Any other Toronto FC fans out there? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

shermanator · 03-28-2010, 11:50 AM

I don't imagine there are too many, since MLS is a big step down from the European leagues, but I was wondering if there are any fellow fans. I follow MLS a little since it's played during the summer when I don't get distracted by hockey.

Anywho, the 2010 MLS season started Thursday. Toronto FC lost their first game 2-0 to Columbus yesterday

Addick · 03-28-2010, 01:22 PM

I'm a traditionalist when it comes to sport and like to be able to follow the local club. Since even the AMSL doesn't take itself that seriously, I have to throw my support behind the Whitecaps. To be honest though, I have an anybody but TFC approach when it comes to the Nutrilite Championship.

mykalberta · 03-29-2010, 02:01 PM

I own a jersey and do watch. Dont follow very closely though with them being in TO.

Jimmy Stang · 03-29-2010, 02:51 PM

I am a casual fan, being Canada's only MLS team (for now). I'd love to take in a game in Toronto one of these days, but so far my work travel schedule hasn't jived nicely enough to make it happen.

I am trying to watch more games this season, and I'll be utilizing my PVR. The nice thing about PVR-ing TFC matches (compared to, say, a Flames game) is that you're unlikely to see highlights by accident or hear the score on the radio, thus preserving the secret of the result until you can watch it.

I think that the MLS is improving. Definitely not saying that the calibre is anywhere near most other leagues in the world, but I think that it is good for soccer in Canada and it is nice to have a team to cheer for on Canadian soil.

Jimmy Stang · 03-29-2010, 02:53 PM

And, regarding Saturday's game, I thought that TFC played OK for having so many last-minute lineup changes and for having to play in Columbus - they're pretty decent.

PyramidsofMars · 03-30-2010, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimmy Stang

Definitely not saying that the calibre is anywhere near most other leagues in the world.

MLS is on par with many European leagues, better than most African and Asian leagues, on par with many South American leagues, and better than the Australian league. I'd say it's on par with, or better than, most leagues in the world.

The calibre is not anywhere near the elite leagues in the world, but that's what a lot of people in North America seem to fail to realize: that soccer leagues are EVERYWHERE, and that

the top tier is: England, Spain, Italy

beneath that: Germany, France, Holland, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, maaaybe Japan

and beyond that, there's a decent level of play in most countries that aren't miserably poor or where things aren't well-funded (India, for example, despite the economy, because it's so cricket mad). MLS is well above the standard of many leagues in the world, and within a few years could very well be in the second tier of soccer leagues, since the increase in the standard of play has been steady, and potential is there, unlike in countless other countries.

I think we're just used to having the best of any sport here, and MLS gets made fun of because it's not an all-star league, but the reality is that by no means is MLS one of the worst leagues in the world. Heck, it's probably in the best third...

Jimmy Stang · 03-30-2010, 08:13 AM

Actually, PyramidsofMars, I agree with your comments. I should have been more clear and and thrown the term "elite" in there too. When I think of other leagues, I somewhat-ignorantly and automatically think of the top leagues, but you are quite right, in the big picture the MLS are quite respectably positioned.

As you stated, there are many countries with "lesser" leagues, and a lot less potential for the future. MLS has done a lot of things right, and they have been growing at a nice rate and are in markets that generally make sense. I think that they realize their role in the American (and Canadian) sports market, and realize that sensible growth will do a lot more for them in the long run.

Coys1882 · 03-30-2010, 10:16 AM

I enjoy watching the MLS when I have time - but I will be throwing my support behind the Whitecaps when they start next season. I'm hoping the CBC shows the games like they do for TFC

shermanator · 03-30-2010, 11:43 AM

I think MLS is improving as well, not only with the play on the field, but also with the fact that many teams are playing in soccer specific stadiums, as opposed to playing in cavernous football stadiums.

For example, Red Bull New York just moved from Giants Stadium to Red Bull Arena this year. Picture here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Re...or11062009.jpg

This should improve the atmosphere of the games IMO. I'm hoping to catch an FC Dallas game sometime soon as my folks live in Dallas.

Matty81 · 03-30-2010, 12:21 PM

I've followed TFC casually for a few years and will probably up my interest in MLS when Vancouver joins and even moreso when expansion goes to Montreal. I think Mo is a brutal manager, and other than the draft/sale of Edu resulting in the stadium improvements I have a hard time finding alot of good stuff he's done.

If Vancouver had allowed Kerfoot to build that waterfront stadium I would have split a caps season ticket and driven in from Kelowna for half the games, not a BC place fan but I guess we'll see what the improvements hold. Will probably go see 3 or 4 games a year as it stands.

Table 5 · 03-30-2010, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shermanator

For example, Red Bull New York just moved from Giants Stadium to Red Bull Arena this year. Picture here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Re...or11062009.jpg

Definitely looking to catch a game there this year. Most likely when Toronto's in town. It won't be like the Camp Nou game I went to last year, but not many things are! Too bad it's in the middle of Jersey swampland like a lot of the other sports venues here.

Machiavelli · 03-30-2010, 01:39 PM

I would say that I'm slightly more than a casual fan. However, it doesn't speak well for me that I didn't know they had already played their first game...

shermanator · 03-30-2010, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matty81

I've followed TFC casually for a few years and will probably up my interest in MLS when Vancouver joins and even moreso when expansion goes to Montreal. I think Mo is a brutal manager, and other than the draft/sale of Edu resulting in the stadium improvements I have a hard time finding alot of good stuff he's done.

If Vancouver had allowed Kerfoot to build that waterfront stadium I would have split a caps season ticket and driven in from Kelowna for half the games, not a BC place fan but I guess we'll see what the improvements hold. Will probably go see 3 or 4 games a year as it stands.

I think this stadium plan is still in the works. Wikipedia (great source, I know), mentions that Vancouver is looking to be out of BC Place by 2016. I think they have to bypass the usual activists though...

Addick · 03-31-2010, 06:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PyramidsofMars

MLS is on par with many European leagues, better than most African and Asian leagues, on par with many South American leagues, and better than the Australian league. I'd say it's on par with, or better than, most leagues in the world.

The calibre is not anywhere near the elite leagues in the world, but that's what a lot of people in North America seem to fail to realize: that soccer leagues are EVERYWHERE...

Although I don't like the path MLS is taking, I have to admit that you are speaking nothing but the truth. The league is run in a very professional fashion and with their skill level it is a relatively decent league in World football. However, like you allude to a casual fan probably wouldn't follow the league if they did not have an interest in any of the franchises. Nonetheless, I was able to attend a TFC match with my cousin last year and really enjoyed myself. Especially when Dallas equalized late on.