Canada - SVG Date/Location?

[jpg75]

I'm going to be the voice of dissent on this one.

I'm going to be wearing WHITE []

[Gian-Luca]

quote:Originally posted by MediaGuy

And I especially don't buy the argument that if someone shows up wearing black as a protest against the CSA that they are somehow supporting the team less than someone who is wearing red.

Yes but I didn't claim that. It was you that suggested someone wearing black was supporting the Canadian team more than someone wearing a Canadian jersey or Canadian colours. I was simpy refuting that notion, which I think is a false one, by pointing out what wearing the Canadian colours means to me, what is symbolizes, and that my support can't be "trumped" by someone wearing black.

quote:

The colour of clothes we wear in the stands will have no impact whatsoever on the result on the pitch. It's faulty thinking to believe otherwise. There are only two groups that would notice black t-shirts--the CSA and the media.

There are no groups that would notice a sea of red.

I would hope that a sea of red would make people watching stand up and take notice that the support of the Canadian team in Toronto (or Montreal, or Canada in general) has never been higher. That's a positive goal to work towards and helps to get rid of a nasty stereotype. There is no greater positive image than the Canadian team knowing it is playing to a full house wearing its colours, backing them all the way. It works like that in every other country, I don't see why that wouldn't work here.

Most importantly, I think the players will notice the visual demonstration support - not just the Canadian players but the opposition players as well. Going forward it concerns me that we want to start a tradition of wearing black for Canada games when we will soon be facing teams that will be bringing their own significant support who will no doubt will be dressed up in their nation's colours, and we will need to counter-act that with our own colours. This is the wrong tradition to set up (especially given we will most likely soon be playing Jamaica, a team with a substantial

amount of black in their flag). If I appear somewhat sensitive about this issue, it's because I am a survivor of the Canada vs. Mexico match at Varsity in 1993. The support for Canada was greater but the extent of the Mexican support was over-estimated by both the players on the pitch and by the media and soccer officials, because the Mexicans came in their colours and many Canadians didn't. It meant that the green of Mexico really stood out. This did have a demoralizing effect on the players (they themselves often said so & many had a stated preference after the game to not play in Toronto because they felt there wasn't enough support there). So based on personal past experience, I don't agree at all that the visible support for the team can't have an effect on the outcome of the field.

[Duane Rollins1555362254]

Putting the protest angle aside for a moment...

If it really did become a tradition to wear all black to Canada's games, would that not be somethinig unique and interesting that Canadian fans brought to the table--just like the sea of white that the Winnipeg Jets fans used to wear in the playoffs (I appreciate that white was part of the Jets jerseys).

I do want to have this discussion again as the game nears.

But, in the meantime a more pressing question...we bringing cucumbers?

[SthMelbRed]

If you really want to highlight the organisational skill and support from Canadian soccer fans, maybe you should go a bit bolder and have all people sitting in odd-numbered seats wearing white, while those in even-numbered seats wear red. A logistical nightmare, but boy would it look cool. The media would definitely notice if you could successfully pull that off.

[Duane Rollins1555362254]

quote:Originally posted by SthMelbRed

If you really want to highlight the organisational skill and support from Canadian soccer fans, maybe you should go a bit bolder and have all people sitting in odd-numbered seats wearing white, while those in even-numbered seats wear red. A logistical nightmare, but boy would it look cool. The media would definitely notice if you could successfully pull that off.

We'll do that one in 2012, when Canada attempts to qualify to defend its WC title....

[VPjr]

quote:Originally posted by L.T.

Agreed...

What is CSSU/CSFs 'official position'? If you agree with the 'no distractions for WCQ' policy, maybe you should make a public statement to that effect...

Honestly, those of us working on the CSF project aren't inclined to have an opinion on the colour of shirt you wear to a WCQ match. Wear Red, Wear Black, Wear Yellow, Wear Maroon....I don't think it matters. At a WCQ match, support the team however you wish. It's a free country.

I can tell you that from some conversations I've had, the players don't care what colour of shirt we wear in the stands (we're just a blur to them until postgame...they're not focused on our fashion choices). They DO want to hear us though. They DO want a real home field advantage, no matter where the games are played. That's what will create the atmosphere that spurs victory.

I suggest we all go shirtless.......hold on...on second thought, scratch that idea. LOL

[Guest Jeffery S.]

This colour-coded debate has become one of the most oddball in recent history on this board. You can wear whatever you like to a game, you are perfectly free to choose. Trying to convince folks how good black is like discussing angels dancing on the heads of needles.

A sea of red and white would be the most appropriate atmosphere, obviously. But just a sea would be better than a creek too. Even if it were not particularly red or white.

I also think that anything other than supporting the team IS distracting in the immediate lead-up to a match, and I would say that even in countries where the federation is a mess or corrupt or useless the fans usually protest that situation in the off weeks or months, but forget about the frigging bureaucrats when it comes to the games themselves and the period around them. Meaning focus on the same thing the players want to focus on, which is destroying our rivals.

Now if we have been eliminated early and the players are openly criticising the prep and conditions, logistics and the like, then by all means take your protest in the deeper and darker tones and wear black to the dirge of a home match that might be left.

[smeghead]

To ignore or put on the back burner what is goin on with the CSA will just be a repeat of 1986. Another flash of good fortune and good players that wont help the next generation. I dont subscribe to the theory that protesting the CSA and supporting the team have to be mutually exclusive.

[Grizzly]

quote:Originally posted by MediaGuy

Putting the protest angle aside for a moment...

If it really did become a tradition to wear all black to Canada's games, would that not be somethinig unique and interesting that Canadian fans brought to the table--just like the sea of white that the Winnipeg Jets fans used to wear in the playoffs (I appreciate that white was part of the Jets jerseys).

I do want to have this discussion again as the game nears.

But, in the meantime a more pressing question...we bringing cucumbers?

It would also be a unique and interesting tradition to have the players wearing pink and purple uniforms. There are other countries whose fans wear black, ie. those who are from countries whose colours are black. Have you seen the Canadian flag? Our colours are red and white.

[VPjr]

^ we do have an all black kit...not used often but it does exist.

Regardless...can we just all agree that people are free to wear whatever the heck they want to wear? Wherever the games are played and whatever clothes you choose to wear, Just show up with lungs in good working order and support the lads. They need it.

[BrennanFan]

quote:Originally posted by VPjr

Regardless...can we just all agree that people are free to wear whatever the heck they want to wear? Wherever the games are played and whatever clothes you choose to wear, Just show up with lungs in good working order and support the lads. They need it.

What!??

At WCQ, Voyageurs bring banners, chant and sing, AND WEAR CANADAS COLOURS. Wearing RED is part of what we do, and who we are. This should not be news to anyone.

[matthew]

Thanks Brennan Fan, you can actually see how much weight I put on in eight years in one post. Nice pics. Man that second one is OLD.

You may now return to your regularly scheduled colour debate.

Geoff> I'm a maybe for the SVG game. Lots of factors with location and date and other factors out of my hands (hockey playoffs). I may end up just going to the SF round home games.

cheers,

matthew

[smeghead]

Newsflash. The CSA still sucks. But go ahead and put blinders on for this special time of year. Im sure your gonna see alot of black with that red come WCQ.

[Winnipeg Fury]

quote:Originally posted by loyola

You should write an e-mail to Richard Scott at the CSA, he might be able to tell you when the decision will be made. He did it for me last year.

I spoke to the CSA today and was told that no decision has been made and nothing will be known for 4-6 weeks.

Apparently there are possibilites outside of TO and Montreal.

[Fort York Redcoat1555362293]

The CSA postponing a decision? Surely you jest.

[piltdownman]

4-6 weeks? What a bunch of Muppets. How am I supposed to make travel plans, including getting time off work, when they can't even decide on the location?

[Martyr]

quote:Originally posted by Fort York Redcoat

The CSA postponing a decision? Surely you jest.

Maybe they'll try Kingston again on Saturday night. That way fans from TO and Montreal can have equal amount of driving time... although TFC fans might only just make an 8:00pm kick off if leaving BMO at 5:30!

[VPjr]

^ I like Kingston as an option. I'd do the drive in a hearbeat

[Duane Rollins1555362254]

quote:Originally posted by Martyr

Maybe they'll try Kingston again on Saturday night. That way fans from TO and Montreal can have equal amount of driving time... although TFC fans might only just make an 8:00pm kick off if leaving BMO at 5:30!

In perfect traffic I can be at my parents in Belleville from the DVP in 90 min. It's another 45 min from Belleville to Queen's (Kingston).

In perfect traffic. It would likely take 30 min just to get onto the DVP after a TFC game. I suppose it's just possible to get to Kingston for 8 p.m. when leaving Toronto at 5:30 p.m., but I wouldn't bet on it.

So, (ATTENTION CSA LURKERS) don't schedule the game in conflict with the TFC game as you would lose a big chunk of your potential audience (I'd likely go to the Canada game, but I suspect I'd be in the minority. I know I would be irritated that I had to chose...). The game also shouldn't be in conflict with the Impact game for the same reason.

To me, the best solution is to make it a double header with TFC and include entry to the game with the TFC ticket. Think of it as a loss leader. If you get people that subscribe to the Canada Sucks way of thinking out to watch the Nats they will walk away surprised. And, they will be more likely to buy a ticket for the semi-final qualifiers in the fall.

[Marc]

quote:Originally posted by MediaGuy

In perfect traffic I can be at my parents in Belleville from the DVP in 90 min. It's another 45 min from Belleville to Queen's (Kingston).

In perfect traffic. It would likely take 30 min just to get onto the DVP after a TFC game. I suppose it's just possible to get to Kingston for 8 p.m. when leaving Toronto at 5:30 p.m., but I wouldn't bet on it.

So, (ATTENTION CSA LURKERS) don't schedule the game in conflict with the TFC game as you would lose a big chunk of your potential audience (I'd likely go to the Canada game, but I suspect I'd be in the minority. I know I would be irritated that I had to chose...). The game also shouldn't be in conflict with the Impact game for the same reason.

To me, the best solution is to make it a double header with TFC and include entry to the game with the TFC ticket. Think of it as a loss leader. If you get people that subscribe to the Canada Sucks way of thinking out to watch the Nats they will walk away surprised. And, they will be more likely to buy a ticket for the semi-final qualifiers in the fall.

Yeah I've been doing the Kingston-Toronto drive regularly for about a year now, and that 5.30-8 trip timeline would only work at 5.30 in the AM.

[Fort York Redcoat1555362293]

Enough with Kingston or any smaller city. We should be giving our National team the biggest spotlight. Enough of this double header rubbish. I think my National side should not have to beg to be watched with free tix. Think bigger boys.

[VPjr]

^ you are right....our national team should be given the proper treatment by the national governing body.

However, the reality is that the CSA agreed to switch dates with SVG but now find themselves without a place to play in any of the 3 cities with pro teams and appropriately sized stadiums.

If they kept the original date, they could play at Swangard on the 14th or 15th as the Whitecaps are on the road that week. They could even play at Stade Saputo on the 15th if they wanted to (Impact plays on the 13th). TFC is at home both weekends.

Would the CSA dare put a game against SVG at Commonwealth? That place would be too big for such a weak opponent.

What other options are there????

either you play in a smaller city or its a double header at BMO because you can't really have double headers on real grass.

What smaller cities are an option other than Kingston and St. John's NFLD. Who has a 5000-8000 seat facility with a proper sized pitch or a FIFA approved field turf pitch?

[Fort York Redcoat1555362293]

Not a double header. TFC on the 21. Canada on the 22. The option is in brackets on the CSA website.

[Guest Ed]

Play them both in the Caribbean. If they don't win both easily, they should just walk away from the rest of the qualifying. This way, no Cdn media excitement over what should amount to two friendlies against a local rec team and the team doesn't get caught up with celebrating their greatness in front of their home fans.

[Fort York Redcoat1555362293]

Yeah you're right. And then we change this site to "Carribeaners"