Season four of the TFC experience is over. It’s been over on the pitch for a while of course, but the closure didn’t happen until Marvell Wynne turned and raised the MLS Cup to BMO’s south end. It was a nice gesture. Even the most cynical had to smile a little then.
It wasn’t much of a game – from what I recall, which admittedly wasn’t much (I wasn’t working and it might be the last time in a while I’m not during a game day so I treated it like I did my final days of university. Go hard, then go home) – but it was a great time out for those that got over themselves and got out to the park.
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Just how many people did get out has been a subject of much debate in the time that has passed. Some have suggested that there was a massive walkout amongst supporters after the kick-off. If there was it was a failure. From my spot in the front row of section 113 I didn’t see anyone leave. Then again, I’m not sure I would have given it much thought if I did. I was too busy re-finding the joy.
That’s what this past weekend was for me. It was about friendships, both real life and the Internet kind and saying good-bye to my game day friends for another four months. Like my university days, it has only taken four years for strangers to become people that I would walk in front of a train to protect. Wins and losses matter, but not more than the culture that I now live in. TFC and MLS has changed me and has made me acutely aware of the importance of personal connection. If that’s too sappy or dramatic for you, I’m sorry. I love the football, don’t get me wrong, but I’d rather lose 1,000 games standing beside my friends than win one alone.
I’d especially like to win 1,000 games standing beside my friends though...
So, if critics want to drag Toronto and the supporters of TFC down into the mud then there isn’t much I can do to stop them. I can only feel pity. It’s hard work to constantly find the negative in things.
Prior to the game the U-Sector pre-game was invaded by close to 100 Colorado fans. They had a blast. We sang to each other. There wasn’t a single word spoken in anger. People posed for photos with one another. It was a nice way to spend the pre-game and it flies in the face of all those that want to paint Toronto fans in a negative light.
Yes, some people stayed home. It was their loss. Yes, some Toronto fans refuse to let go of the anger surrounding ticket prices and four losing seasons. They’ll get over it or, maybe, they won’t. The rest of us will keep on hoping for better days on the pitch and sharing good times off.
That’s the important stuff. I’ll see you at the park in 2011.