For Reds supporters the game will be even more memorable. For once, the final league game won’t be the last of Toronto FC’s season. Keep in mind: in eight previous seasons, only once has the final game of the regular season even been meaningful for Toronto FC.
And even though both teams have already ensured their playoff qualification there is plenty to play for. In fact, this could be merely a prelude to an even more important match between the sides in a few days. One way or another, in 2015 there will be a first ever MLS playoff home game for a Canadian team.
The scenario is fairly simple. Win or tie, and Toronto FC is guaranteed at least fourth place and one more game at the pre-Argos BMO Field. Lose and they will fall to fifth and finish behind the Impact. There’s even the chance that a TFC win could see the Reds jump as high as second, thus earning a first round bye, if Columbus and D.C. United draw. For Montreal, only a win can get them above the Reds and into a position to host a play-in round match; a draw consigns them to fifth or sixth.
So this game matters. After years of late-season 401 Derbies sold on nothing more than the thin gruel of “rivalry” or “playing spoiler” it is a welcome change. This is the sort of game that could one day for the basis of an actual rivalry, rather than being part of the regular late season slog.
Before I was a TFC fan, I was a fan of Canadian soccer. So while cheering for the Reds on Sunday, there is a significant part of me that will simply be cheering for what we have achieved. It was never likely, and it shouldn’t be taken for granted.
And in a few short days, it could get even better.