within the city of Toronto. The team plays in Major League Indoor Soccer (MLIS) and began play in the 2024–25 season.

History

Central Florida Crusaders

The Central Florida Crusaders were announced as an expansion team for the National Indoor Soccer League in August 2022, to begin play in the 2022-23 season. The team played its home games Addition Financial Arena.[2] The team finished its inaugural season with a 13-2 record, winning the 2022-23 NISL Championship.[3]

Relocation to Toronto

In March 2024, the NISL was acquired by Major League Indoor Soccer.[4] In August 2024, it was announced that the Central Florida Crusaders would relocate to Toronto, rebranding as the Canadian Crusaders.[5]

Prior to the start of the 2025–26 season, MLIS announced that the league would be split into two conferences, with the Canadian Crusaders being placed in the North Conference.[6] The Canadian Crusaders won the 2026 MLIS Championship, defeating the Amarillo Bombers, 6-4.[7]

Year-by-year

Year League Record Playoffs Avg. Attendance
2022–23 NISL 1st NISL, 13-2 Won Championship 1,000
2024–25 MLIS 3rd MLIS, 9-3 Semifinals
2025–26 MLIS 1st North, 11-1 Won Championship

Arena

Canadian Crusaders play their home games in the Scarborough Soccer Centre in Toronto.[8] During the team's time in Orlando, the Crusaders played at Addition Financial Arena on the University of Central Florida's main campus.

Honours

Team

Competitions Titles Seasons
MLIS Champions 1 2025-2026[7]
NISL Champions 1 2022-2023[3]

Players

Honor Player Seasons
MLIS Goalkeeper of the Year Filip Zendelek 2025[9]
2026[10]
MLIS Defender of the Year Sebastian Lopez 2025[9]

Coaches

Competitions Titles Seasons
MLIS Coach of the Year Johnny Williams 2025[9]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Andrew Haines (August 4, 2022). "NISL ADDS ORLANDO AS EXPANSION TEAM". cflcrusaders.com. SoccerShift. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
  2. ↑ Orlando, Spectrum News Staff. "Orlando to be home to new indoor soccer league team". mynews13.com. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
  3. 1 2 "Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
  4. ↑ "News: Major League Indoor Soccer Takes Major Step with Acquisition of National Indoor Soccer League - Major League Indoor Soccer | MLIS News, Teams & Schedules". www.mlispro.com. March 29, 2024. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
  5. ↑ "MLIS Goes International, Welcomes Canadian Crusaders from Toronto". mlispro.com. August 5, 2024. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Major League Indoor Soccer Postseason Format, Explained". mlispro.com. Major League Indoor Soccer. November 7, 2025. Retrieved December 2, 2025.
  7. 1 2 "Toronto Claims 2026 MLIS Championship - Major League Indoor Soccer | MLIS News, Teams & Schedules". www.mlispro.com. March 30, 2026. Retrieved March 30, 2026.
  8. ↑ "News: Home Field of Crusaders! - Canadian Crusaders Pro Indoor Soccer Team Toronto Ontario". www.cacrusaders.com. October 4, 2024. Retrieved April 15, 2026.
  9. 1 2 3 "News: Major League Indoor Soccer Announces 2024–2025 Regular Season Awards - Major League Indoor Soccer | MLIS News, Teams & Schedules". www.mlispro.com. April 18, 2025. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
  10. ↑ "Major League Indoor School Announces 2025-2026 Regular Season Awards - Major League Indoor Soccer | MLIS News, Teams & Schedules". www.mlispro.com. April 18, 2026. Retrieved April 18, 2026.
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