fcto

All Star Mayhem... and the protest that wasn't...

2008-07-25T07:55:00.000-07:00

We came, we wore black... some of us even sat down for a little while.

And they'll never forget it! Now they know we mean business!

Or not.

Efforts to make a statement at yesterday's MLS All-Star Game made it an interesting, if unexciting, experience. Sitting/Standing/Wallowing in section 112, I didn't know what to do. Often, I found myself halfway through a chant before petering out into a mild murmur and returning to my seat.

I wasn't alone in my confusion. Some people were adamant that the entire section take part in the silent protest against the potential loss of BMO Field as a soccer specific stadium. They insisted, rather vehemently, that we all sit down. "Sit down, you cunts!" I think, was the exact phrasing of their request.

Others didn't care. They stood. They sang. They even cheered.

To what effect was all this madness?

Well, some media have picked up on it, sort of. The Toronto Star and the Toronto Sun both made reference to the deafening sound of silence emanating from the south-east corner, noting that we didn't come alive until Jim Brennan and Dwayne DeRosario took to the pitch. They even made passing mention to the issue with the Argonauts.

Of course, the rather unfortunate story of the day was the major disaster of the national anthems. I have to admit, when it appeared that only the English and American flags were out, and only their anthems would be played, I was right pissed. It seemed impossible. It seemed outrageous! How could they not play my anthem in my country!

No doubt it looked bad and sounded worse when masses of people started booing during the American National anthem. It's disgraceful to show disrespect to the anthems of other nations. But, hopefully people will understand that the booing was not for the American anthem, but for the absence of our own. I know that doesn't change the effect or the outcome, but what... the fuck... did MLS expect? You can't do that!

It turned out to simply be a communications error. In the end, Canada's anthem was featured appropriately after the rest of the ceremonies. Apparently, this was outlined in the program that, it seems, nobody picked up or read. But that kind of information would have been helpful in an announcement at the start. It would have saved the MLS a good deal of embarrassment.

Anyway, once the smoke cleared and we were able to sit down and shut up and try really hard to NOT enjoy the game or have fun... I actually had fun.

I even enjoyed watching David Beckham (who, to his great credit, did gesture to our section at the end of the match and applaud us). Certainly, having him in our corner for a kick was a highlight for us. We have been waiting for the opportunity for some time.

But the biggest moment of our night came when Jimmy B entered the match, along with country-mate Dwayne DeRosario. Add to that a DeRo penalty kick goal, and you've got yourself some loud, boisterous fans. We were won over. We let go of our political viewpoints and issues and joined in the party.

It's what won the day, I would say. After all, without us... what have you got?

Here are some highlights, including the half-hearted and rather tepid chanting at the beginning of the match, a David Beckham in Toronto corner kick, and... yes... Jimmy B!

Brace for Impact!

2008-07-23T11:12:00.000-07:00

Laugh out loud indeed.

Toronto FC's first "must win" ended in a "must forget and move on" situation as the Montreal Impact earned a draw and won the league. While the red menace certainly had it's opportunity, time and time again, continued failure to convert chances to goals did us in.

Tic Tac Tabernac
Who the fuck's the Impact!

Well, now we know, as does the rest of the nation.

Disappointing, yes, but I have to say I'm not entirely heartbroken. Having lived a number of my best years in Montreal, I feel a touch of happiness for mes amis de la belle province. Hopefully anyone in the city who watched the game felt the excitement. Hopefully, they'll now be packing Saputo Stadium to the max in support of their team.

What's more... this is the beginning of a beautiful hatefest! A tremendous rivalry has been born, with all that lovely bad blood and violence in the mix. Imagine a day when Montreal, a side most worthy, is in the MLS. Along with this CONCAF tournament, we'd get four matches a year. We would be, without doubt, the greatest soccer rivals in North America.

And, remember, in the end... they never did beat us. When it comes down to it... we beat ourselves by not getting results against Vancouver. Still, that means nothing. The Impact deserve to go through and they are going through.

On to greater things.

Tomorrow's MLS All-Star game promises to be a thrilling match filled with tension, drama, excitement, and world class play.

(Okay, you can stop laughing now).

Let me rephrase that...

Tomorrow's MLS All-Star game promises to be... I don't know... a chance to wear black?

Some fans will be sporting their darkest colours in protest of the looming deal with the Toronto Argonauts to share our field. Others are pissed that we don't have a TFC player in the starting 11. Others still are just pissed because they're always pissed and this gives them a chance to express how pissed they are on international television.

So, what are you pissed about?

Me... I'm just going to watch.

Anyway, here's my video from the bunker of last night's match. You'll see the dramatic structural arch as the evening's excitement turns to frustration and ends with the appropriate phrase... "Oh fuck!"

San Jose Found a Way

2008-07-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

Frustration reigns as Toronto FC continue to disappoint.

Man, we need a striker, more than this city has ever needed anything before. More than a rail link to the airport, more than a waterfront development plan, more than somebody to build a better streetcar… we need someone who can find the back of the net.

Breathe guys!

Take a moment, aim and put it in! Case in point… yes… another missed penalty kick…

The San Jose Earthquakes were not exactly a looming threat. The addition of the pussy-footed Huckerby didn’t exactly propel them to a dominating form. (I hope he enjoys playing in an empty stadium… even if it is on grass… loser that he is.)

Of course Ronnie O’Brien didn’t exactly get the warmest welcome either. Compare the corner kicks he took last year, where the south end erupted and chanted his name, to the reception he got this weekend…

Still, they did manage to keep the ball out of the net so… I don’t know what to say about that. They’re lucky we can’t score… I guess.

Life goes on.

We’re all frothing at the mouth for Tuesday’s match against the Montreal Impact. This one is ramping up to be the most important match in our young history - our first “must-win” situation, which happens to be against our most bitter rivals east on the 401. I expect they’ll be sending a strong contingent and no doubt tensions will be high.

Hopefully the fight will be fought on the pitch, with fans belting out support, rather than in the stands or on the grounds. If you’ve been following the forums you already have heard about the altercation in Montreal that left fans on both sides with black eyes, fat limps and bruised bodies. Leave that nonsense to the morons in Columbus and we’ll be doing alright.

We’ve had a few scuffles of our own. Saturday’s altercation brought a fairly significant police presence into the South end -- although many feel they came too late. Some forum members are complaining that the cops sat back and watched the situation develop rather than putting an end to it before it began. I’m not really sure what happened, but I understand it comes down to one idiot throwing coins and other items at fans, and subsequently being confronted. I suppose we need to get used to it. There’s always at least one and always will be. When you have thousands of emotionally charged fans -- you’re bound to get a few assholes in the mix.

Let’s leave all that behind, and as Shakespeare wrote:

Be friends, you Toronto fools, be friends:
we have Montreal quarrels enough…

Independiente!

2008-07-16T07:02:00.000-07:00

The flags may have been flying high....

But that's about it.

In one of the most boring matches I've ever seen played at BMO Field, Toronto FC lost, in unspectacular fashion, to the Argentinian side Independiente. Not that the game meant anything, but with ticket prices for this match priced so high (unless you're one of the fortunate season's ticket holders), fans expected... and deserved... much more.

Ah well, hopefully it means our main players are well rested and ready to get back to the MLS campaign.

Saturday gives us our first visit from the San Jose Earthquakes. I expect the Quakes will get a taste of their own name. No doubt the earth will shake beneath them when 20,000 strong take to the stands. Mr. Huckerby, who's feeble soul was too afraid of our pitch turf to play in Toronto, will see first hand what he is giving up. When he hears the thunderous roar of the crowd, is he really going to prefer playing in front of the measly fan base of San Jose? Seriously, they play in front of 9,000 people. No one gives a shit about soccer in San Jose.

Anyway, we'll see what kind of warm reception is waiting for him in T.O. As for yesterday's friendly, the highlights for me were the beautiful Argentinian national anthem, the new red, white and silver flags in section 112, and that ridiculous first-half Independiente dive in the box. See the reaction for yourself...

True Patriot Love

2008-07-03T13:01:00.001-07:00

If the Fortress had to be broken, why did it have to happen on this day? On an otherwise perfect Canada Day at BMO field, a shite performance by Toronto FC and two brutal referee calls sent home an angry mob of patriots.

Even John Carver got a little misty eyed early in the day, as we belted out "Oh Canada" like it's never been heard before. But his pride and joy would not last as he watched a dismal first-half performance leave us a goal behind... a goal that stood to the end.

Yet, there is some good to come of this. After all, at the very least, we were beaten by a deserving team of national brethren. The Vancouver Whitecaps, showing they can and perhaps deserve to play in the MLS, were thrilled to be among us. They loved the atmosphere, the excitement, the sheer passion that erupts in our house. Too bad for us, they loved it a little too much.

And, we did do our country proud. Certainly, the lads were showing their true colours, and their (lifelong) commitment to our city.

Toronto till we die.

Seriously.

Sure, when the final whistle blew, there was a solemn feeling of doom sweeping across the pitch. But I would offer that it did not ruin this day entirely. It was still one for the books. A day when we stood proudly for our country, waving our colours and singing our song and loving every minute of it. That's true patriot love.

Allez, Allez, Allez, Here We Go...

2008-06-18T17:48:00.000-07:00

We definitely had them on the run.

I know I've been bad. Negligent. Too busy to blog. Life.

Fuck it.

Anyway, back to what matters.

My neighbourhood is awash with maroon and gold. Yes, the colours of Portugal. As the Euro heads to the knock-out stages, blood lust pumps through the city and our beautiful little neighbourhoods come to life. All for the beautiful game.

It wasn't that long ago when Toronto was relegated to the television sidelines, unable to experience real life from the stands. Now it's here and we're in the thick of it. We can relish the mammoth tournaments from afar, and still head down to the pitch for some solid live footie action.

Differences aside. Nationhood on hold. The motherland is far away and your local team awaits. Portuguese, Italian, German, Dutch, Croatian, Russian, Spanish, or Turkish... all for one.

Saturday, the stormy skies held off for a while and let us ride the Rapids. What a ride.

The Colorado Rapids were reduced to a light running stream.

Danny Dichio?

Bloody brilliant.

Rohan Ricketts?

Fucking wicked.

The North End Elite?

Solid.

The lads in the South End?

Well...

Here we go...

Let it Rain!

2008-06-04T11:29:00.001-07:00

Better late than never.

Having left my camera at home the previous two matches, I came fully equipped on Saturday to capture those unforgettable, waterlogged moments of glory as we routed the L.A. Galaxy back to doing what they do best - suck celebrity… you know.

It was far too easy.

I’m not going to rain too much further on the Galaxy, because they’re soaked to the bone as it is. Besides, our winning ways are far too recent to be over-boastful, and gloating simply doesn’t become us.

But come on!!!

Without Becks and Landycakes, what have they got?

Nothing.

They looked like ducks on the pond, sloshing about, usually three or four steps out of reach of the ball. Next to them, we looked like bloody Arsenal. The Montreal Impact gave us a harder time.

And the excuse of having a depleted team doesn’t wash. We played a litany of reserves as our best men were equally absent.

Oh, and the wet field…?

It rained on us too.

Ah well, their inadequacies aside, the match spoke volumes about our growing depth and a bright future. The lads look better every time they take the pitch, and there is a sense growing among the faithful that we may be there (I can’t believe I’m saying this) in November, all the way to the end.

Okay, scratch that. Forget I said it. Unrealistic expectation. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Besides, the league is only beginning to take us seriously. When I read the blogs of opposing fans I constantly read about how bad we are. How lucky to have won. How we’re not up to their standard.

That’s fine.

Let them say that.

Better to continue to be underestimated, disrespected, and ridiculed by every other team in the league. Better to have the fans of every opposing field hate us with venom. Better to be laughed at and satirized.

Better for us, in the end, to look back and say - you never believed us, but here we are.

So, lads, it’s a new day. Last year we stood in the storm, and let it pour all over us. This year, the sun is shining bright.

It’s our turn to rain on them.

Bang that Drum

2008-05-04T17:44:00.000-07:00

In the still of the night, a spirit awakens, and the beat begins...

Thumping.

Pulsating.

Rythm of a nation.

The heartbeat of a city soaked in rain.

Like the beer that pounds against your skull, or the blood that pumps through your veins on a cold, windy, bone-chilling night, the drum is the life. It is thunder by the lake. It is the call of the Hurons and the Mohawks and the Cree. It is a voice that speaks louder than words and moves mountains.

It beats, it bangs, it booms.

The masses rise, chant to its time, and conjur a goal.

Marco

VELEZ

Marco

VELEZ

The beat is strong.

And when the match is over, and the pitch empty...

When the rain stops and the mist clears...

When the sun rises and the hangover begins...

The beat goes on...

Strike! Strike!

2008-04-27T20:18:00.000-07:00

The day the streetcars stood still, the buses sat in the yard, and the subway trains ground to a halt, multitudes of Reds' supporters walked a hundred miles.

Pissed though they were, the march was not in vain.

The TTC was not the only organization on strike.

TFC struck twice.

The match was by far our best effort to date, silencing an overwhelmed and underprepared Kansas City Wizard, and sending Dorothy back to Oz.

And her pretty little dog, too.

When the match ended, the city streets filled with an array of red, white and silver. Raptors fans walked with heads bowed, while Toronto FC scarves waved high and flags fluttered in the wind.

No doubt the GO Train, being one of the few modes of transportation available (unless you were lucky enough to get a cab, or luckier still, like me, to live in the neighbourhood), was akin to sitting in the south end.

I'll likely have more to say about the match later (when I'm more awake... and... sober). But for now, if you weren't able to be with us, you were always there in spirit. Enjoy this video.

By the way... I may need to stop filming when we score. As you will see, it's getting a tad dangerous...

Thunderstruck

2008-04-19T17:10:00.000-07:00

When the sun rose over Liberty Village this morning, the burgeoning, upwardly mobile community was not expecting this...

Coming out of that tunnel, into a beautiful, perfect spring day, one could sense victory. It was simply in the air. There was no doubt. The day was ours.

Matching, and quite possibly surpassing last year's raucous enthusiasm, BMO Field rocked. The earth quaked. A roll of thunder echoed across the lake, so loud, I suspect they heard it in Niagara.

As you will hear time and time again through media reports, pundits and sportscasters, this is a different Toronto FC team than we saw last year. There isn't much more I could say that hasn't been said. But I will say that it the first half of today's match may have been their best run of play in their short history. Yes, there was that 4-0 thrashing of FC Dallas last year, but that was more likely the effects of Dallas' fatigue and weariness. This was full on solid play. Completing passes, controling play, and moving the ball forward. It was all very encouraging and I hope we see more in the weeks to come.

Certainly, there were moments we all swallowed our hearts in the second half. Real Salt Lake, as suspected, picked up their pace and took it to us pretty hard. But we were able to quel the storm and hold them off. TFC of old would have likely surrendered a goal or two.

Now, I don't know if the CBC cameras picked it up, but there were a couple of intersting corner kicks in the South End. RSL's man Javier Morales came into the corner mouthing with venom at the lads in the bunker. Foolish, foolish boy. I suppose the storm of streamers raining down on him must have been frustrating, but to get into it with the fans, unless you deliver a goal on that very play, just makes you look stupid.

Guess how he looked.

If you missed the game... like because... I don't know... maybe you were still drunk from last night... you can see the highlights here...

Also, you can read a very solid wrap-up on Stillkicking's blog, Mistake by the Lake.

To hear the thunder, feel the earth shake, and experience the sheer euphoria of being the thick of it all... Well, you kind of had to be there. But, this video may be the next best thing...

New Dawn Rises

2008-04-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

Oi, lads, we're at it!

For those among you who made the trip to Columbus to do our side proud; for those who sang and swallowed tears in D.C.; and for those who flew the red banner high in L.A. while watching the Spice Boy saunter, head slouched, off the pitch... God Love ya!

Now, for those of us left behind, a new dawn awakens. The clouds are already forming by the lake. Saturday we gather, we chant, we drum, we sing, we curse, we bring it - full on!

Thunder once more.

Off-season was hell. After the epic tale of Dazzling Danny Dichio's rapturous season-ending goal, we were forced into a long, cold, harsh winter. A plastic bubble covered the pitch... and yet, if you listened close, you could hear the sound of 20,000 mad punters and the haunting, relentless chant, "This is our house!"

Some have said, it's true, that we would fade. We were a passing fashion. A flash in the pan. The honeymoon was over and Toronto FC support would dwindle into the abyss of MLS fan mediocrhity.

We know better. This ain't Kansas.

My sources tell me that we're just getting stronger. Messageboard viewership is up, travelling support is up, interest in the team is up... and yes, our expectations are up.

And so is our faith. No mistake, last Sunday's performance has more than a few of us feeling very optimistic about this year's season. We saw a team we haven't seen before, one that looks comfortable at both ends of the pitch, capitalizes on opposition mistakes, and refuses to cower in the midst of enemy superstardom.

New faces are looking grand in red.

New feet are flying high and kicking stong.

Old love-to-hate friends (Samuel?) have said good-bye.

A new dawn rises, and come saturday, there will be thunder by the lake once more.

Now, for a bit of housekeeping. For those interested, I had a nice conversation with my friends on CBC Radio One's Metro Morning today. If you missed it, visit the Metro Morning Website today and click on the "Toronto FC Home Opener".

Remember - Saturday... FULL ON!

Dichio Forever

2007-10-21T13:34:00.000-07:00

It’s all over lads.

I suppose we all knew this day would come. We were simply in denial.

The season had ended and the mighty Reds are done for the year.

Still, we head into the off-season on a very high-note, and yesterday’s storybook match against the New England Revolution will provide the sweetest of memories throughout the winter.

And that’s without even winning the match!

What makes yesterday so historic wasn’t so much the draw, as the way it was achieved, encapsulating for the me the ebb and flow of the entire season. Everything we’ve experienced and felt since April has been compressed into an afternoon, a reflection of the year past, a foreshadowing of the year to come, and a reflective representation of our identity.

The first half gave hope but produced no results. It really looked like we could compete. We were holding our own against a formidable foe, one of the best in the league, and we believed there was a chance we could win.

Then it came. A shot from midfield that soared, eagle-like, into the back of the net, and through our hearts. Shellshocked and forlorn, we worked hard to regain our resolve and conjure up enough support to keep the Reds in the match for the second half.

The next New England goal should have killed us. If history was any indication of how things should run, Toronto FC would have crumbled into the docile acceptance of another loss.

Then it happened.

Like the Phoenix from the Flame, Danny Dichio rose from the bench and took to the pitch.

He was a god among men.

I'm not kidding.

Say what you want about his ability or skill, the guy simply and without doubt raises the level of play for the whole team. He makes things happen. He puts the ball in play. Balls that usually ended up on the feet of opposition, suddenly were put into our own possession and in dangerous situations.

Even Colin Samuel's goal was the end result of a Dichio pass that put the ball in the right place at the right time.

Probably, we would have been content enough if it ended that way. We would have gone home happy that we'd had fun, scored a goal, and got to see Danny Dichio play one final day of the season.

Now, how many of you thought it? I know I heard it from more than one person in the Red Patch.

"Imagine if Danny Dichio scored the first AND the last goals of the season?"

In the 90th minute, the dream came true.

It's what legends are made of.

Already a cult hero in this town, the folklore story of scoring that final goal in the final minute on the final day to tie a team that may very well end up in the Cup final... you can't beat it.

As Mo Johnston said, "It may be called Dichio Stadium next year."

He may be right.

So, as we go off to our winter dwellings and dream of better days to come, we do so light-heartedly and with great spirit...

The same spirit that drove us onto the pitch in droves following the match, raising our flags high, singing our chants loud, and celebrating the beginning of a very beautiful friendship indeed.

Through the Fog... (Now with Video!)

2007-10-08T15:40:00.000-07:00

Something wicked comes... The New York Red Bulls charged into town ready to pulverize a weary and downtrodden foe. They went into the mist, eyes on fire, ready to feast on a team that has been beaten soundly over the past two months. But through the thick and heavy smoke came a menacing glow, burning red, and hungry. The Reds rose like a phoenix from the flame, long thought dead, to walk the earth once more. Toronto FC finally ended its winless streak and thrilled a blood-thirsty mob in the process. It was the most fun we've had since July. The chants were hot, the streamers heavy, and 20,000 plus went siging into the night. Of course, the playoffs are a dream long dead, but last night had the effect of a cup tie, it having been so long since we've tasted glory. With only one home game left (against a squad that usually has its way with us), we can take last night's victory as icing on the cake. No matter what happens on October 20, we can head into the off-season with a measure of pride, and confidence that better things await us in the year to come. But what more can I say than the lads and lasses have already said, late last night...

Sign the Squirrel

2007-09-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

You know your team’s hurting when fans are more preoccupied with a rodent on the pitch than the match. This visit by a hungry squirrel, who stopped to nonchalantly enjoy a nutty feast while the game was in play, captured the attention of the stadium, and made himself the star of the show.

It should not have been that way.

Especially when things had been, for the first time in a long time, going our way. A goal within the first two minutes ended the league record drought that has plagued and frustrated fans for over a month. The Reds controlled the run of play throughout the first half and it seemed, however briefly, that we would prevail.

Alas, the almost predictable melt down in the second half left us on the loosing end yet again. The yellow clad Columbus Crew limped their way victory.

But, let’s not count out the significance of that goal. (I’m sorry to report, however, to those of you who read my blog to see the video footage from the perspective of the south end, that I did not capture the moment on video. I was far too emotional, and ended up in a pile of humanity in the row in front of me).

Some of us had forgotten what it was like, and it came with much relief. Yes, we can score. We can even have a lead. Now, that done, we can focus on actually winning one of the five matches we have left.

Yeah… right.

I suppose it’s enough to have enjoyed the brilliant sunshine on a beautiful September day in Toronto. I suppose it’s enough to have chanted, sang and jumped like crazed jack-rabbits for 90 minutes straight. I suppose it will have to be enough. I don’t see a win coming any time soon.

Of course, we could blame the usual suspect. Samuel was his usual sloth-like self. Lombardo, who seems more frustrated with himself than anyone, had more giveaways than a Bluejays’ promotion.

But what it really comes down to… is focus.

The first half made it clear that the team, when working hard and focussed, is capable of playing with the best. The second half was evidence of what happens when you let up, lay back, and get sloppy.

Focus focus focus!

Anyway, it’s just a game. So, let’s all just let it go, be thankful we have a team, and hope for better things next season.

Perhaps with the right signings, some healthy players, and a bit of chemistry… Toronto FC will be a team worthy of its fan support.

And, if all else fails… hell…

Sign the squirrel!

You're Never Gonna Believe Us...

2007-09-16T12:53:00.001-07:00

You’re never gonna believe us
You’re never glonna believe us…

We’re gonna score a goal!

When? It’s hard to say. No time soon, it would appear. Even with the stars so perfectly aligned on a crisp, sunny September afternoon on the home field, against Real Salt Lake (one of the worst teams in the league), with an extra man, Cunningham back on the pitch, and Rick Mercer in the stands, the Reds could not manage to put one away.

What will it take?

I haven’t a clue.

I admit, I’m not at all a soccer expert. As much as I love the game, I couldn’t tell you with any profound indepth analytical precision what will make the team better. But, I do have some thoughts.

It seems to me that a big part of the problem could be…

Colin Samuel. I won’t suggest he’s the sole reason… but I can’t even count the number of potential plays that pass him by game in and game out because of what truly appears to be a lack of interest in making an effort. He lags around the field like a beached walrus. It pains him when he has to run.

What Mo sees in him… I think we have yet to experience.

If you compare him to another player fans loved to hate, Andy Welsh, it makes you wonder. Welsh made his share (okay, more than his share) of bad plays and giveaways, but the guy put in an effort. He worked hard every minute he was on the pitch. You never saw him just decide to not bother chasing down a ball. Samuel seems to do it… as if he’s been trained that way.

“Well, that ball could be for me, but it’s probably about 3 meters away, and if I chase it I’m only going to risk exhaustion and I probably won’t get there anyway, so I’ll just let it go. Damn, I ran four steps while I was thinking that. I better rest a minute.”

Now, despite my amateurish comprehension of the game, I would like to offer a solution to our woes.

How do we start scoring?

We hire…

Christine Sinclair.

The now-all-time Canadian national scoring leader could be all we need to start putting some numbers on the board. Her agility and power will no doubt add that final touch we’ve been lacking for the past two months. She can keep pace with the best of them, and she actually knows where the net is.

Plus, she helps with our Can-con.

After watching our girls take on Ghana at the Women’s World Cup, and then heading down to BMO Field to watch TFC, I’m can actually say with some measure of confidence…

Sinclair would help our team.

Who’s with me?

Well… I suppose it won’t happen any time soon. But perhaps our Toronto FC boys could learn a thing or two by watching our girls play. If nothing else, it may give them the inspiration they need to rise to the occasion and satisfy the hoards of supporters aching for a goal…

Goal-less in Toronto

2007-08-29T10:49:00.001-07:00

Time to get out of town. Head to Splitsville. Take a powder.

The new MLS record of minutes without a goal, which proudly stands here in T.O., is too much to bear, and my vacation comes not a moment too soon.

But, I couldn't leave without a few parting words... not to mention how late I am in posting video from Saturday's match.

Like the ferriswheel that lifts you high above the pitch, only to drop you back into the real world of chaos and mayhem, it feels like we're back where we started. We've even given re-birth to the "All we are saying... is give us a goal" chant that inspired the Reds to find the back of the net early in the season.

Now, we yearn again.

How long must it be?

It's not for lack of trying, or support. Saturday's drought was accompanied by a storm of thunderous cheers from all over the stadium. The North End Elite were on their game, showering opposing players with taunts and streamers. U-Sector were jumping from start to finish, shaking the stands. Red Patch Boys chants still echo throughout the CNE grounds... all the way to Bloor.

And, as you will see, we had more than our share of opportunity...

Well lads, absence makes the heart grow fonder. When will that elusive goal finally materialize? Only time will tell.

But it can't happen soon enough.

Are We Still the Best Show in Town?

2007-08-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

Life goes on.

The day that began with such promise and ended with such misery is over, and now it is time to look ahead.

Of course one wonders... look ahead to what?

The heoric antics of our beloved Reds that captured the imagination of a nation seem to be severely lacking and hope is briskly washing away. Yesterday's 2-nil loss to Chivas USA was yet another disaster in a never-ending string of disasters, not to mention the continuation of the unfortunate streak of goaless minutes that we must continue to endure for at least another week.

And yet, the die hards are in surprisingly good spirits.

Watching the message boards there was a clear trend. After the loss, the sentiment was frustration and bitterness. There was even talk (though not entirely serious) about refusing to chant at the next match to send the team the message that we demand better play. But, like the effects of alcohol, the misery wore off, and in the state of post-hangover sobriety, it was nothing but love again.

After all, we're still in that honeymoon phase, simply happy to have soccer team in Toronto that we can cheer for day in and day out.

We're willing to suffer through a season of hardship, all for the sake of better days to come.

Besides, I don't think there was anyone among us who did not have a blast yesterday. My afternoon began with a "roof-gate" party at my place (you can see BMO Field there, in the background of the photo above, so it's almost like a parking lot!).

Our spirits were high, and our resolve enhanced by the courage and confidence building power of beer. We talked of a 3-nil victory, a Danny Dichio goal, and a run at the playoffs.

Granted, I don't think there was any among us who really believed it... but the point is it just doesn't matter.

Why would it when, on a glorious Saturday in August, you can spend your afternoon like this...

And really, can life truly be so bad when the fair is in town?

TFC ticket holders were treated to free access to the Exibition before and after the game. This will hold true for next week's match as well, and given a 7:30 start, it will provide a great opportunity to take advantage of T.O.'s yearly carnival... and of course... the best show in town.

Of course, given the way our lads have been playing of late, it would appear that the best show in town is not the soccer game itself, but the wild and unpredictable antics of the south-end supporters, who continue to draw the attention, curiosity, and envy of the city.

If you couldn't make it out, or have tickets in another section, this video will give you a taste of what it's like. You'll notice that, during yesterday's game, the most exciting moments were when new players came on to the pitch...

So, are we still the best show in town?

We think so.

Everything but the Goal

2007-08-06T12:21:00.000-07:00

The circus came to town last night. But, instead of a flying elephant or a bearded fat lady, Toronto was treated to another kind of freak show.

“Is that the back of David Beckham’s head I see, down there, on the bench? Wait, I think I see his tattoo!”

Yes, BMO Field was buzzing with star gazers and giddy schoolgirls as Becks actually sat on the sideline. He didn’t kick a ball. Didn’t bend anything but his ego, and didn’t even dress in L.A. Galaxy colours.

But he was there.

In the Patch, did we care?

Certainly, the presence of Golden Balls did elevate the call to arms to red alert, and the Red Patch Boys responded with due flair. Rocking the stadium, we did what we do every game, which is give opposition teams a little taste of hell, and our own boys the love and admiration that has become the envy of the league.

All that was missing, was a goal.

Of course, we did have one, but in all-too-familiar fashion, MLS linesmen seem bent on blowing every call that comes their way, and once again we were denied a victory that belonged to us.

Hell… in our hearts, we killed them. We destroyed them. They had two shots on goal against a team of second stringers. Rest assured, my Red Nation comrads, had Dichio or Cunningham been on the pitch, it would have been a 3-0 result. In fact, if the prolifically proficient Andre Lombardo had a touch of luck, he’d have scored at least twice.

So, did it even matter that David Beckham was there?

Well, I have to say… last night was special. It felt different. It felt more like the prom than a regular dance. Maybe it was the presence of glory hunting press, desperate to get their shot of Becks to save their jobs. Maybe it was the string of limousines lined up outside the field to take the Spice Girl wannabes and wax-figured cougars back to Yorkville. Maybe it was the Barenaked Ladies, giving us a taste of one of the lamest attempts at corporate-forced pandering since… well… the Spice Girls. Whatever it was, we brought thunder to the lake that could be felt across the city, and heard around the world.

Certainly, the post match party went well into the evening, and there wasn’t a pub or patio in the King West village that wasn’t decked out in red shirts and scarves.

Okay… I can’t let the Barenaked Ladies thing slide without comment. What the hell was that? I’m fine with the notion of a band getting hooked on the team and being inspired to write a song about the experience… like the Tragically Hip singing about hockey, or Buck 65 and his love of baseball. But this Barenaked attempt at stealing a few chants, adding a drum beat and dancing on the pitch like a bunch of glory hunting clowns just did not catch. I doubt any of them have actually been to a match.

It was nothing short of a failed marketing ploy, and we’re not buying it. Appropriately, the sound in the south end of our own chants overwhelmed the recording and drown it out completely.

Oh… sorry… what were we talking about?

Oh yes, we were talking about David Beckham.

As my wife pointed out, for a bunch of lads who said they didn’t care about David Beckham, we sure had a lot of songs about him. She got me there. From the notorious “Who are ya?” to the colourful and marked, “You can stick your f***ing Beckham up your arse,” to the “Who the f*** is Beckham? Who the f*** is Beckham?” (notice a theme here?), it was clear that we were moved by his presence.

That, I think, is what made last night special. It was electric. It had flair and fire and it’s something we will remember well into the off-season.

I will definitely remember the sound of the chants under the King/Dufferin bridge, as the Red Patch double-decker bus entourage passed by my house. I will remember the red fog, the balloons and the flags. I will remember the TFC Massive shaking the stands. I will remember the streamers covering the sky and the field and the sidelines.

I will remember all of it... primarily because I have this video:

Let's face it. Last night had everything.

Everything except a goal.

But who’s keeping score, anyway?

David Beckham... Who Are Ya?

2007-08-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

Will he play or not?

Who really cares?

Apparently, hundreds of ticket holders do, and many of them are now anxious to unload their seats for Sunday's Toronto FC match against the LA Galaxy in light of the possibility that David Beckham may not play.

The boy wonder midfielder is injured, and the MLS plan to pimp him out to the rest of the league to bolster ticket sales is in danger of collapse. The Galaxy schedule, which was very lax and sporadic prior to the English National's arrival, is now bottom heavy with dates around the league. Some teams have even sold "Beckham Packages" of tickets. You get five games, including one that will feature the best known athlete in the universe.

Of course, there were no Beckham packages here. Toronto FC tickets are gold and impossible to get if you don't have them already. They sold out in record time, and interest in the team keeps building.

There is a waiting list for season's tix for next year.

So, do Toronto FC fans... true fans... give a flying f*** if Becks plays or not?

Not in the slightest.

That's not to say we wouldn't enjoy it. Having such a high-profiled, iconic superstar on the pitch does have it's appeal. Who doesn't want to get him in the corner for a kick, shower him with streamers and shout "Who are ya? Who are ya? Who are ya?"

But true fans are not glory hunters. We support our local team with a fury, and those of you who would come to the pitch and cheer against your own just because of one player...

Shame on you.

If you have any sense, you'll not be wearing a Galaxy shirt that says "Beckham" on the back... and if you do... stay clear of the south end! You'll likely get the same treatment as Mr. Spice, on the blunt end of Red Patch chant.

I am willing to cut you some slack. Here's a challenge. If you want to see Beckham, hey, that's your problem. But there is hope. When you get to the pitch, buy yourself a Toronto FC jersey or scarf. Cheer for your home side. Shout names like Lombardo, Dichio, and Brennan. Then, when you see your barbie doll hero step onto the field, smile and blush and swoon... quietly and without ceremony.

Keep your idol worship to yourself.

Then, when you leave, ask yourself - did I not just have the best time I've ever had at a sporting event in Toronto?

I'm confident that the answer will be a resounding yes, and you'll be on that waiting list in no time.

Still, there is something you should know about Mr. Beckham. Some of you may remember that I had the unique opportunity during the 2006 World Cup to interview "David Beckham" and "Thierry Henry" together... sort of... and it turns out Becks is not the brightest lad on the pitch.

Anyway, here's your chance to re-live the magic...

So, glory hunter, star gazer, or TFC fanatic, we'll see you Sunday. At the end of the match, if all goes well, we'll join together in this song, all to the tune of "She'll be Coming Round the Mountain"

You're not good enough for Europe, no you're not
You're not good enough for Europe, no you're not
You're not good enough for Europe, not good enough for Europe
Not good enough for Europe
AND YOUR WIFE CAN'T SING!!!
BTW - I'm scheduled to be discussing this very subject on CBC Radio One's Metro Morning, this Friday morning. I'll be going head to head with a starstruck Beckham fan, so it promises to be a lot fun. Tune in to 99.1 FM at 7:40am.

BURNED!

2007-07-30T16:40:00.000-07:00

What went wrong?

I'm not even sure Flush, pictured here conducting the Red Patch Choir in a round of "Andre Lombardo", knows the answer to that. But all is not well in the state of Red Nation. Sunday's incineration from the Chicago Fire made it clear that there is much cause for concern, and something needs to be done fast if there is to be any hope for dance in the playoffs. The match, probably the worst the team has played at home this season, was a gravely disappointing to the thousands who, frankly, expected more from their team.

Whether it's a matter of Andy Welsh learning who is on his team and who is not, or Colin Samuel actually lighting a fire under his ass and making an effort to run once in a while, there are many lessons that need to be learned... and fast.

One must wonder if perhaps it's a matter of overconfidence?

Okay, that's a stretch for a team that's only won five games. But maybe the team has been taking the "home field advantage" a tad for granted. Given that the overpowering support of the die-hard fan base has provided a winning environment thus far, one can speculate that the home side is expecting too much from us, and not delivering enough of themselves. It should be a two way street.

We don't expect them to win every game. But we do expect them to be in every game. Sunday, they played a good solid half-hour before deciding to throw in the towel, and lolligag around the pitch for the rest of the match.

In any case, by the end of Sunday's burning-at-the-stake, thousands of Toronto FC faithful were left trying to put the pieces together. Fan forums and chatrooms have been hopping with conjecture, analysis, and... well...

A whole lot of misery.

In times like this, it's important to look at the bright side of things. For one, the...

There's always the...

Well if you look at it this way...

For example, there was that...

Okay. Well, we had fun, didn't we? Isn't that what it's all about? And while there may be a bit of post-loss depression, some sulking, and a short period of lamentation (e.g. all the stuff I wrote above), we stood by our team and always will.

No one can accuse us of being fair-weather fans, that's for certain.

For the most part, we rocked the stadium. We provided the thunder the players could not muster, and loved every minute of it. There were some (mainly a group of pretender-fans behind me who thought it better to shout insults and racial slurs at the players than cheer on the team) who did not catch the spirit. And, of course, there were the usual idiots who still throw bottles on the field, despite the very real threat of being banned from the ground. But, for the most part, we did not relent our support, and stood proudly till the final whistle.

Those who did not stay till the end... got an earful of "Who are ya!", as you will see in the following video. You'll also get to see a preview of what David Beckham can expect when we get him in the corner!

Next week, the circus comes to town. In the coming days, all we'll be hearing about is whether or not David Beckham will play in Toronto. But for those of us lucky enough to have tickets, and committed enough not to scalp them away for few pieces of gold... it doesn't really matter. Becks or no... Galaxy are coming to face a summer blizzard... in a sea of red.

Bring 'em on.

Villans Invade Toronto!

2007-07-26T19:47:00.000-07:00

Can you hear Villa sing?
No-oh, no-oh
Can you hear Villa Sing?
No-oh, no-oh
Can you hear Villa Sing?
I can’t hear a fucking thing!
No-oh, no-oh, no-oh!

Wednesday’s Villan invasion of Toronto left the city in a heap of wreckage and smoke. Not only did Aston Villa bomb Toronto FC 4-2 in a friendly match, but Red Nation supporters were left wondering what went wrong in those final minutes that opened the floodgates of destruction. Having come back from a 2-nil deficit at the half to tie the match… two more enemy goals sacked our hopes and dreams like blitzkrieg.

And yet, despite the promise of hundreds of travelling Villa supporters, their victory was a quiet one. When Villa scored, all four times, you could have heard a pin drop. Where were the flags, the drums, the London chants that I’ve heard over and over again when they take on Arsenal?

Nowhere to be heard.

All that could be heard was the delightful (and somewhat taunting) chant of "Taser! Taser! Taser!" as the beefed up police presence marched by the stands. (Some of them clearly taking the joke, smiling ever so slightly).

What else you could hear, I should add, was the strong voice of dissatisfaction (huge understatement there) of fans arguing some brutally bad calls by the referee. I don’t usually rant about bad officiating on this blog (do I?), but there were two horrid rulings that would have turned the tide of the battle. Clearly… Dichio was on-side when he scored the first of two disallowed goals. And… wasn’t Carew offside when scored the go-ahead? I think so.

So does the video replay.

Do did everyone in the stadium.

Everyone, except the ref.

To add insult to injury, Carew’s little smirk and strut after scoring his goal was truly classless. In a friendly match, for him to make such an insulting gesture to the host team was really lame. But, I suppose when he’s playing in the Premiership he doesn’t get many chances to do that, so he’s got to get his glory where he can find it. Even at the expense of an expansion MLS club.

Now, if you’ve been on the Red Patch Boys forum today, you’ll have noted another distressing feature of last night’s game. It seems that fans in section 111 were not permitted to hang their banners over the front edge, as the space has now been taken up by a BMO ad. Obviously still smiting from not being able to call the pitch BMO Field during the Under-20 World Cup (it was called the National Soccer Stadium instead), the banking giant decided to get their money’s worth by taking over the prime piece of real estate that had, previously, been a fan inspired display.

From my vantage point, I could not see the banner. All I saw was this beautiftul one of Mighty Mo, which unfortunately, where it was hanging, could not be seen by many.

I’ve heard two sides to the argument, one being that BMO pays a good deal of money to the team, so they should be allowed to get their space and KEEP INVESTING. Others say that if you start to fuck with the fans, this little gold mine of a sponsorship deal will dwindle and fade, and you’ll end up with no one in the stands.

I don’t think anyone really believes that could happen, but it wouldn't hurt BMO to do a bit of outreach to the fans who, frankly, do more advertising for them than any of their banners could manage.

Finally, I have my own personal gripe.

I was somewhat put-off at the end of the match, when the final whistle blew, and the players immediately marched off the pitch into the dressing room. Both teams.

I’m sure it wasn’t intentional, but it felt like a snub. After being on the road for six weeks, they came home to a frenzied group of die-hard fans and didn’t even acknowledge our efforts. I know it was just a friendly, but even after the Benfica match, players from both teams came and applauded the fans and made it clear that they appreciated our support.

I know, it’s petty. But so far the team has been very gracious with us, and has gone to great lengths to let us know they care. All we ask is that we not be taken for granted.

We know you love us… we just need to hear it once in a while!

Okay, I think I’m rambling at this point. I need a drink.

While I’m gone, watch this video. You’ll see everything from the Dichio disallowed goal, a goal that counted, and a bit of colourful commentary on the silence of Aston Villa…

Passing the Time Until the Boys Come Home

2007-07-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

One day more.

A hot and hazy July has virtually come and gone, and the long road trip that took our Reds away is at an end. Tomorrow's sun will bring new life, and there will be thunder by the lake once more.

Red Nation, those of us who stayed home to mind the store, have been longing for this day, passing the time working our jobs, living our lives, and getting our TFC fix on-line.

Tomorrow's match is one of those special work-night evenings where half of us show up at the pitch still clad in office gear - button down shirts, blazers and ties. Having spent the day toiling to make ends meet (some of us, merely for the price of a ticket... and a beer), we show up with a measure of exhaustion. It fades rapidly, however, and with the setting sun we come alive and jump and roar.

In fact, we're so freaking loud, the surrounding neighbourhoods give up their ideal peace and prepare for a raucus night.

That's not to say that, throughout the day, we remain quiet and still. Quite the contrary. Most of us spend far too much time on-line, catching up on the news, the blogs, and the forums.

Granted, most of us don't work on a patio while drinking martinis... but that's beside the point.

I imagine a working Red Patch Boy's day goes something like this:

6:00 - Wake Up.
6:10 - Check the RPB message board. Respond to posts about most recent game.
6:40 - Shower (optional)
7:30 - Log on to Toronto FC website. If no new posts...
7:45 - Leave for work. If new posts...
8:00 - Leave for work.
8:01 - Remember you forgot to check FCTO, go back and read latest post.
9:00 - Arrive at work. Talk to colleagues about Toronto FC. Revel in their envy that you have season's tickets and they don't.
9:30 - Do some work.
9:31 - Check RPB message board. Practice the old "minimize screen" in case boss comes by work station.
10:00 - Do some work.
10:02 - Time for a break. You deserve it. Hell... you put in a solid 2 minutes straight! Check RPB Message Board.
10:45 - Nap time.
12:00 - Lunch time. Head to local pub and drink three pints of favourite beer.
1:45 - Stumble back to work. Grab a stack of papers from recycling bin to make it look like you've been printing your work. Go back to desk and sleep off beer.
2:15 - Do some work.
2:30 - Holy shit! You're a freaking machine! At this rate, working like this, you'll be ready for promotion in no time. Celebrate by checking RPB message board. Oh, and while you're at it, see if Harding has posted anything new on FCTO.
3:00 - Almost home time... no use starting any new work. Might as well take a washroom break to practice your TFC chants.
3:15 - Boss pokes his head in your washroom stall. He wants to know who the hell is Danny Dichio and why are you singing about him?
4:00 - You're not sure what happened between 3:15 and 4:00, but you're pretty sure you still have a job. Open a few documents and make sure they still have your name on them. Check RPB message board.
4:30 - Time to get ready to go. Change in your cubicle. Throw jacket and tie over wall and replace with Toronto FC jersey and scarf.
4:15 - Try to sneak out. When boss catches you, begin chant, "Who are ya! Who are ya! Who are ya!"
4:18 - Head to Shoeless Joes for a pre-game pint. Remind yourself to update your resume.

7:30 - Go mental.

That we will.

A Better Story for the Beautiful Game

2007-07-22T18:20:00.000-07:00

Toronto will remember this.

A powerful image of victory. Champions relishing one of the great moments of their burgeoning careers. Young men celebrating the end of a long campaign, a stellar tournament with record setting attendance.

It is a better image to take away than those of Thursday night’s melee.

It’s better, but will it last?

Two weeks from today, what will be the story?

I am almost certain it will be this…

Prior to today’s third place match which saw a weary and battered Chilean side rally enough strength to walk away with the bronze medal, fans outside the stadium had their say. They taunted police and held up signs that said, “This is not over” and “Shame Shame Shame on the Toronto Police”.

Of course, the jeers quickly turned to cheers when Chile came out on top, regaining the glory that had so quickly slipped them by. They return home with a measure of pride.

But what they leave behind is a sentiment of bad blood and harsh memories. Accusations of racism, or police brutality, carry a great deal of weight, and when it’s on the international stage, it can tarnish a nation’s image quite severely.

Still, today’s event will help to sway the tide of negativity and will bring Toronto out of the clouds. Once again, the sun will shine on our fair city as one of multi-cultural passions and soccer bliss. The final match brought back some of that fun spirit we saw last year in the World Cup, particularly for the Argentine community, and there will be dancing on St. Clair well into the evening.

Sadly, I won’t be able to dance with them tonight, but I am reminded on an evening about one year ago when this little festive affair stopped traffic on the street. I took this video on St. Clair during last year's World Cup...

A few blocks away from the “National Soccer Stadium” (I think we can call it BMO Field again), Red Patch Boys from across the city gathered to watch a different game. Toronto FC played the last of a six game road trip, and as is routine, Red Army gathered its troops at Shoeless Joe’s.

Of course, many of them came early to catch the gold medal match of Argentina vs. Czech Republic. I would say support was split pretty much down the middle… although this young man would likely disagree…

This has been a fantastic summer for this city. Silly police confrontations aside, the U-20 World Cup has been a great success. Torontonians showed great spirit, coming out in droves to every single match. Regardless of which teams took to the pitch, there was great enthusiasm and passion.

There was a tremendous show of love for the beautiful game.

Let’s do our best to remember that… no matter what tomorrow’s story may be.

BRUTAL!

2007-07-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

Handcuffs, tasers, smashed windows and bloody faces.

Soccer has truly come to Toronto.

The day has been filled with talk and analysis about the “incident” last night involving Chilean players and Toronto Police Services. Following a rough and rugged loss in the semi-final to Argentina, a match that simply slipped away from the referee, the Chilean players took part in a “dog fight” with police officers.

You can see footage of this fight all over the internet.

So, there you have it. Footage of international soccer players being led away by police in handcuffs. A FIFA dream come true. Just what this tournament needed. Not even Zidane’s infamous head-butt has so overshadowed a soccer game.

How on earth did this happen? Did police overreact, as Chilean officials allege? Was it just a case of immature young men blowing off a little steam that got out of hand?

Or… is it just because soccer breeds violence?

I mean, face it. You can’t think about soccer without thinking about hooligans, punch-ups, stampedes and riots. It’s synonymous with this sort of unruly, mob-like behaviour and thuggery.

Christ… it’s almost as bad as hockey!

This is what I find most interesting about today’s discussion. True, this incident was a blight on an otherwise successful tournament. Canada sold more tickets than any other nation in Under-20 history. We have shown the world what we are capable of, particularly in our city of many nations that Toronto has grown to be. Now, sadly, this is the story.

When people speak of the 2007 tournament, they’ll remember it as the one that saw players bloodied and in hand cuffs. On Sunday, after the final whistle blows and the victor raises the cup, images like these will be on everyone’s mind.

It’s the kind of story that doesn’t go away.

But it’s not an original story, and it’s not particular to soccer. If this story involved hockey players, we wouldn’t even be having this conversation. Much worse altercations happen between players on the ice during every NHL game played. Players get their penalties, and we all say, virtually in unison, “Hey, fighting is just part of the game.”

We not only advocate violence in hockey, we celebrate it.

After winning the Stanley Cup in 1993, fans of the Montreal Canadians tore their city apart.

Similarly, in Edmonton of all places, when the Oilers won, cars were turned over and fires burned on the street.

In 2004, a brawl between Detroit Piston basketball players and fans prompted CBC to list their top ten sporting violence incidents that involved players and fans.

None of them involved soccer.

But of course we’re inundated with stories from Europe about riots and hooliganism, so we are quick to make the beautiful game look ugly.

That’s not to say that there is not a problem. The Chilean tantrum was so out-of-line and ridiculous, it’s pathetic. The boys had their toys taken away, so they kicked up a storm to retaliate.

Regardless of the poor officiating, or taunting from the Argentinian fans, there was no call for this.

Interestingly, I’ve heard CBC commentator Craig Forest, more than once, note that South American teams have a reputation for unsportsman like behaviour, particularly when they lose. He said it during the post-game altercation that took place between U.S. players and those of Uruguay. He suggested this sort of thing is par for the course in South America, as though being sore-losers is sort of “part of their game”.

So it seems to me that there is a problem worth addressing. It’s systemic and it breeds a habitual response to a negative result. The problem, I would say, is at the core. Only there can it be fixed. The bottom line is… it’s just a game, and players need to be taught this from the start.

It’s one thing to be passionate and emotionally involved, but it’s not worth ripping apart your bus from the inside.

And… it sure as hell is not worth punching someone for.

But then, I could say the same thing about hockey.

Where would that get me?

Probably a punch in the face. (And two minutes for instigating).

All Together

2007-07-16T19:05:00.000-07:00

Montreal. Ottawa. Toronto.

All together for the love of the beautiful game.

This summer may very well be known hereafter as the Summer of Soccer, as balls are being kicked around every corner of the country. From the dawning of the Reds, who have turned the new BMO Field into a fiery pitch of frenzied mayhem, to Team Canada's march to the Gold Cup Semi-Final, to the nation wide love affair with the Under-20 World Cup, T.O. footy fans must think they're dreaming.

Yesterday was one of those pinnacle days when there was so much of the game it was difficult to choose what to watch, where and when.

In the afternoon I took in CBC's coverage of the Chile- Nigeria match in Montreal. I was greatly impressed with the dynamic atmosphere la belle ville had to offer. Olympic Stadium, known for it's vast, cavernous void and hollow sounding echo, showed signs of life not seen since the Expos made it to the playoffs. The Chilean presence was beautiful, jubilant in their victory. Nigeria's hopefuls, though disappointed with the result, showed their nations pride with glorious flair.

Hopefully this excitement caught the attention of MLS officials, and Montreal will be a prime candidate for expansion after 2010. No doubt, the town loves its ball, and what great (natural) rivals they will be.

The evening posed a slight scheduling challenge as the much anticipated Argentina vs. Mexico match, played in Ottawa (lucky bastards) was virtually concurrent with Toronto FC's match against Houston. I did what many Red Patch Boys do on game day. I headed down to Shoeless Joe's. This allowed me to take in both games at once, surrounded by ravenous, and more than slightly inebriated fans.

Certainly there was much interest in the World Cup game. Fans for both teams emoted cheers and gasps with the tide of play. Argentina scored just before the TFC match began, and it turned out to be the only goal. This was all for the best, because once the Reds hit the pitch, all eyes were on Texas.

I've come to truly appreciate the Shoeless Joe's chants. If nothing else, it keeps me from swallowing my heart while watching such tension filled games. Our Reds got into trouble early and the game looked more like target practice for the Dynamo.

Clearly though, and thankfully for us, target practice is something they need, not once having stuck the inside of the net.

Kudos to an overworked defence, some fantastic and alert goal tending... and all the staff at Shoeless Joe's who kept our drinks full.

Oh, and a special thanks to those who raised money for Breast Cancer. Always nice to see communities in action for a great cause.

All together...

So Long U.S.A.

2007-07-15T12:25:00.000-07:00

On a cold wet Saturday afternoon we braved the frigid conditions and the driving rain to watch two national teams we really don't care about go head to head in the FIFA Under-20 World Cup Quarter Finals. Team USA, having notably impressed the critics and naysayers, were heavily favoured to knock Austria out of the tournament. Of course, it was not to be. In dramatic fashion Austria posted a come from behind win and move on to the semis.

The U.S. goes home.

I have to admit it was a much better match than I'd anticipated. When I arrived at the field, I was unsure as to who I would support. As I said, I have no connection whatsoever to Austria, and the U.S. is every Canadian's favourite team to hate. So, what was I to do?

After the U.S. scored their first goal, it was clear. I was going for Austria.

Something else that must be said... man do we love soccer in Toronto! Seriously, on such a day, feeling like mid November rather than July, with freezing winds and pelting rain, the stands remained virtually full. While some people took cover beneath the stands, most people remained in their puddle filled seats, wrapping themselves in cellophane(no umbrellas allowed at "The National Soccer Stadium"), and watching intently every turn of play, every pass, every touch of the ball.

My wife was the envy of the crowd, donning the ever popular Toronto FC rain poncho, keeping her warm and dry.

I, on the other hand, was soaked to the core.

Even when Full Time ended in a draw, we stuck it through into extra time. When Austria finally scored the go-ahead goal, fans of Austria went ballastic. I think that, secretly, many USA supporters were also a little bit happy knowing the match was likely to end before penalty kicks, and they'd be able to get out of the rain.

The atmosphere was impressive, and yet it still has nothing on a TFC match. No chants, no songs, no real emotive support. At a couple of junctures players from both teams were trying to liven up the crowd, calling on them to stand and get into the game.

The most horrifying moment...

Seeing someone sitting in Section 112... waving an American Flag!

Oh well, all for the love of the game, I guess.

Now, apparently you're not supposed to videotape anything in the stadium. The poor kid sitting next to me nearly had his camera confescated. But, I wanted to capture some of the surprising excitement in the stands, and show the true dedication of Toronto sports fans... So, what you're about to see may be considered "bootlegged" by some. (We'll keep it our little secret).

Tonight will be a special night for soccer fans in Canada. The highly anticipated Argentina vs. Mexico match will be played in Ottawa, while Toronto FC take on the Houston Dynamo in Texas.

If you want to get to where the action is, be sure to drop by Shoeless Joes, on King near Dufferin.

I'll see you there.

Edmonton... Who Are Ya?

2007-07-06T08:01:00.000-07:00

If only Wayne Gretzky played soccer.

Perhaps then Edmon- ton would have it in their hearts.

Or, better still, if only soccer were played on ice… then perhaps last night’s Under-20 World Cup match would have put a little thunder in the Alberta skies.

Things are different here in Toronto.

For example, remember this…

Last year’s World Cup fever gripped this city for a month. The after effects continue to spread as the love of soccer is infecting more and more people, making Toronto Canada’s hotspot for the beautiful game.

As one of the host city’s for the Under-20 World Cup, it seems the fever is back.

Finally.

At the outset of the tournament, you could barely tell anything was happening. Aside from the CBC’s insistence that it is the “single largest sporting event in Canada’s history”, there did not appear to be (IMO) the same kind of fury that the Men’s World Cup unleashed upon us a year ago.

But last night the city reached fever pitch, as the Mexico vs. Portugal match rocked what CBC keeps referring to as the “National Soccer Stadium”, and the post game celebrations that took to the street went well on into the night… which is more than one could say for the atmosphere in Edmonton.

I watched the Canada vs. Austria match and was somewhat dismayed. While apparently there were over 30,000 people in attendance, Commonwealth Stadium looked virtually empty, and support for the home side seemed lackluster at best. Every time the camera panned to the stands, someone was yawning, eating, or simply staring off into space. The only sounds I could hear from CBC’s coverage was what seemed to be support for Austria.

It’s sad, really. Our Canadian team has it rough here at home. Imagine having your own country mates cheering against you when you take to the pitch against a foreign nation. This is what our boys had to face when they played here against Chile, as hoards of fans who were born and raised in Toronto rallied against their own team to support a nation many of them have never been to.

Such is the state of soccer in this nation. We love it, but we just don’t believe we’re good enough to play it on the world stage. So, we choose to get behind the roots of our ancestors.

Still, I had heard that things would be different in Edmonton. With a smaller immigrant population, there would be much more support for Canada.

Where was it last night?

Sure, there were 30,000 people, but you could hardly call them “supporters”. You’d think they were watching cricket or… a Jays game.

I have a feeling that if the match were played in Toronto, while there may have been some cheers for Austria, the fans for Canada would have been a raucous and wild bunch. We’d have been singing in the stands, taking a page or two from our TFC songbook, and making noise that would feel like thunder in the hearts of each and every player.

There would have been passion.

Not just a spread-thin crowd of nonchalant “observers”.

And… even in games like the Chile match, where an abundance of pseudo-Canadian citizens were chanting treason (revoke their passports, I say!), at least there would have been a great appreciation for the game.

There would have been atmosphere.

In fact, that little extra bit of excitement may just have been enough to inspire a better played match… and even a win… for the host team who now face elimination from the tournament.

Of course one could never know what the result would have been… but we can be pretty certain it would have been a hell of a lot more fun to watch.

Hopefully on Sunday Commonwealth Stadium will come alive. Edmonton has the privilege of hosting two of Canada’s three matches, which look to be all we’re going to get, so the pressure is on for them to maximize their impact. If not for the love of the game, then at least for the love of our country – awake!

Come on Edmontonians! Make some noise!

Make us proud!

Back into the Boiler

2007-07-05T12:43:00.000-07:00

Man, have I been absent.

Having moved recently, I’ve been living in that archaic world of life before the internet. No cable television, no computer – no blogging.

I didn’t even know the outcome of the TFC vs. Kansas City match until well into Tuesday afternoon.

Last night, feeling quite exhausted from lifting boxes of books, tearing up cardboard, unpacking and assembling furniture, I decided I’d had enough.

I needed my fix.

At about 9:50pm, I set out to watch Toronto FC take on Real Salt Lake. I stumbled on over to my local pub, anxious to find a nice quiet barstool in front of a television airing the match. After all, kickoff was 10:00 pm on a Wednesday night. How difficult would it be to find a nice, peaceful corner of the world to take in a game of soccer?

Well, my new local pub happens to be Shoeless Joes on King at Dufferin.

There were no free barstools.

There was no quiet.

Just wall to wall red and silver, as the Red Patch Boys once again filled the spot with song, cheer and the banging of a drum.

At first, I thought it would be too much. I was so tired, I didn’t think the spirit would take. I decided I’d grab a pint, stand at the bar, and watch a few minutes before heading home to bed.

After two minutes… my plan went to hell.

The beat of the drum took hold of my heart and once again I was launched into the heat of the game – at a fever pitch.

The hotly contested match, which saw former RSL forward Jeff Cunningham go head to head against T.O. reject Alecko Eskandarian, was not exactly a thing of aesthetic beauty. It was more like watching gladiators fight with maces, axes and spears. But it had a vigorous and violent pace that was gripping. I don’t think I blinked during the ninety minutes of play.

Esky was definitely pumped for this match. The lad so very much wanted to give it back to the club that traded him away – used him for his body then tossed him aside like yesterday’s trash (the poor sod)! You could see the look of vengeance in his eyes and an intensity in his play. Unfortunately for him, that intensity lacked the flow needed for a positive result, and he ended up on the losing side. No doubt, he felt great after his PK goal that sent his side to the locker room still tied at one.

But in soccer, like politics, power is as fleeting as the wind.

RSL had enough chances to keep my heart in my throat. One double crossbar hit, one very near miss, and one chip shot that bounced off the top of the rim… we could have very well been on the losing end. Make no mistake, as historic an event as our first win on the road is, we were lucky to get out alive.

This is not lost on fans of RSL. Coming off their very first win of the season, losing this match reopens the wounds that have been stinging them all year. On an RSL blog (RLSFM Report), one anonymous commenter suggested that his team “sucks” so much, he’s not going to renew his season’s tickets next year, to which another commenter responded:

“Well i think its funny anonymous that you think rsl sucks when toronto scored 2 goals from 2 offsides, and we hit the post twice and should have won the game. screw you, we don't want such an ignorant fan at the games anyway...”

Ah… what eloquence of tongue.

(Incidentally, the blog post has some great photos, including a shot of Esky that may be a secret pin-up in more than one Mormon household! Just click the link above.)

Esky’s counterpart, Jeff Cunningham, was also psyched for this one. Planting the first goal of the match, Cunny was blessed to score against his old club. While they may not have been happy with the result, RSL fans must have been a little bit pleased, though bitterly so, in having the opportunity to see their old friend do what he does best.

And Cunny loved it too.

But none so much as us… the RPBs at Shoeless Joes… rocking the neighbourhood deep into the night.

Now… back to unpacking… and then to bed.

Shoeless Joe's Goes Red

2007-06-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

A week after our greatest victory, Toronto FC fans suffered one of our worst losses of the season. Much worse than the final score, however, was the utter lack of discipline and drive on the pitch. It was a difficult 90 minutes to watch, and left us with a bitter pill to swallow.

And yet, if you happened to be walking by Shoeless Joe's bar on King near Dufferin last night, you'd have never known we lost. The wild chanting and mad exhuberance usually displayed on the stands at BMO field was transported indoors as Red Patch Boys filled the place wall to wall to watch TFC away. We were as loud at the final whistle as we were at kickoff.

The loss... hardly seemed to matter.

Of course, it does matter, at least a little, and certainly to coach Mo Johnston. His reaction was harsh and direct. He gave the lads a good lambasting, hopefully kicking them into gear and renewing their resolve.

To me, the key quote is this: "They believed all the hype. I'm very disappointed."

In some ways, this team has been truly pampered. They have not had to fight for home support, like most sporting franchises must do particularly in their inaugural season. They have had undying, and unflinching support from the get-go, relinquishing not even a little. Win or lose, we’ve been behind them, we’ve hyped them up.

We’ve put them on pedestals.

We’ve made them larger than life, and in many respects, greater than they are.

Granted, this is the first time they’ve had to play without us in a long time. Even the match in Columbus had a fair bit of home present in the stands. While there was a small contingent of Red Nation in Foxboro for yesterday’s game, the numbers just weren’t what they usually are. The lads had to play on their own.

Still, it is possible that our affections have been taken for granted, and the team has become a bit over-confident.

I’m not suggesting that we become fair-weather fans! That is one thing you can never accuse us of being. We are in for the long run, rain or shine. Clearly… these happy people, singing and dancing despite being down 3-0, do not grow on trees.

But I do think Mo is right to try and beat this notion out of them that they are infallible.

They have to work for every inch they get on that pitch. Every goal is a won through much sweat and blood. Especially on the road, focus, determination, and work ethic are essential elements for a positive result.

What we can offer them in return is our eternal love. After all, boys…

You know we can’t live without you.

(Top photo courtesy of Koray Salih)

The Reds Go Marching Off

2007-06-17T18:48:00.000-07:00

Hotter than Hell.

There's no other way to describe it.

Today's Toronto FC 4-Nil route of FC Dallas is one for the ages. Our biggest win yet, you couldn't ask for a better send off as our Reds go marching off on a six game tour.

Bloody hell did I cook. I’m baked. Spent. I feel like I played on the pitch, rather than just watched from the stands.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

My day began with brilliance. The Red Patch Boys’ tailgate party is something all fans should experience at least once this season. Meat sizzling on the grill, beer flowing freely in discreet, “it’s-really-just-a-soft-drink” plastic cups, and a practice run at the daily chants help prepare your mind, body and soul for the battle ahead.

From the young and brazen…

To the old(er) and knightly…

It’s just a cool place to be on a hot, hot day.

One of the highlights of the party was a visit from a coalition of FC Dallas supporters, who braved the distance to get behind their Hoops, and graced us with their presence. A very classy lot, these few but die-hard fans helped us to celebrate the beautiful game and the spirit that binds us all. As one RPB member said, "This is what it's all about."

Granted, as another member put it, "Y'all have come a long way just to be disappointed." After Jeff Cunningham's goal, the 4th on the day, crossed the line, they may have been thinking the same thing. But not likely. After all they were treated to the best MLS stadium and fanbase in the league, and we were ROCKING!

I had a short chat with one of the Dallas supporters, asking him if he'd expected such hot temperatures here in Toronto. He laughed and said, "If you think this is hot, you gotta come to a match in Dallas."

Here's a short video of the event, which includes a lovely chanting contest between the two groups, a gorgeous presentation to the father of the newborn Red Patch Boy, and the March to Glory...

Now, on to the match.

It's no wonder I'm so wrecked this morning. I shouted, cheered and chanted like never before. At one point I nearly went over the stands, jumping like a mad jack-rabbit after the second goal.

My wife and I actually treated my mother-in-law to the match, and bravely brought her into the thick of the patch in Section 112 (with special thanks to Blizzard from the Big Soccer Forum, who provided me with the extra ticket). Not knowing what to expect, she was thoroughly impressed with our sustained barrage of thunderous, vocal encouragement.

Granted, it's difficult to say what the highlight of the match was... there being so many.

Certainly, for RPB President Mike Dubrick, it's a pretty easy choice. Being presented with a birthday ball signed by the players, a well-deserved token of appreciation, the lad was beaming from beginning to end.

And there was much to beam about...

Red Patch Goes Live!

2007-06-16T08:12:00.000-07:00

Anxious?

Can't wait for tomorrow?

Dying to get on the pitch, into the stands, and let loose?

Well, you're going to have to wait, I'm afraid. But there is good news, you mental TFC fanatic bastards!

The Red Patch Boys have gone live!

News, commentary, witty banter, predictions, and your questions answered... all on the brand new Red Patch Live podcast.

Get thee there, download it, and for god's sake... tune in!

A Nation is Born

2007-06-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

In a matter of weeks a nation has been born in Toronto. It has been given many names – Red Nation, Red Army, Red Menace – but it has only one meaning, one goal, and one crest. It is a nation of people who have given their hearts to something greater than themselves. It is a nation of hungry people, pledging allegiance to each other and to the cause, till death.

They… we… are supporters of TFC.

Toronto till we die.

When news hit the net that Toronto would be granted a team in Major League Soccer (MLS), it was the making of a dream. Many among us, used to spewing passion and screaming rally cries for teams abroad, whether they be the English Premiership, Bundesliga, Italian Serie A, Liga Espana, or other, now were aware of a vague possibility. That we could unite. Support the same club. All for one.

We were sceptical.

Would it take? Would we be able to give ourselves over to a club we had not met? Would we be able to emphatically and with zeal throw our support behind a Toronto sporting team?

When tickets went on sale, a friend called me and told me that a colleague of ours, Mike Dubrick, had helped found a supporters group, and would I like to buy season tickets in their section. They were called the Red Patch Boys, and they were situated in the corner of stadium.

I said, “Would I?” After all, if I was going to follow a team, I wanted to be where the die-hards were. I wanted to be in the thick of the frenzy.

Still, even after I purchased my season’s tickets, I was unsure. I’ve seen the lacklustre support of many a Toronto entity, sporting or otherwise, from the Crystal that looms over the Royal Ontario Museum, to the notion that our waterfront may someday be something special, I thought this was likely going the route of the Expo… into a world of dashed dreams and broken hearts.

I was wrong.

There is no longer any doubt.

From kickoff on the opening day, to the 24th minute of the second home game, when Danny Dichio planted the flower of hope by scoring our historic first goal, to the thunderous chant that echoes still throughout the city… this is here to stay.

Those of you who doubt, who think this is a passing fancy that will simmer and fade… you’re wrong. Definitively wrong.

I have never seen such commitment to anything in this city. Not even the Blue Jays in their glory years. Not even the Leafs when they make the playoffs. Nothing comes remotely close to what we have given over to.

Of course, our numbers will never compare to those of Leaf Nation. In fact, many of us are Leaf fans through and through. But it’s not a matter of quantity, it’s a matter of quality. That’s not to say that the Leaf fan is a dud. By no means. True blue Leafers are about as big a fan as you can get, given their renewed hopes, year after year, despite a constant state of disappointment.

Ah… now there’s the difference.

Disappointment.

With the Leafs, it’s perennial. Unrelenting, in fact.

With Toronto FC, we supporters may become frustrated or agonize over certain plays or wish like hell we’d played better… but there is no disappointment. Frankly, we’re having too much fun.

We walk away from the pitch having chanted ourselves into oblivion. It’s cathartic. Liberating. Mind numbing.

The days between the matches are gruelling. We spend all our time (most of which we should be working at our JOBS) corresponding on the internet, discussing team news, new chant ideas, plans for road trips, and organizing tailgate parties.

No matter what, match day never comes fast enough.

When it does come, the earth shakes. It comes alive with the sound of thunder that can be heard as far north as Bloor Street, and as far south as Niagara (okay… I may be exaggerating that point).

But it is a ritual to be savoured.

Game days come and go… and as long as Toronto FC keeps taking to the pitch, we’ll keep taking to the stands.

Till we die.

Rabid TFC Supporter Checklist for FC Dallas Match

2007-06-12T10:25:00.001-07:00

Okay lads (and lasses), this is it.

The final match before the crusade. The road trip that will take our brave warriors away from the home ground for over a month, leaving us empty and forlorn.

For those lucky few among us who hold tickets to the supporter sections, game day holds a special place in our hearts. We long for it with such anticipation that we demand, when it finally arrives, it be perfect.

So, to ensure that we maximize the experience this Sunday afternoon, we need to make sure we do it all right.

Here is a checklist, to help you prepare.

1. Start the day sober. You know it won’t end that way, so there’s no point in waking up with a hang-over. It will just slow you down and mar your game. Remember, it’s a 1:00 start time, so by 4:00 you should be well saturated with many a malted beverage.

2. Lubricate your… throat. A bit of lemon and honey will suffice. Your voice is your most important tool, so prime it and keep it clear, strong and loud.

3. Shower Chants. It’s always good to do a run through of the chants, and what better place than in the shower. My wife particularly appreciates this, as the Danny Dichio song always manages to send my cat into a yowling frenzy.

4. Get your kit on. This will consist of the following: TFC Jersey (replica or authentic), TFC Scarf (Red Patch, U-Sector or the Home Opener scarf), and headgear (TFC cap, Viking hat, or… leather wrestling mask). If you don’t have any TFC gear, no worries. Wear something red. If you must wear the red jersey of another club (i.e. Liverpool, Arsenal, Man U, etc.), at least ensure it is NOT another MLS club. The best substitute for a TFC shirt is a Canada soccer jersey.

5. Sunscreen. Very important. Don’t make your skin match your shirt.

6. Streamers. Red and White. Get thee to a dollar store! (Save them for the national anthem).

7. Plastic Cups! If you plan on attending any one of the many tailgate parties, you’re going to need these. When Toronto’s finest pull up in their golf-cart, you don’t want them to pour your beer down the gutter. They don’t seem to mind the activity, they simply don’t want to see it.

8. Be on time! You don’t want to miss the player introductions or…

9. O Canada. Sing your heart out. Launch streamers at final note.

10. Go mental.

Of course, by go mental I mean shout your lungs out, sing your heart out, cheer like a maniac, and help lead our team to victory. This will no doubt be accompanied with the consumption of beer, which I recommend you drink – NOT throw. In fact, don’t throw anything… except streamers.

It’s just more fun that way.

By following these 10 simple steps you will be guaranteed, win or lose, to have a time worthy of remembrance for the ensuing month…

Until we get to do it all again.

P.S. If I’ve missed anything, feel free to leave word in the comments section.

This Is Our House

2007-06-08T03:29:00.000-07:00

As I stumbled into work yesterday morning, bleary eyed and voiceless, the first thing I managed to whisper to a colleague was… “It just doesn’t matter.”

Of course, while winning Wednesday's match against the New York Red Bulls would have made for a happier night, losing doesn’t sting nearly as much when you have the opportunity to scream out your frustration, shout out your pain, sing out your heartbreak, and join with fellow supporters in a massive emotional release.

Besides, there is much positive we can take from this. As Toronto FC’s coach, Mighty Mo Johnston put it:

“The way I see it ... the last 3-4 weeks, we're on the up. For [the press] to sit here talking to me about losing points by not keeping a lead, that's pleasing for me because it's showing that we made a lot of strides in the last couple of months. "We held our own against a very, very good team. The way I feel our team can play, we can go up against anyone in the league."

After all, it’s not about winning or losing.

It’s about how much noise you can make.

We make a lot.

The pre-planned streamer launch on the final note of O Canada did not come off as well as we hoped. These 7:00 start times on week nights make for some sparse stands at the outset, as people clamber for their seats having laboured through Toronto traffic just to get there on time. When you do arrive, it takes a good bit of time to shake off the day, let go of your office job, and settle in for a night of mental hysteria. So the stadium was half-empty when we began, and the decibels we reached at the previous match were a distant, foggy dream.

Still, the streamers did look glorious, like a storm of red and white simmering in the sky as the game went afoot...

After reading the fan forums today (both Red Patch Boys and U-Sector), it seems there were other negatives about the match than the loss. Objects being tossed onto the field have garnered yet another warning from team officials that serious measures could be coming our way should this continue. The launching of beer cups, plastic bottles and lighters (including a beer thrown directly at Pablo Angel following one of his goals) is a practice that, sadly, just won’t die.

The team has suggested that tough, European style measures may be forced upon the fans, including such things as net screens on the pitch, and the banning of beer in the stands. Apparently, as of this morning, some season tickets have already been revoked.

I must admit I am not optimistic. It seems to me that the people with common sense DO NOT throw this crap. If they ever did, having the aforementioned common sense, they stopped doing so after the first warning. It’s the people without a shred of sense who continue to do it.

There is no stopping them.

But enough of the negative.

For a solid majority of those present, we were just a mass of frenzied fans screaming like maniacs, cheering on our team till the dying of the day, and loving every minute of it. This is our house, after all, and we treat it with the respect it deserves.

And… while our O Canada may not have been at its best, we did manage one of the best corner kick taunts of the season…

No Wave!

2007-06-05T04:27:00.000-07:00

A strange thing happened during Toronto FC's match against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday. We were visited by a relic from the 80's, a ghost from the Exibition Stadium of old... a monster from the depths of boredom.

We were hit with the wave.

Now, to give the wave its due, there was a time and a place where it rallied fans into a frenzy to get behind their team. It gave them cause to band together and feel like they were each, individually, a part of something greater. Noteably for the Blue Jays, the wave was a spectacular display of motion and colour, bringing with it a sound that undulated through the air, beyond the open dome, past the CN Tower, and into space.

But those days are long gone.

Now, the wave is nothing more than a last ditch effort to get some emotion when there is absolutely nothing else to cheer. On any given night, you can go to watch the Blue Jays, and the only time you'll hear the fans make a sound is when they're doing the wave.

It's the loudest they get, and it usually comes when there is nothing else going on.

I don't want to dump on the TFC fans who, for whatever reason, sit away from the supporter sections in the South End of BMO Field. However they choose to enjoy the matches they've paid to see... is up to them.

But the wave just goes too far.

We at BMO Field, when TFC take the field, do not need artificial cheers. There are plenty of ways to get into the games. There are songs to be sung, rallies to cry, streamers to hurl, and dances to be danced.

If you want to get involved, why not try the TFC Massive? It's an addictive, infecting song and dance that binds two seperate but equally strong groups into one cohesive sound.

And, it's just not as lame as the wave.

So to all you Red Nations soldiers out there, remember: friends don't let friends do the wave. If someone tells you the wave is cool... they're a liar.

Or delusional.

And, for those of you who think this post is petty and trite...

You're right.

But, this is a blog.

That's what blogs do.

Besides, if you still want to do the wave... there's always the Rogers Centre, just down the road.

OR... you can have your say by voting in the poll in the sidebar.

Les Rouges Allez!

2007-06-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

A hot and hazy afternoon, a good deal of beer consumption, and a rather well endowed spectator in Section 111 made for an interesting match yesterday. With so many distractions and brain-draining elements, what could one expect from a pack of soccer hungry fanatics?

There has been some discussion on the message boards as to how effective our chants were. Were we keeping good time, high volume, intonation and articulation? Did we have impact?

The bottom line is we won. Undermanned, over-worked, and in the throng of the hottest day against one of the hottest teams at BMO Field yet... Toronto FC pulled it off. Not only did we win the match, but we eked a measure of revenge on Conor Casey, the mediochre Rapids player who thought he was too good for our city.

But there is always room for improvement.

My favourite chant is the TFC Massive. When it's on, the ground shakes, the earth moves, and I'm pretty sure it's the only sound you can hear from outer space. When it's off... it can be incohesive and messy.

Yesterday's Massive was both. At times - spellbinding. At others - distracted.

But no matter what, when, how or why we do it...

It's always a blast!

Here you'll see the TFC Massive flow, starting strong, then interrupted by our assault on a Colorado corner kick, the post goal Dichio chant, and, of course, the one goal the Rapids managed to score. But, in the end you'll see we picked it up when it mattered most.

Special kudos go out to Section 111 for really getting it together. Strongest show yet, I would say, and there are even traces of the infection spreading to 110.

Keep it up, lads!

P.S.: Conor Casey can shove his f***ing passport up his ass!

Would it Were Day!

2007-06-01T12:41:00.000-07:00

Will this night never end?

What antici- pation lurks in our northern camps, as support- ers of Toronto FC prepare for a day of battle.

Never have so many longed for the hours to pass quickly. Every second seems a minute, every minute seems and hour, and ever hour… a day.

Aside from a friendly joust with a neutral party, it’s been two weeks since last our team took the field on home ground. It’s been two weeks since the troops in the South End had their fill of blood and vinegar.

WOULD IT WERE MORNING!

Sitting at our desks in our offices, or behind the counters of our employment, or in the classrooms of our schools, we would rather have tents pitched on BMO field. We would rather have about us the activity of soldiers cleaning their armor, shoeing their horses, and plotting their strategy on maps.

Or polishing their soccer boots.

Mo Johnson has issued his rally cry. With his steed kicking hooves in the air, he admits his weakened and battered battalion has suffered the loss of some strong, worthy men, and he says they are hurting.

Somewhere in Colorado, deep in the rocky mountain mist, someone is underestimating our strength, and our resolve. They say:

Foolish curs, that run winking into the mouth of a
Russian bear and have their heads crushed like
rotten apples! You may as well say, that's a
valiant flea that dare eat his breakfast on the lip of a lion.

But Mighty Mo fears not, for though his troops be withered and worn, he has a 12th man in the stands, and he’s calling us to arms:

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;
Or close the wall up with our Toronto dead.
In a “friendly” there's nothing so becomes a man
As modest stillness and humility:
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger;
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage;
And teach them how to war. And you, good yeoman,
Whose limbs were made in Canada, show us here
The mettle of your pasture; let us swear
That you are worth your breeding; which I doubt not;
For there is none of you so mean and base,
That hath not noble lustre in your eyes.
I see you stand like greyhounds in the stands,
Straining upon the start. The game's afoot:
Follow your spirit, and upon this charge
Cry 'God for Mo, FC, and T.O.!'

WOULD IT WERE DAY!

It is now four o'clock: but, let me see, by this time tomorrow...

We shall have each a hundred Colorado.

NOTE: If you're attending the match, note this rally cry. At precisely the 10:00 mark we're going to do the TFC Massive.

Please spread the word to people you know in other sections... basically start the chant at the designated time, look towards the gap between 111/112 and follow the hands.

The Red Nation Inspiration

2007-05-30T18:11:00.000-07:00

We are a unique breed.

The unrivalled fan support that Toronto FC has garnered in its inaugural season has been turning heads across the continent, if not the world. The MLS, when granting Toronto its expansion team, could not have predicted the instant level of passion and commitment that literally exploded onto the pitch from day one.

Red Nation, or Red Army, or Red Menace… or just plain Reds… whatever one may call us… we have taken fan support for soccer to a new level in North America, and have become the envy of the league.

This became painfully clear at our most recent match away, as said Red Nation marched on Columbus and laid claim to Crew Stadium. While the team played to a draw, there was no doubt who owned the land, as TFC supporters from Red Patch Boys and U-Sector dominated sound levels and presence.

It makes you wonder… do other teams throughout the league need to get in the game? Do they need to step up, raise the bar, and get behind their sides in the stands?

To be fair, there are many who do their best.

Crew supporters, few though they may be, have much to be commended for. Setting up shop in a half-empty stadium game in and game out, desperately trying to involve the crowd and inspire their team, is an ominous task. They showed great spirit in taking on our lads both in their stadium, and on the internet. Knowing we were coming, they upped the anti, and rallied the troops. They raised the ire of many a Red Patch Boy with their re-dubbing of the group as "Red Snatch Boys" (touché), which became a fun thread of discussion on the message board.

Granted, it pales in comparison, and here’s where the problem lies.

The banner they draped looked like somebody etched it in crayon on a roll of paper towels.

These lads (this photo being the topic of many a forum discussion) are known as the Huntington Street Hooligans, although they don't look remotely like real hooligans. In fact, I think they’d look more menacing wearing mouse ears and painted whiskers.

Still, they fight for their team… and they show up. What's more, they take some really cool photographs, which can be seen in this slide show.

It has been said that D.C. United had the best fan support in the league. Certainly, their supporter groups the Screaming Eagles, La Barra-Brava, and La Norte provide a fierce presence. In all likelihood their members and fanbase would outnumber our supporters, and have the reputation of being loud and raucous on the road. But, they’ve also had many years to build, and in time we will exceed their levels, I think. Already, their players have commented on the fact that BMO Field is a foreboding place to play based on the sheer volume of our crowd, while they have the unfortunate task of playing in an over-sized, cavernous stadium that does nothing for acoustics, and wears the crowd thin.

And… might I say… they really need to come up with some new chants. The “D.C. Uni-ted, clap clap clap” chant can get rather tiresome, and lacks inspiration. (Love the giant drum, though).

Chicago also boasts some very ardent support. A mob of them made the trip to Toronto (only to watch their team lose). But they stood firm, and their flags flew throughout the match despite a losing cause.

Players recognize the difference a little support can make, and what fan involvement can mean to the outcome of a game. Recently, the Colorado Rapids taunted fans of Real Salt Lake in their own stadium, getting under the skins of the players and, consequently, dominating the game.

I can't wait for the Rapids to arrive in Hell on Saturday. It'll be interesting to see if they try the same thing with us. No doubt, they will be pumped to play in front of fans who actually care, and will try to give what they get.

But they are going to get much more than they can possibly imagine.

Toronto FC will enjoy a successful first season, regardless of how well the team performs. This is largely due to the soccer culture that sat in waiting for years before they arrived, and flourished when they got here. Tickets to matches are already at a premium, and many people are coming… not necessarily for the soccer… but to be part of the experience. To see what a great city can do when people come together. To feel the emotion of the swell of the crowd, hear the thunder of the stands, and be part of a united effort.

Other cities can learn much from this, and hopefully they will, in time.

So to all of you MLS cities out there, get in the game. Join in the fun. Get behind your team, or you’ll lose it, and you’ll be sorry when their gone.

Don’t come for the stupid mascots...

Don’t come for the cheerleaders...

Okay... they may be nice to look at, but do you really need pom poms to lead you to cheer?

But seriously, just come for the mad, unbridled passion of the beautiful game… and it’s beautiful fans.

The South-End Away

2007-05-27T07:35:00.000-07:00

What impressed me most, watching CBC's coverage of yesterday's match on a television screen above a bar, drowning my sorrow in Boddington's over being stuck at home while others are out on crusade in Ohio, was not the Jim Brennan strike (though glorious it was).

It was not the shots of the pre-game chant outside the stadium... les rouges allez.

It was not the dominance of sound that came from the visitor's fan section, awash in red and silver and perpetually in motion... like an engine driving the team.

It was not the breathtaking play of Jeff Cunningham, bursting on the pitch like Sir Lancelot on a steed, creating several golden opportunities from nothing, and offering a promise of glory to come.

Nor was it the splendid teamwork of Cunningham and Dichio, as if they've been together for years, communicating in ways we have not yet seen.

And... it was not the post-game remarks of coach Mo, thanking the fans for making the trip and providing much needed energy and pace.

What impressed me most was a quick shot of the stands, and the signs hanging for all to see... "U-SECTOR", "RED PATCH BOYS", "SECTION 113".

The mark of a homefield advantage, carried away, and put in the heart of enemy territory to show them that we are everywhere.

A most impressive display.

If you missed the coverage, here is a quick highlight video from YouTube, posted by "azorean10".

On To Crew

2007-05-26T10:06:00.000-07:00

Crew Stadium, situated in Columbus, Ohio, holds 22,555 people, and boasts the ever-luxruious Huntington Club, a section for those who prefer the high-end sophistication of exclusive hospitality.

Bus loads of TFC supporters will not be expecting such treatment as they descend upon the Ohio town to watch Toronto FC away. While our American friends will no doubt offer a warm, hearty welcome to fellow soccer lovers, they're not likely to be overly hospitable when the banners go up, the flags fly, and the chants echo through the state.

Both the Red Patch Boys and U-Sector have sent a delegation to represent those of us (myself included) who are forced to endure the experience through CBC television. Crew Stadium doesn't know what is about to hit it... it's like a blizzard of red and silver, surging in from the North, destroying all in its path.

Of course, that's regardless of whether we win the match or not.

There is some interest in Columbus, however, for this match. Our latest addition to the campaign is Jeff Cunningham, a powerful striker of Jamaican origin, who began his MLS career with this very Crew. Many die-hard Crew fans will be checking in to see one of their favourite players from the glory years.

Hopefully, Mr. Cunningham will give them a good show.

Better, in fact, then they could possibly wish for.

P.S.:

If you are stuck here in T.O., there are two places to convene. Red Patch Boys are making their headquarters at Shoeless Joes on King Street West. I understand that many U-Sector members will be at Scallywags, at Yonge and St. Clair.

Wear your colours.

Where Does Your Heart Lie?

2007-05-24T08:49:00.000-07:00

Tell me now, so I know.

Who do you love?

I began this blog under the name "T.O. World Cup", as I explored the phenomenon of World Cup support in Toronto, this multi-cultured, multi-layered city. I am always curious about people who love so passionately a place they have never been, have never seen, and have never known. A place far away... but so connected to their hearts that they would cry shamelessly over a defeat, or sob with elation for a win.

Italy. Portugal. Brazil. Korea.

And many more.

We saw recent evidence of the dual loyalties during the friendly Canada vs. Argentina match, where there was prominent support for the opposing team displayed by home town residents. People cheering against the nation they now call home. People turning their backs on their countrymates. Their brethren.

Club support is different. One can be in London, for example, and support a team from Manchester. One can also, by that rationale, live in Toronto and cheer for a team from Portugal.

But, for many of the Benfica fans who poured into BMO Field last night, they have never seen a Benfica match. Never lived in Portugal. Perhaps, have never even set foot on Portugese soil.

Yet their passion for the team runs deep, not just in their own hearts and minds, but in their roots. Generation upon generation of supporters for a team far, far away.

I can understand this to a certain extent. Torontonians have been so desperate to get behind a soccer team, our allegiances have often gone overseas. One need only visit Scallywags pub on a Saturday morning to see how fervently people will cheer on a foreign team. I, for one, have thrown my undying support behind Arsenal, for no other reason than I needed a team and they had Henry.

I say "undying"... but do I mean it?

If Arsenal went head to head against TFC (oh... dare to dream!), who would I support?

No doubt.

TFC.

Toronto till I die.

This is my home team, and if you live in Toronto, this is your home team too.

But then, there's nothing wrong with a little friendly team-diversity.

Last night was a great night. The match itself was dull, but come on! Where else did you want to be? Beautiful weather, clear skies over an open pitch. Fans from both sides loving every minute of it.

I particularly liked seeing some of the older Benfica supporters. Many of them no doubt have fond childhood memories of cheering on this team, and haven't seen them for many, many years. It was good for them to have this visit, and hopefully we'll see more of that in the future.

But, what impressed me more were the Benfica fans who donned their TFC shirts, cheered hard for the home side, and made it clear where their hearts lie.

Here... at home.

The following video features a parade of Benfica fans, the deafening sounds from the South-East End, and the removal by police of an unruly Benfica supporter.

Extra Extra! Read All About It! Soccer Team Plays in Toronto!

2007-05-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Where do you go to get the latest news on Toronto FC?

The days of waiting for the morning paper to deliver you the goods are long gone, and televised sportscasts, though they broadcast 24 hours a day, aren't paying so close attention to soccer in Toronto that you could rely on them to give you late breaking news.

I would venture that many, if not most, TFC fans get their news from the message boards of Red Patch Boys and U-Sector.

Yesterday's announcement that Alecko Eskandarian was being traded to Real Salt Lake exploded on the boards long before the official news was released. First, there were rumours, then came the speculation, and finally, a link to the Toronto FC press release that put speculation to rest and ended the pain of not knowing.

But the real clue came when Esky himself changed his status on his Facebook account. No need to wait for the kid in the street to cry "Extra Extra, read all about it! Esky traded to the land of mormons!"

The tone of the conversation on the boards went from WTF... on to OMG... and finally just plain WOW!

Of course, to do this, it takes one or two members to monitor, constantly, all the soccer sites on the net, and to post a link immediately. But it has been much more effective than expecting news media in Toronto to provide even the most basic updates.

Sure, one often wonders what these people do for a living... so much free time on their hands! (In fact... what is it that I should be doing right now?) But they are on this stuff in real time. Not because it's a job (clearly, they're not that interested in their jobs), but because they love it.

WE LOVE IT!

There has been much talk, of course, of how media are covering this thing called "soccer". It's truly apparent that there is little to no interest, but even when it does get covered, it's almost like an afterthought... and often the coverage is uninformed.

Today's article in the Toronto Star has got more than one supporter in a knit. Dave Feschuck writes:

But even if rain's not in the forecast, some Toronto FC season-ticket holders have the distinct feeling they're being expelled upon. Ticket packages to the local soccer club's first season were sold, according to irate fans, on the promise of 20 games, 16 home league games and four international friendlies against so-called "elite" competition – a category into which Benfica, a club that trades on its glorious history more than its competitive present, is being lumped in.

What is specifically in question in this quote is whether or not season ticket holders were promised 20 games... or "up to 20 games", as I was told when I purchased my tickets. The truth is, it wasn't a TFC decision to reduce the number of home games to 15, but a league decision to cut the season short. Also, while there are only two "international friendly" matches, we also got a ticket to the Under-20 match between Canada and Argentina. So, while it's not perfect, to say that season ticket holders are collectivley distressed is really a misrepresentation.

But these are just semantics. What I think the real issue is, is that many journalists are not seeing the whole picture. Too much discussion is given to the possibility that the overwhelming fan support of TFC is a fad that will fade. Instead of joining in the experience (as Ben Knight of Sportsnet has done), and celebrating this beautiful thing that is happening here, journalists want to dump all over it or deny it... and get back to covering hockey.

I actually heard Bob McCown on the Fan in a discussion about why the team is called Toronto FC, and not "Toronto SC", given that we call it soccer and not football. He went on for a good ten minutes and finally said, "We don't ask for much, we just ask that you call it soccer."

Bloody hell... who cares? Do you care? In all our time supporting this team, has anyone even mentioned this?

Honestly, it has been a long time since I've seen Torontonians having fun. It's happening here and now, and it's not a construct of some corporate marketing machine -- it's organic. It's home grown.

If the media doesn't care, it doesn't matter.

All the more glory for us.

Farewell, Esky!

2007-05-23T07:05:00.000-07:00

With a few taps on a keyboard, he changed his Facebook status... and now he's gone...

Alecko Eskandarian is on his way to Salt Lake City.

There is always a place in my heart for a player who takes the time to write a blog for the fans. I was so looking forward to reading his colourful and animated briefings of life off-the-pitch with Toronto FC. Alas, it's not to be.

Esky's World is no more.

Farewell Esky. Though we loved you for a short time... we loved you well.

Good luck in Salt Lake.

Have you seen this banner?

2007-05-22T06:53:00.001-07:00

I seems that someone has been either overly smitten with our number one goalie, or is just plain nasty! The banner was taken after Saturday's match, and has been missing in action ever since.

A great deal of effort went into making this beautiful work of art, so if you have any information as to its whearabouts, please contact the Red Patch Boys. You can post a message on the bulletin board... anonymously if you so wish.

There are plenty of banners for you out there... but there's only one Greg Sutton!

A View from the South

2007-05-21T19:33:00.000-07:00

You have to admit... the colours are striking...

I have been browsing some of the blogs from the other side, fascinated by their perspectives of Saturday's match. The win did not seem to lift their spirits as much as you'd expect. The controversy surrounding the penalty kick, coupled with the fact that their first goal was off one of our own, has dampened what should have been a day of unbridled glory.

Still, the lads in D.C. have spirit, and while I think it pales in comparison to our dominating, ear-crushing fan support, I admire their resolve.

The D.C. United blog called DCentres currently features a very interesting perspective of the match. Definitely worth a read.

Policing the Trenches

2007-05-20T15:15:00.000-07:00

What mad times are these? These two security guard blokes, pictured above, tried to silence me after Saturday's match, trampling on my rights to free speech!

Imagine, a mild-mannered blogger like myself treated like some black-listed paparazzi!

But more on that later.

This Saturday's match had much promise. A perfect day, a surging team, and 20,000 strong showing up to voice our unified support. But given past performances by some of our more colourful fans, BMO field saw a beefed up police presence, intent upon keeping the peace.

Since the start of the season, each game has brought more coppers into the South-East end, with eyes fixed on sections 112 and 113, looking for those bad-apples among us who breach the realm of decency and break the law.

For the first time (that I noticed, anyway), cops were situated within the stands themselves, standing like centurians at the top of the bleachers. They literally had us surrounded, ready to pounce like a SWAT team at the first sign of trouble. This was most significantly evident when a flurry of roman candles were launched into the air. It took a matter of seconds before police were in the thick of the mob to remove the perpetrator.

They were everywhere.

How much of this presence was necessary?

I actually felt that Saturday's crowd in the corner was very well behaved, providing for a perfect atmosphere. Despite the lame D.C. United dive, and our unfortunate loss, TFC supporters proved yet again that we are die-hard fans, and will not relent our encouragement regardless of the environment before us, or the score on the board. We were loud and obnoxious, full of verve and vigour, and posed no threat to anyone's safety.

Is the police presence part of the reason for this?

I don't know the answer to that, but I'm sure you have your own thoughts on the matter. In any case, I had no problem with the coppers hanging around. Nor did many of the lads in our section, who were treated to one of Toronto's finest, suitably dubbed as the "Hot Copper in 112".

Now the crux of the matter...

Following the match, on our way out of the stadium, a couple cops literally pushed my wife into a wall as they persued, and got hold of a fan. Of course I responded like a true blogger, and abandonned my wife (who was unharmed, by the way), in order to photograph the incident.

Immediately, two security guards told me I could not take photos.

This really pissed me off.

I believe police activity, and certainly an arrest of a citizen, is within the public's interest and people have the right to know. I had every right to photograph the conduct of police officers performing this action, out in the open.

I voiced my opinion with some rather strong language.

The guards continued to block my camera and refused me access.

Well, you can see the result.

After shouting a bunch of stuff about "freedom of the press, and public interest", I looked straight into their eyes and said, "I am soooo gonna blog about you guys!"

They clearly didn't care.

Ah, hell. They were just doing their jobs. Or what they thought their jobs should be.

In anycase, I laughed it off, shook their hands, and that was that.

No hard feelings.

Besides, I managed to get the money shot...

(I smudged out the suspect's face, just in case he's innocent).

In the following video you will see images of the infiltrating fans of D.C. United, along with a very heavy police presence... all in the name of keeping the peace.

Red Patch Cat

2007-05-20T12:42:00.000-07:00

I'm still putting together my video from yesterday's match. In the meantime, I thought I'd introduce you to the newest member of the Toronto FC fan community.

This is Dashiell, and he's a red patch cat.

Some of you may remember Dashiell from my World Cup blog, in which he won a reader poll as being cuter than Wayne Rooney, although he probably weighs just as much.

He's still got it, though!

Flaring Up

2007-05-18T04:39:00.000-07:00

A burst of smoke marks the end of the match, and ignites a flame of controversy with potentially grave consequences for the supporters of Toronto FC.

Deep in the trenches there has been much discussion over the incident, and others like it, where unruly, over-the-top fans (few though they may be) cross the line of common sense and toss safety to the wind.

The discussion on the forums, both the Red Patch Boys and U-Sector, has focussed on whether or not flares should be allowed. Some have said there is no harm so long as people hold them, and don't throw them. Others have said they pose too much a safety risk regardless, especially given the fact that the rare type of fans who are likely to do this, by mid-match, have consumed so much beer they can barely stand let alone hold a burning flame.

I read one comment suggesting that banning flares is somehow an afront to diversity... I don't quite see the logic there.

Another supporter describes the beauty of the stands simmering in a misty glow of colour at the south end of the stadium. It's hard to resist that image, no doubt.

But with it comes the potential image of someone's eyes burnt out, or hair on fire... or god knows what travesty could occur.

The issue goes deeper, in that TFC officials have the extreme dilemna of deciding how far to go to tame the fans. When you consider how much media attention is being given to our raucus, rowdy behaviour (even today's Globe features a story about how we're literally going to bring down the stands), compared to the virtually absent coverage of our actual soccer team's play, they have to be concerned. On the other hand, the passion and excitement we provide is drawing people in, and is quite literally influencing the play on the pitch.

Going deeper, the supporter groups themselves are looking at what they can do to keep things positive. Granted, there has been some bickering between the two groups as to who is really responsible for the "bad" behaviour, and who is willing to do what to clean it up. But at least they are paying attention, insisting that fans be passionate and expressive without putting others in harm's way.

I sit in the heart of section 112. The energy is palpable, alive, electric... spellbinding. But, even in the heat of glory, I've seen some behaviour that makes me shake my head in wonder. People throwing beer cans, bottles and cups (full cups, by the way... filled with very overpriced beer!) into the stands. I've seen them throw lit cigarettes at security guards.

While one may say that there is no real safety threat here, there is something else at risk. Quite simply, it's our freedom to rock the stands. As it is, our section is scrutinized heavily by an abundance of police. If this continues, it's a matter of time before TFC pulls the plug, banning flags, banning beer (from our section, anyway), and making us sit down and behave.

Bloody hell... it'll be like going to a Blue Jays game!

For the love of all things holy... we do not want that.

Toronto Till I Die

2007-05-17T04:28:00.000-07:00

On a cold, rainy, Wednes- day night in May, you would have thought the stands to look like this throughout the match.

Remember that game in Kansas City... where there couldn't have been more than a couple hundred people watching the Wizard?

We're definitely not in Kansas anymore.

By the second minute of the match the stands were virtually full. This is a very good sign, as this was perhaps the first real test of our commitment, and our resolve. If there was any doubt, let it be shed once and for all. Toronto is mad for soccer, mad for TFC, and for a chance to jump and scream till our voices run dry... madder still.

Granted, it wasn't the lead story on any sportscast I heard, because apparently somewhere else on the planet there was a hockey game of some sort. But Toronto sports media may finally need to take note. Soccer has made its mark early on, and unlike the fairweather fans that saunter into SkyDome (sorry... the Rogers Centre), there is no sign of this love-affair cooling off any time soon.

Give me a misty field under the lights. Give me a hard-fought battle in harsh, wintry conditions. Give me a band of loud, ravenous fans.

Give me Toronto till I die.

The following Toronto FC video features: A missing "e" in the opening title credits; the worst, though funniest, rendition of "Oh Canada" I've ever heard; the post goal celebration; a shot of the mystery drummer; and the results of the flare some idiot shot off at the end of the match (unfortunately I didn't get the shooter).

Here we go:

A couple of final notes:

Andy Welsh is difficult to watch, giving up more balls than a bad circus juggler... but he scored the only goal of the match making him player of the game. Well done, lad!

Houston played like a bunch of little girls.

I lost my voice. Again.

Ohhhhh… Danny Dichio! Dichio, Dichio, Danny Dichio!

2007-05-16T07:54:00.000-07:00

The results aren’t final, but I’m going out on a limb to predict that Danny Dichio’s historic goal on Saturday will be voted the Sierra Mist Goal of the Week. There is still time, though, to cast your vote on the MLS website. Last I checked the Dichio goal was way ahead of the competition, at 45%.

TFC fans are gearing up for the first evening match tonight. Thankfully the day is a bit cooler than yesterday, allowing me to wear my TFC gear beneath my suit… though the scarf does stand out a bit. I personally think it is a nice accessory to a blue blazer and red… but certain members of management seem to disagree.

Anyway, if you’ve seen the Toronto Star today, or if you got the e-mail, you’ll know that we’ve been warned. Toronto FC officials are reminding supporters that “invading the field, tossing things like seat cushions and “any action that jeopardizes the safety of the players, officials or fans will be dealt with harshly”. In fact, they will waste no time in banning such persons from the stadium entirely.

I know, however, that Toronto FC management is reveling in the fact that our fans have been so fervent, rowdy, and engaged. Frankly, this kind of activity will help continue to sell out the stadium. I really don’t think they’re so worried about the seat cushions. If they’d ejected every fan who threw one… the stands would have been empty. And… was it not a glorious image? The sky filled with falling TFC logos?

What they are concerned about are the few idiots who cross the line. They are out there, no doubt. Throwing beer at players, lighting flares, tossing lit cigarettes off the stands… or worse, throwing bottles and empty beer cans is the kind of behaviour that they wish to stop, and rightly so. There is no need for that. It doesn’t help the team and it doesn’t enhance the fans’ experience.

As the e-mail suggests…

“The team’s home field has been established as one of the most difficult and intimidating places for visiting teams to travel to but it may be everyone’s responsibility to ensure this reputation is for the right reason.”
Anyway, tonight, before the match, the place to visit is Shoeless Joes at King and Dufferin, so be sure to drop by.

By the way, does anyone know what happened to the streaker?

VICTORY!

2007-05-14T08:19:00.000-07:00

I wasn't born the last time the Leafs won the cup.

I was out of town when Joe Carter hit his walk-off, World Series winning home run.

But, I was in the stands the day Danny Dichio scored the first goal for Toronto FC, and partook in the bedlam that followed.

Foolishly, I left my camera at home. I imagine I will never live that down (at least, not if my wife has anything to do with it), but at least there is plenty of on-line imagery to help those of us who were there to relive the moment, and those of you who were not... to see it for yourselves. Naturally, there are a number of wild posts on YouTube, including this one of TFC's first goal:

When the ball hit the back of the net, the earth shook. Twenty-thousand people turned the sky into a rain-storm of seat cushions, and the sound of thunderous applause and bleacher stomping could no-doubt be heard as far Yonge and Bloor.

That was just the beginning.

Two more goals sealed Toronto FC's first victory, first points, and the first game-winning celebration took to the streets.

If you've been following the media coverage, you're likely aware of the reputation of the south stands. The Red Patch Boys, situated in the South-East corner, really deserve some of the credit for the raucus, intimidating atmosphere that BMO will surely be famous for. Turning a docile, polite city of sports observers into a band of rabid, die-hard soccer fanatics is no small feat, and one warranting of praise. So too are the RPB's next-door neighbours, a supporter group called U-Sector, who have helped mold the fair-weather fanbase of most Toronto sports clubs into a ravenous pack of wolves.

Thankfully, on Saturday, the wolves were fed.

But, we're hungry for more.

Bring on Dynamo!

(Next time I'll bring my camera)

Toronto FC - Soccer Culture Hits T.O.

2007-04-29T17:07:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time.

After the intensity surrounding last year's World Cup, and all the wild abandonment displayed by Torontonians from Etobicoke to Scarborough, haven't you longed for a good game of footy in our own home town?

Well, it's here.

Full on.

I didn't think that the kind of passion we saw in the streets last June and July could ever be reproduced... until the MLS came to T.O.

Granted, Toronto FC have not exactly been stellar on the pitch, but that didn't stop the mayhem, nor the sheer volume from reaching decibals not heard since Zindane's infamous head-butt.

I could go on about it, but I'd rather just show it to you. Below you will find video footage of the pre-match festivities, from the viewpoint of the stands.

Of course, I have season tickets, so there may be plenty more where this came from. And for those of you who think going to a sporting event (i.e. Leafs or Blue Jays) means sitting on your ass and occassionally emoting a polite, subtle applause... get a load of this.

These are the Red Patch Boys, Toronto FC's foremost supporter group. This is their song.

Join us at the next match.

Final Photos

2006-07-12T15:32:00.000-07:00

Just a few more photos to post, sent in by T.O. World Cup readers. First, sent in by T.O. World Cup commentator Ben the Canadian, we have Cabinet Minister of Foreign Affairs Peter Mackay and - could it be - his new girlfriend??? Here they are enjoying the final match in Little Italy on College street. It makes one wonder... does Belinda like soccer?

And finally, here are some great shots, once again, sent in by Tom. Tom took in the final at the building formerly known as SkyDome (I suppose I should mention, for the sake of search engines, that it is now called the Rogers Centre), and shows us that French fans also made a great showing that fateful day!

I want to thank everyone who participated in this blog throughout the tournament, with your e-mails, comments, photos and... well... just for stopping by to read.

I'll have a few closing remarks to make in the next day or so.

Remember, the Under 20 World Cup is coming to Toronto next year! Let's do this all again, shall we?

Viva Italia - A Tribute to the Fans

2006-07-11T18:13:00.000-07:00

To the victor go the spoils!

Given that I've already created a Tribute to Brazil and their samba dancing, music making fans, as well as a special tribute to all the other fans of nations who did not make it to the final match, but still MADE A LOT OF NOISE, I decided that it was only fitting to honour Italy, and Italian fans all over the city, who spread joy from College Street to St. Clair West. Here are some of the sights and sounds of their celebrations throughout the entire tournament.

Enjoy...

Italy Celebrations Photo Call

2006-07-11T06:56:00.000-07:00

I know they're out there! Thousands of photographs capturing the heart and soul of Toronto's massive celebration of the Italian World Cup Victory. Photos like the one above, taken by K-Dough, which features a flag on St. Clair so high even a TTC Streetcar could pass beneath. You can read more about K-Dough's perspective of the event, here.

You can see some of my photos and video footage in the post below, or by clicking here.

Wouldn't it be great, though, if we could collect them all, and post them here, on T.O. World Cup, for the entire planet to see and share in one of Toronto's great days?

Send your favourite pics to harding.tocrime@yahoo.ca, and I'll put them up.

Viva Italia!

Italian March Along St. Clair West

2006-07-09T18:54:00.000-07:00

After 24 years, St. Clair West has been shut down again. Police are currently urging people to stay away from the area, from Bathurst to Caledonia, as a sea of Red, White and Green fills the the street.

This was the scene at around 6:00pm...

Masses of people were still heading in that direction. It looked to me like the Exodus scene in the Ten Commandments, as the people of Israel were led to the promised land. It was a constant flow that began at Bathurst and moved west. I think the march is probably continuing at this very moment.

As I sit in my apartment, which is not far from this mayhem, I can still hear the wild abandon of jubilation: screams, honking, whistles and horns. This will no doubt continue throughout the night.

Whether it was the madness of a Zidane head-butt, or the luck of a hit cross-bar, or an overpowering Italian team that pushed the competition to the limit before striking home at the end, it is Italy's day.

Italy Nation has come to Toronto. Anyone with a drop of Italian blood will be full-on Italian today. They have waited a long time for this. They have been through heartbreak after heartbreak... but that is long forgotten now.

Here are some of the sights and sounds that are going on right now... a penalty kick away...

Both College Street West and St. Clair West will feel this tremor of joy until the morning hours. But for me, St. Clair is the heart of the Italian community in this city. This St. Clair West celebration has been in Toronto's system since 1982, waiting patiently for the chance to burn again.

And burn it will, brightly, like a fireworks display. In fact, it will probably burn for the next four years.

Toronto's World Cup Fever Comes to an End

2006-07-07T14:57:00.000-07:00

Well, it's almost over. Time to put away the flags of other nations and raise the maple leaf. Time to look forward to the next time, and all the drama in between.

But, for the noise that we made over the past month, I think it deserving of a parting tribute for those who didn't make it to tomorrow's final. Much like the tribute for Brazil, these are some of the images and sounds I've captured over the course of the last few weeks. It's for all the fans who took to the streets, cheered, sang and danced for the glory of their nations they left behind...

Sunday's Post Match Celebration

2006-07-07T06:32:00.000-07:00

Just got word from Frédéric at Le Sélect Bistro that the Bistro will be hosting a post match celebration (or a place to drown your sorrows, whatever the case may be) on Sunday, starting at 6:00pm. Both French and Italian fans are invited, and Champagne and Prosecco will be flowing freely.

Unfortunately, Le Sélect is closed during the match for a private function (C'est domage!). To find out where to watch the match, see the next post, or click here.

Where to Watch the World Cup Final

2006-07-06T10:47:00.000-07:00

I've been getting a lot of inquiries as to where in Toronto is the best place to watch the World Cup final on Sunday.

Well... that depends.

If you're going to cheer for Italy, you've got plenty of choice. The hotspot, of course, where hords of people will gather, is the Café Diplomatico, on the corner of College and Clinton. With fantastic Italian food (the best panzarottos in town) and a large outdoor patio rigged with several screens and sound, it's the most covetted spot. However, space is at a premium, and you'll have to get there very early to get a table. But, in that viscinity there are a number of other places, including the Capitol Cafe, which is right across the street. Basically, along College, from Palmerston to Ossington, there is a bevy of patios and interior spaces that will be showing the match, and there will be plenty of green, white and red!

Also, St. Clair West is going to be very happening. Again, there are many bars and pubs on the strip from Vaughan to Landsdown that you could venture to. But, do get there early, or you might be forced to stand on the street and watch from the sidelines... which, actually, isn't so bad! It's all about the atmosphere, and Sunday is promising to be a hot, sunny day.

If you want to cheer on Zizou, go to Zazou! Toronto's French supporters have been gathering at the Zazou Lounge on King Street East (at John). As the tournament has gone on, the numbers have increased, so again I would encourage you to get there early.

Of course there are plenty of pubs, cafés and restaurants around town that will be full of atmosphere and excitement. Some of the World Cup favourites include, of course, Scallywags, and a host of others like Hemingways, the Madison, Betty's on King, the Wheat Sheaf, the Duke of Gloucester, la Cervejaria, and pretty much any sports bar in the city.

I also understand that Rogers and Addidas Canada are opening up the Skydome... sorry... Rogers Centre for a free showing and post-game party.

In any case, it's going to be a great day in Toronto. Is there anywhere else you'd rather be?

Silence

2006-07-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

With one kick from Zidane an entire neighbourhood is hushed. Little Portugal suffered a most unfortunate defeat this afternoon, as their beloved football team bowed out to France in a very close match.

Certainly, they had their chances, and we came very close to the College Street civil war that many predicted, which would have pitted Little Italy and Little Portugal head to head in a battle for the streets.

Alas, it's not to be.

But, the good news for Toronto is that Italy is in the final, and our massive Italian community is hungry for another Cup, and another chance to raise their flags and take over the roadways.

You may have noticed that I have not been present of late, as a viscious flu virus has taken hold of me. I feel like I've been given a red card and thrown from the tournament. I missed yesterdays celebrations in Little Italy (although I certainly could hear it, well into the night), and I was forced to watch today's match from a medical clinic.

However, I'm hoping that I will be back in top form for the final, which is promising to be spectacular.

As for Portugal's defeat, it is a bit of a heartbreak, given the boisterous pride Portuguese Torontonians have been displaying over the past few weeks. But, I'm reminded of the words of this young fan, who was part of an earlier post, just after a big Portugal win.

I guess we should have known.

What if...?

2006-07-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

Imagine.

Two major Toronto groups have World Cup dreams still alive: Italy and Portugal.

We are now half way there, as Italy has silenced the host nation by beating Germany in ultra-dramatic fashion. (Sadly, illness is preventing me from getting out to St. Clair or College for post match celebrations. If anyone has any photos of these scenes, be sure to send them!) Still, I can’t help but wonder what a Portugal/Italy final would mean for this city.

In the photo above, you can see the reaction on St. Clair Street when Italy won the World Cup in 1982. Add to this about the same amount of Portuguese Torontonians, and imagine the result.

That little corridor on College Street between Bathurst and Landsdown, where both communities live side by side, would be mayhem. Sunday’s final would pit the two largest, loudest, and most boisterous groups of soccer fans against each other.

Police, no doubt, have their concerns.

Residents, undeniably, are concerned as well.

However, what a day it would be, no?

Tell me you don’t want to see that. Tell me you’re not even a little curious. Tell me you wouldn’t, for the sake of pure excitement, venture down to College Street to take a look…

But we’ll have to wait and see, because although their Toronto contingent isn’t nearly as big, France stands guard before this scenario, like a sentinel at the gate.

I Will Return... I Will... To Old Brazil

2006-07-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

Brazil, you are out of the World Cup, and Toronto city streets will lament the loss. We so very much loved to hear you sing, and watch you dance. For a while, we danced with you... a samba we will never forget.

And so, a tribute to the life you brought to our streets...

Tom's Tour of Toronto

2006-07-02T08:05:00.000-07:00

Taking pity on a blogger down with a cold, Tom set out yesterday with his camera, and hit some of hot neighbourhoods where football fans were at fever pitch.

It seems Tom was one of the people who could not get into Scallywags, which was filled to the brim. Luckily, he found a spot at the Court Jester around the corner. I know that this pub, too, filled to capacity, because many of the people that ended up at the Fox and Fiddle had been rejected from there as well.

Following the match, he caught some of the downtrodden English supporters on their exodus from Scallywags...

Next, it was off to College and Ossington, where he caught some of the reaction of Portugal fans revelling in their victory...

And, he stuck around to see the next shift, as Brazukas gathered to watch their beloved Brazillian footballers play for a chance at the semi-final. Unfortunately, it didn't work out, and what would have been an explosion of celebration, turned out to be a docile walk home...

Thanks Tom!

Canada's Day in the World Cup

2006-07-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

PART ONE: THE GREAT ENGLISH DEFEAT

On a day when we should have been celebrating the birth of our nation, and our sovereignty from mother England, many of us instead carried the flag of our imperial oppressors, and cheered the English on the pitch.

For all the good it did...

Sadly, I've come down with a horrible summer cold, and was unable to meet with my mates, including Ben the Canadian, for our usual onslaught of beer, Champaign, and English chants. I was relegated to my own neighbourhood, and managed at least to get to the closest pub. Thankfully, I was surrounded by a jolly group of English supporters, most of them being strays who could not get into an over-packed Scallywags down the street.

Now, about that match. In an earlier post, I asked readers who was cuter: English striker Wayne Rooney, or my cat, Dashiell. Dashiell won by a landslide. I think I could have just as easily asked the question: “Who is better at soccer?” and had a similar result. Granted, Rooney’s play wasn’t so bad, but his ridiculous display of a baby-like tantrum was most regrettable. Maybe he didn’t deserve a red card. Maybe he was just a victim of Portuguese play acting. Maybe the ref went a little too far.

Who cares? This is the big time and you’ve got to be disciplined. That’s what it takes at this level. That’s what champions are made of. Rooney let down his team mates, big time.

So, England lost. I’m actually okay with it (although I’m pretty sure Ben the Canadian feels otherwise, as I am like to hear tomorrow!). In the end, they did not play up to the calibre necessary in the World Cup. In short, they do not have the stuff of champions.

However, I will say this. To all the people (English people, that is) who crapped all over Owen Hargreaves, and all the critics in the English press who railed against him – get stuffed! The lad outplayed everyone on that pitch today. Moreover, he’s the only one who managed to put a penalty kick in the net! He also won the FIFA Man of the Match.

Fitting, isn’t it, that a Canadian outperforms his British teammates on Canada Day?

There was a sad a lonely sight outside Scallywags after the match, as St. George’s Cross flew limply in the summer wind.

But life goes on, because, after all, there is another flag we should be flying on this day!

PART TWO: VIVE LE FRANCE!

Encroyable!

The French have won the day!

In a shocking upset that sent tremors throughout South America, France came up big and ousted Brazil from the tournament.

How quickly I set aside my English flag and take up le trois coleurs!

Regular readers of this blog will know that my favourite footballer is Thierry Henry, and his goal today made my heart smile! Certainly, les boys dans la lounge de Zizou are even more happy, as France moves on to play Portugal. (If anyone has any photos of French supporters in Toronto, I’d love to post them!)

This is not to say that my heart does not break a little for Brazil. The Brazilian contingent in Toronto is a most delightful group, and I enjoyed very much watching them dance and hearing them sing. Hopefully, this loss (from which there is no shame), will not deter them from thoroughly enjoying the rest of this tournament.

Incidentally, I managed to go for a short walk to the drug store after the match. I was hoping I’d see some jubilant fans of France at the local French bistro. All I found was this lonely table… waiting for a friend.

Music on Clinton Street - Or a Lot of Noise, Anyway

2006-06-30T19:14:00.000-07:00

I said Café Diplomatico was the place to go to cheer for Italy.

As you can see by the wall of people, I was more than right.

In fact, for about a three mile radius, with College and Clinton at the core, there was not a seat to be had.

With Argentina already knocked out (thanks to some spectacular goal keeping by Arsenal player Hans Lehman for Germany), Italian Torontonians had the opportunity to rule the town in victorious celebration.

It was an opportunity they were up for.

They came in droves, mass upon mass of people, desperate for a win, and dominating the street in such a fashion that police needed reinforcements just to cope.

But, there is always a brave soul about, willing to stand proud for his team, in the heart of enemy territory. This man showed no qualms about raising the flag for the Ukraine.

To his credit, he did not waiver in his resolve. Not even after this...

After the final whistle... the music, the whistles, the honking, the shouts and screams of euphoria began. Leonard Cohen once sang, "There's music on Clinton Street all through the evening." Of course, he didn't mean THIS Clinton Street, and I wouldn't exactly call it music... but the noise will no doubt continue till dawn.

And yet, sometimes pride can stand the pain of defeat, and stand defiant in its face... like this young woman, walking her bike, subtley but proudly carrying the Ukraine flag, into the heart of Little Italy.

Mall Watchers

2006-06-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

It’s a remarkable thing that happens, when the world stops to watch – when people from every corner of the earth gather in public spaces to share together the viewing of an event, be it cataclysmic, catastrophic, or euphoric. It makes you wonder why, when these things happen, we don’t just shut everything down. Close the schools, the banks, the offices… the government. More important things are at stake.

The World Cup has become such an event. In every office tower, every government office, every retail shop, grocery store, food court, café, bistro or bar, people are letting the trials and tribulations of their daily lives disappear for 90 minutes at a time, to watch this clash of mighty nations.

For some, it’s a vision of loneliness. People forced by fate to have to work during World Cup play, cut off from their brethren, forced to watch the match alone in a food court.

Others, able to sneak away from their desks for a short time, manage to catch a few blissful moments on a television screen through a shop window.

Then there are the lucky ones, who’s employers have graciously allowed them a reprieve to gather in a common area, like here at the Scotia Plaza (photo provided by Tom), and watch the match of their choosing.

Of course, the timing of some of the matches is perfect for the lunch time crowd. The boys at Bay Bloor Radio have caught on to this, and have provided a giant screen at the Manulife Centre food court, where people gather daily to watch the games in high-definition.

Yonge and Bloor, arguably the centre of the universe, is also a soccer gathering place. William Ashley’s shop has set up two giant screens in their windows, with sound, so that people can stop on the street and watch the games. With a laneway left open for actual customers, this is a brilliant marketing campaign for Ashley.

And, as for people who can’t avoid such daily errands as grocery shopping, here’s the solution. Whole Foods in Yorkville has set up a giant screen, so that shoppers (and, delightfully, employees who can’t get away) won’t have to miss a goal.

Incidentally, Whole Foods is currently flying the flags of the final 8. It filled me with great pride and joy to see that one flag towers above them all…

Who's Cuter?

2006-06-28T18:26:00.000-07:00

Now, they're both a little on the chubby side, and they both have their noses in the air...

But, who do you think is cuter?

England striker Wayne Rooney...

Or my cat Dashiell?

Cast your vote in the sidebar poll!

Fernando Dances a Samba

2006-06-27T19:11:00.000-07:00

But first, he plays a drum…

This, of course, follows today’s Brazillian win over a very tough, shockingly strong Ghana side. It had Brazookas (a term I learned today, which is similar to affectionately calling Canadians “Canucks”) dancing and singing on College street, just outside la Cervejaria, into the early evening.

I sat down with Fernando and enjoyed a bit of Chourico Portugal… which Fernando gracefully compares to how England is going to barbecue Portugal in the Quarter Final on Saturday.

Fernando needs our help. He’s going to be conducting tours around Ontario and Quebec for the next 20 days or so, which takes him out of Toronto for Brazil’s match against France, not to mention the semi-final or the final. How can we let that happen? Anyone out there have any idea how we can save Fernando???

Seriously, take a look at this guy’s passion. Don’t we want to see him dance this samba again? Is there nothing we can do to keep him here?

Zazou, Comment Allez-Vous?

2006-06-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

The Zazou lived in France during the Nazi occupation. They were not fascists. They were not in “le Resistence”. They took no side. They were not complicit. They sat in the dark bistros and drank wine, sang songs, and waited for the war to pass them by…

But today, they jumped into the fray, and went head to head with Spain, as France rose to the occasion and eliminated their rivals.

It was a beautiful win. One that shows racist manager Luis Aragones the door home, and allows Arsenal star Thierry Henry to proceed to the next level.

It also allowed for much joy at the Zazou Lounge in Toronto, where Tom and his wife sat back and enjoyed the beautiful match. Once again, Tom shares with us some fantastic images of this most festive occasion.

C’est belle, non?

Vive le France!

Cup Tripping

2006-06-27T08:04:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else curious as to why today's media seems to be a little Italy-centric in it's World Cup Toronto coverage? I've seen much ado about celebrations in Little Italy, but very little by way of the Ukrainian celebrations in the Bloor West Villiage.

Oh well, I guess it all has to do with numbers. In any case, come the weekend, there will be no choice to make. One of these two neighbourhoods will earn the right to it all!

Alas, I understand the difficulties editors have in choosing what to cover. But, my heart doesn't bleed that much. Big media outlets have the resources to span the city and catch it all. Lowley bloggers with bicycles can't cover so much ground. I have to make a choice, and stick to it!

That's why I'm grateful for people like Tom, who's managed to capture the heart of World Cup passion with his camera, and has been gracious enough to share!

Here's one of the Scotia Plaza. On one TV (the one you see in the Photo) France was playing Togo and on the other side, South Korea playing Switzerland.

Here we have some fans of Italy playing a little one on one while watching a match, followed by some more College Street festivities over a Portugal win.

Finally, here we see a shot from Zazou Lounge, where French supporters gather to cheer on la belle payee. (While I wish Spain the best in today's match, I'm actually cheering for France. Call me petty, but Spain's manager was recorded shouting obscene and racist remarks about French striker Thierry Henry during Champions League play. I hope Henry scores four goals and sends him home to face the music!)

Breaking News: Ronaldo has just scored for Brazil, making him the all time leading goal scorer of the World Cup. My camera's loaded, and I'm off!

Victorious Ukraine at Bloor and Jane

2006-06-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

I made it!

Forced to watch the match from the comfort of my own cubicle, I was blissed to see that it was going into extra time.

With little time to spare, my bike was simply not an option. So I hopped on the TTC and took the better way out to Bloor and Jane.

How lucky I was to have made it for the final penalty kick, which secured Ukraine the win over Switzerland, and the post-game Ukrainian celebration! You can see all the footage in this video…

This Bloor Street celebration, which saw hundreds of Ukraine flags waving from Runnymede to Jane, provided a welcome spectacle to patio dwellers just sitting down for an evening meal in the hot summer air. (Although, some of the car honking may have been a little nerve wracking to people who were looking forward to a nice, quiet meal). But that’s what the World Cup is all about in Toronto.

Making a lot of noise, and driving your neighbours bonkers!

No doubt there’s another neighbourhood, out in Little Italy, that is experiencing anything but quiet this evening. Next week will see these two victors pitted against each other. In the end… one of these neighbourhoods will join the Dutch, the Australians, the Ecuadorians, the Swedes and the Swiss… in bleak and deafening silence!

Little Portugal's BIG Win!

2006-06-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

I recieved these lovely photos from Lana, who was out and about on Dundas Street West yesterday afternoon, following Portugal's match against Holland. Certainly, there is a much different atmosphere displayed here than that of King Street East, where Dutch fans congealed... and cried...

Lana's photos are clear proof that, together, we can cover more ground, and capture the true essence of Toronto's World Cup passion from every corner of the city. Send me your photos! E-mail me at harding.tocrime@yahoo.ca, and I'll get them on the site!

Eng-er-land!

2006-06-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

This one comes in from Justin. He and the lads took in the England match at the Wheat Sheaf (King and Bathurst) on Sunday, and managed to keep their Argentinian friend in check! They must have been delighted when Beckham put one in, rivaling Rodriguez's Saturday effort (but, not quite).

Justin and company will be at the Wheat Sheaf for this upcoming Saturday's match against Portugal, and I may just join them. So, if you want to cheer for England, drop on by.

Brittania Rules the Waves - The Netherlands Go Home

2006-06-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

Back at it!

After spending last evening in vain trying to replicate Argentine striker Rodriguez’s masterful, beautiful, perfect goal with my Playstation, I awoke with a busy day ahead.

Racing on my bicycle to Ben the Canadian’s pad to see the England match, I thoroughly forgot about another great Toronto celebration… Pride! Finding the streets clogged with masses of very proud, lovely people, I had to take several detours, and peddle my heart out to make it on time for kick-off.

Thankfully, I arrived for the national anthems.

As you can see, English supporters were in full gear, and despite some very tense nerves, revelled in joy when Beckham bent it like himself, and nailed the top left corner of the goal.

Sweet!

But, the match was much tighter than we’d hoped. They say that the rate of heart attacks around the world dramatically increases during World Cup play. I believe it 100%.

After the final whistle, this is what Ben the Canadian had to say...

After the match, our gang marched en masse to Betty’s Restaurant to watch the Netherlands take on Portugal, knowing full well that our side would be facing the winner next week.

We arrived to a sea of orange, found our spot, and did not move as the place filled to capacity.

As you can see, the Dutch came out to play. They held nothing back, and fans of all ages were ready for the time of their lives.

We drank a lot of Grolsch, by the way.

On the other side of town, along College Street, there undoubtedly were throngs of Portugal supporters who sat on the edge of their seats and Holland dominated the match. With a majority of possession, and a vast many more shots on goal, including a few key red cards… it looked like it was going the other way.

But, in the end, the College Street crowd won the right to party, as the Dutch dreams were dashed by one… bloody… goal!

I have to admit, and you’ll see in the video below, that after watching Deco and Costinha get sent off with red cards, my allegiance secretly switched! You see, this turn of events will prevent them both, arguably Portugal’s best players, from playing in the next match… against England!

(I kept my cheers to myself).

Regardless of the outcome, it was a thrilling match. Probably the best of the tournament so far… and you can see below the ebb and flow of Holland’s hopes and dreams...

CBC RADIO ALERT: Incidentally, I will be speaking with Kevin Sylvester on CBC Radio One's Metro Morning, tomorrow (Monday) morning at 7:40 am. I really think you should listen, because I'm probably going to talk about you.

It's All Nick Hornby's Fault

2006-06-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

It's all Nick Hornby's fault.

If he hadn't written Fever Pitch, I'd have never been curious about a man's obsession with a football (soccer) team.

If I'd never been curious about such an obsession, I'd have never been curious to watch Arsenal (Hornby's obsession) play.

If I'd never seen Arsenal play, I'd have never been captivated by the grace, eloquence and overwhelming strength of Thierry Henry.

If I'd never been so struck by Henry's play, I'd never have watched another Arsenal match.

If I'd never seen Arsenal go a full season undefeated, I'd have never become obsessed!

If I'd never become obsessed, I wouldn't have never read John King's Football Factory, or England Away.

If I'd never read King, I'd have never cared about international soccer, and the wild, violent fervour displayed by nationalist hooligans.

If I'd never gave hooligans another thought, I wouldn't have become so interested in the passion, and fantical enthusiasm, displayed by football fans the world over in an international tourney.

And if I'd never done that, I wouldn't be doing this blog about Toronto's mad obsession with national bravado during the World Cup!

I wouldn't have been to so many pubs.

I wouldn't have drank so many beers.

I wouldn't have heard so many cries of joy, shouts of bewilderment, or curses of agony.

In short, I'd have had some sleep.

But, here we are, and we're better for it!

Now, on to the final 16, where I'm in for another hundred beers, an abundance of cheers, and buckets of tears.

Tomorrow... I'm away (which would be a great title for another Hornby novel, called "Harding Away"!). But, if you're cheering on Sweden against Germany, head down to the Madison. I understand that Fredric Ljunberg responds well to cheers from Toronto. He's said to have that supernatural sense!

If it's Mexico you're pulling for, hook up with Ben the Canadian at Bar Burrito on College Street. It's just east of Clinton Street. Say hello, and smile for the camera.

As for Argentina, well, you've got to get up to St. Clair and (ironically) Italia Avenue (just west of Dufferin). The last party they had brought the cops out. This one is going to be a knock-out!

I'm still not sure where German fans gather. Be sure to let me know if you have a favourite bar you're going to meet at. But, failing that, Scallywags is as good a pub as any.

On Sunday, do get out to Scallywags if you want to cheer for England. I will not be there, because Ben the Canadian is hosting an English breakfast, and he's going to need all the support he can get.

If you're after Ecuador, there are a Latin American bars on St. Clair near Vaughan. Be sure to check them out, and best of luck. (But, not too much luck).

Of course, Portugal fans already know where to go. I'm going to suggest Blue Nites on College at Dufferin. It's spacious, and they have the best BBQ'd chicken you'll ever have.

Finally, Dutch fans will be gathering at Betty's (King Street, east of Sherbourne), or at Hemingway's in Yorkville.

Me and my gang will likely be at Hemingway's, if you'd like to join us to cheer on the Dutch. I'm not playing favourites... I just really like their orange uniforms!

Enjoy the weekend! And remember, send me your photos!

Shining Stars - And a Photo Call

2006-06-22T21:21:00.000-07:00

From Ghana's Black Stars, to the stars on the Australian flag, today's were all shinging very bright.

On this day of a thousand stars, I could have gone to Little Italy, and shown you the mayhem of victory, but that you can see on CTV, including video footage here.

I could have gone to College and Ossington, and highlighted the all-to-familiar scene of Brazillians sambaing in the street, but that you can see any day of the week.

I would have liked to have gone to North York, where at Jane and Falstaff, massive celebrations were underway as Ghana shocked the world with a tremendous victory over the lowly U.S., moving on to the next round...

(You can see a whole bunch of great photos at Ghana's Canadian home page, here).

But, the most thrilling, astonishing, enthralling, captivating, heart wrenching match of the tournament... happened this afternoon. Australia and Croatia battled to the death. In the end, the Aussies move on by securing a 2-2 draw.

That was worth the trip to Hemingway's. That's what today is all about.

From the joyous...

To the not so joyous...

To the overjoyed... this was a place of celebration.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring!

PHOTO CALL: Incidentally, I am sadly going to have to take a short break from T.O. World Cup, as a death in the family requires me to leave the city for a brief time. However, I would love to post your images of all the excitement this Friday and Saturday. Please, do send me your photos and videos and I'll post them! You can send them to harding.tocrime@yahoo.ca.

I'm looking for all the action, from the thrill of victory, to the agony of defeat, and everything in between... like this little bit of irony, hanging at the bar at Hemingway's.

If you can't read it, it says, "I support two teams. New Zealand, and anyone playing Australia."

Summer Solstice Tour of Toronto

2006-06-21T18:32:00.000-07:00

It was the perfect day for a tour.

Four more teams go out. Four more teams go on.

I decided to take a winners lap.

Well… not quite, because the Netherlands and Argentina only drew. Had Holland won, I would have been inclined to begin my travels on King Street East. But, given the result, I decided to save that trip for this Sunday’s match against Portugal.

Speaking of Portugal, I began my cycling journey on College Street in the heart of Little Portugal, who convincingly won their group and all three matches. Certainly, the ceremonial driving-of-the-cars-while-honking-horns-and-hanging-out-window-waving-flag-like-maniac was in motion long after the final whistle.

But, the question remains. Does Portugal have a realistic shot at winning the Cup? Well, this little fan, despite her enthusiasm, doesn’t seem to think so...

Then it was off to St. Clair. I headed up Dufferin Street, but before I faced the daunting hill that nearly kills me every time, I took a breather at Dupont. On this corner (Dupont and Dufferin, South East Corner), you will find all your World Cup flag needs, from giant pillar masts to the little ones you put on your car. Clearly, some people like to buy more than one.

I asked the guys at the shop which flag they sold the most. The reply was, “Portugal man. Look at this guy!”

Finally I made it to the top of the hill. I took a little turn at St. Clair and found a group of Argentine partiers. They definitely seem to have the confidence to move forward… despite the unfortunate break up of their party by police….

Then I headed along St. Clair to Yonge. I was hoping to find some of my Mexican friends dancing close to Bathurst, but no such luck. I suppose losing to Portugal dampened their spirits, despite moving on to the next round.

Well… it’s the longest day of the year, and as the sun sets over Toronto, my eyes grow weary.

Good night.

Another World Cup Day - Blogging in T.O.

2006-06-20T18:13:00.000-07:00

Today was different.

It went something like this…

6:00 am – Awake, as usual, to the velvety voice of Andy Barrie on CBC Radio’s Metro Morning.

6:10 am – Remember that I am supposed to be on Metro Morning to talk about T.O. World Cup. Panic.

6:11 am – Take a hit of espresso, jump in the shower, throw on my England Jersey, find my fire-engine red England jacket (full story on jacket, here), and call a taxi.

7:20 am – Arrive at CBC studio. Meet Metro Morning crew. Realise, as I suspected, that Andy Barrie and Kevin Sylvester are two of the nicest guys in the world.

7:40 am – Go live. Do much better than prior television engagement. Kevin enjoys post about David Beckham and Thierry Henry. (You can hear the full interview through the Metro Morning website, here).

7:45 am – Leave CBC studio.

8:00 am – Arrive at office. Do some work (again, the kind I get paid for). Fall asleep at desk.

8:30 am – Wake up to do some more work. Actually get stuff done.

10:00 am – Sneak away from my desk to watch Germany play Ecuador. This time, completely avoid my manager… watch the entire match!

11:45 am – Get a call from CBC Television. They heard my earlier radio interview and ask to interview me on CBC News at Six.

11:46 am – Remember last television interview. Panic.

11:47 am – Calm down, agree to do interview, and work twice as fast to get through the day.

3:30pm (approx.) – See England score first goal. Scream with joy, much too loud. Get caught by manager and head back to desk.

3:45pm – Sod it! Sneak away to Pogue Mahones. Hook up with Ben the Canadian. Get there just in time for this:

4:40pm (approx.) – Sweden ties the match! Blast!

5:00pm – Finally manage to calm Ben the Canadian down to a slight grumble. Get the following in-depth, one-on-one analysis (á la Rick Mercer).

5:40pm – Take Taxi back to CBC studio.

6:13pm(sharp) – Go live. Surprise! I don’t panic! Manage to pull it off without wailing like a crazed hippopotamus.

7:00pm – Back to Scallywags, where once again I meet my beautiful wife, and enjoy the summer breeze with a lovely BELGIAN pint…

T.O. World Cup Exclusive: Interview with David Beckham and Thierry Henry

2006-06-19T15:01:00.000-07:00

Sunday in Toronto, Part 2: Red Devils on Bloor Street

2006-06-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

At Palmerston and Bloor, there be devils.

Red Devils.

I spent the latter part of the afternoon with these Red Devils in the Korean business district. After finding (and later forgetting) a spot to lock my bicycle, I found a nice corner in Clinton’s Pub to sit back and watch. I let the festivities unfold before me.

First, the pre-game excitement…

Then, the in-game tension… finally erupting into elation with a game-tying goal!

Sometimes, they say, the crowd in a football match can act as the "twelfth man" on the pitch. This was the case today, no doubt. While I was (very secretly) delighted to see Arsenal striker Thierry Henry score France's only goal, one couldn't help but be swayed by the enthusiasm that the Koreans brought to the match. The constant bombardment of drumming noise and chanting from the stands clearly effected the players on the pitch.

That drumming was contagious. It hit the streets of Toronto, and no doubt continues still, all along Bloor Street, from Yonge to Christie.

To see Sunday in Toronto, Part 1, see: Brazil vs. Australia!

Sunday in Toronto - Part 1: Brazil vs. Australia

2006-06-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

This is Fernando. He is from Brazil. Now, he calls Toronto his home, but when Brazil hits the pitch, he returns, cosmically, to his home and native land.

Fernando also conducts tours throughout Ontario. People come all the way from South America just for a chance to sit on a bus with him, and have him show them the sights. And, Fernando loves to do it. He takes great pride in welcoming his brethren to Canada, and showing them all the wonders we have to offer.

But, these days, Fernando wishes they would JUST STAY HOME! Today was the second straight Brazil match Fernando has had to miss because he’s been running tours to Niagara Falls. Despite the majesty and splendour of the gorge, it just doesn’t add up to a Brazil win.

So, if you see Fernando on College Street, or maybe at Lula Lounge, give him a big hug!

The past few days I’ve learned a bit more about Brazil and Brazilian culture, and would like to correct a few errors I have made in recent blog entries.

1. Brazilians do not say “Olé”. They may say “Hola”, but that’s entirely different. So, this silly song that the world has adopted as the “soccer” song, which simply repeats “Olé, Olé, Olé”, simply doesn’t work for Brazil. A most egregious error.

2. Brazilians do not Salsa. They Samba. In fact, Fernando has made it very clear that the reason Brazil does so well in the World Cup, is that they apply the principles of Samba dancing to their play, which gives them rhythm and flow.

3. Thirdly, there’s no such thing as a “mamba”. This, I knew. It was a typographical error. However, I probably was trying to write “Mambo”, which I understand is Italian, and also has nothing to do with Brazil.

In any case, if you’d like to know more about Brazilian music, and have a listen to all the World Cup soccer songs from each nation, visit MisterBryans.

I also learned, coincidentally, that even the greatest of Brazil’s supporters has his doubts about the outcome of this tournament…

Based on that analysis, I decided to take in today’s match from the Australian point of view. I hopped on down to Yorkville and dropped in at Hemingway’s, where the Ausie faithful gathered in droves.

Of course, Hemingway’s, with it’s several open-air patios and bountiful beer list, is always a good time. But for Australian fans today, it could have been magic.

Alas, Brazil was just too much for them, despite a solid Socceroo effort.

Still, as you can see from these bright eyes and this smiling face, they remain optimistic, and have faith their side will go through.

“Ausie Ausie Ausie… Oi oi oi!”

To see Sunday in Toronto, Part 2, click: Red Devils on Bloor Street.

Viva Italia!

2006-06-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

If you’re Italian, and you live in Toronto, today should have been your day!

It should have been.

The annual College Street Italian Festival always provides Torontonians with the fantastic opportunity to wander about Little Italy, enjoy the festivities, the food, the games, and the wonderful music. Today, the festival had the added bonus of Italy playing in the World Cup. What’s more, in a match that should have been an easy win, Little Italy was set up for a celebration to end celebrations.

Just take a look at some of the game-time atmosphere…

Perfect patios.

Hordes of jubilant people.

A visit from Mayor David Miller.

Wonderful music.

Even an ongoing soccer game…

In fact, the area was so packed with excited football fans, there wasn’t a seat to be found where one could sit back, have some gelato, and watch the match. In the end, I ended up in a lovely little Mexican restaurant, which turned out to be not bad at all. Corona beer and nachos… you can’t go wrong!

But, an American goal and a red card later, disappointment hit the streets like an atomic bomb, and put the masses into a stunned silence.

What’s more, just a few blocks away, Portugese fans were in the throws of ecstasy after their morning win over Iran. Anxious to rub it in, Little Italy began to fill with Portugese fans and flags.

On the upside, the draw against the U.S. did not defeat the Italian spirit. I heard many locals discussing their next match, clearly optimistic about Italy’s chances of going through to the next round.

I, for one, have my doubts. The Czech Republic, after facing a huge upset defeat to a spectacular, high-flying Ghana side, will be playing for their lives. Italy must beat them to go through. Personally, I think we’re like to see (as Ben the Canadian predicted at the outset of the tournament) the Czechs and Ghana go through.

Luckily, the draw did not ruin the day. Little Italy has so much to offer. It is a one of Toronto’s great gems, and you will always find joy when you visit its streets.

Today, though, that joy was tempered with the aura of pending doom.

Victoria! Zege!

2006-06-16T19:11:00.000-07:00

Don’t cry for Argentina.

Not since Eva Peron stole the hearts of a nation has Argentina loved the way it does today. After a 6-0 lambasting of Serbia Montenegro, the side clearly shook all doubts that it couldn’t contend for the cup, and the powder blue flag is waving over cars across the city.

On the flip side, Serbia/Montenegro… the nation that is no longer a nation but remains a football team… must be drowning in tears. No flags. No dancing. No honking of horns. In fact, silence… except for the sound of a thousand hearts breaking.

Ah, well, it’s just a game!

And what a game it was! I’m speaking, of course, of the Netherlands’ match against the Ivory Coast.

Now, to my Dutch readers, I must apologize. I had hoped to make it out to Betty’s pub, where Holland’s flag flies high and Dutch beer pours cold and clean… but, alas, it was not to be. Due to scheduling challenges, I ended up at the Fiddler’s Green on Wellesley street. So, I owe you one. I promise I’ll make it out there before the tournament ends.

In the mean time, I’d like you to meet my good friend Kev. Kev is not a flying Dutchman, per sé. In fact… he’s not even a sitting Dutchman. He’s simply not Dutch. But… somewhere through the course of his life, he left his heart in Amsterdam. Now, he sits, trancelike, filled with tension and anxiety, watching a much closer match than he can handle.

That’s how it was as the Ivory Coast poured it on. Most of the second half happened in the orange penalty box, and I thought Kev might just have a heart attack. Thankfully, Netherlands survived, and consequently Kev will live to watch another match. I can’t wait to see how he reacts to Argentina!

Speaking of tight matches, Mexico’s draw with Angola comes as a bit of a surprise. I was hoping there would be a jumping fiesta out on St. Clair West tonight. But, no such luck. Instead, fans of Mexico marched along the street in somber, funeralesque fashion.

I finished off the night the best way I knew how. Scallywags rooftop patio, my beautiful wife… and a crisp, clean, Dutch pint…

Day Eight - Where to Watch Today's Matches in Toronto

2006-06-16T04:23:00.000-07:00

I don't know if any of these fans will be there, but if you want to cheer on the Netherlands against the Ivory Coast today in the company of others like you, the place to be is Betty's, at 240 King Street East. Get there early though, and have a pint of Grolsch!

Contrarily, if the Ivory Coast is more to your liking, you're best to go to the Golden Gate, 2428 Islington Ave., Unit 104. Now, I understand their liquour license is still pending, but this is apparantly the hot spot if you're cheering on the Ivory Coast, Ghana or Togo in this tournament.

This morning, as Argentina goes up against Serbia/Montenegro. It may be a little early for drinking, but the Sky Ranch Restaurant, 2473 Dufferin will no doubt have some lovely empenadas, which will make it worth the visit on its own.

I'm not sure where the Serbia/Montengro fans will gather... so if anyone Serb fans have any thougts about where you'd like to gather, just leave them in the comments section!

This afternoon Mexico is up against Angola. For great Mexican fare and a football fiesta, head out to La Mexicana II, at 838 Yonge St. Have some tacos and a Corona, and it won't matter how your team does!

Finally, to join you Angolan brethren, the place to be is the Yauca Sports Bar, 1173 Dundas St. W. They have 4 televisions, but get there early because their capacity is only 40 people!

Have a great day everyone.

Cheers.

A Day in the Life of a Toronto World Cup Blogger

2006-06-15T19:05:00.000-07:00

My day went something like this.

6:30 am – Wake up. Post a list of where to watch the day’s matches in Toronto.

6:45 – Struggle with what to wear. Find an old “England” polo shirt. It’s ratty, but it’s clean.

7:30 – Head out to the office on my bicycle, England flag waving from the handle bars.

8:00 – Get to office. Do some work (the kind I get paid for).

9:00 – Sneak away from my desk to watch Ecuador play Costa Rica.

9:05 – Get caught by my manager and sent back to my desk. Do some more work.

9:07 – Sneak away again. Watch Ecuador crush Costa Rica and power themselves into the next round.

11:00 – Do some more work.

11:30 – Go to charity BBQ.

12:00 – Get a call on my cell from a line producer at Sun TV, who wants to interview me about T.O. World Cup on Canoe Live at 6:00. I agree. Am elated.

12:10 – Go back to charity BBQ.

12:11 – Sneak away from charity BBQ. Go to Pogue Mahones at College and Yonge. Hook up with Ben the Canadian.

12:15 – Watch Crouch miss open net after open net. Scream like a maniac. Drink a pint. Shout at the TV. Nearly have a heart attack when Trinidad and Tobago come within a foot of a goal.

1:30 (approx.) – GOOOOOAAAAL! Crouch finally heads one in. Again, scream like a maniac. Am disappointed that Crouch does not do the “robot” dance.

2:00 – Sneak back to office. Do some work. Substantial work! (Really…)

3:00 – Sneak away to watch Sweden vs. Paraguay. Don’t care too much, because England is already through. But, am delighted to see Arsenal superstar Ljungberg score the only goal of the match.

5:00 – Off to the interview! Realise I look like crap. OH MY GOD! WHAT DO I WEAR!

5:01 – On my bike. No time to go home to change. Look for clothing store.

5:20 – Make it to Roots Clothing Store at Eaton Centre. Purchase fire-engine red England jacket (as seen here in this picture of Jacksoul… who is not me). Look a little better (but still not Jacksoul).

6:00 – Make it to Sun Media. Line producer meets me at door and tells me I’m guest number two. Then tells me guest number one hasn’t made it yet. I am now guest number one.

6:01 – Sit down, get hooked to mic, look at camera, get ready to go live.

6:02 – Go live.

6:03 – Realise that my dream of doing a face to face interview with glamorous Canoe Live host Janette Luu is not going to happen. She is in the building, but not here. She speaks to me through a monitor, and I talk to the camera.

6:04 – Find myself lost for words. Stumble. Start to sweat. Feel nauseous. Make no sense. Gather myself. Finish strong.

6:06 – Back to my bike.

7:00 – Home. Pint of Boddington’s meets me at the door.

And then to supper… and then to bed.

Tomorrow will be another adventure. I hope to sneak away from the office at 11:30, and peddle my heart out down to Betty’s (coincidentally, across the street from Sun Media), which is the place to be to watch the Netherlands take on the Ivory Coast.

See you there!

Where to Watch Your Team in Toronto

2006-06-15T04:41:00.000-07:00

Looking for your home crowd?

According to the Globe and Mail, there are certain places that are the spots to visit to watch your home team in action in Toronto.

I know I’ll be at Pogue Mahones on Bay Street to watch England today, but this city has more English pubs than Englishmen, so you shouldn’t be at a loss to find a good spot. Certainly the Duke of Gloucester (Yonge and Bloor) will be THE spot, but your local will probably do just as well.

On the flip side, if you want to cheer for Trinidad and Tobago, the alleged best place to go is Club Sandos, at 5780 Sheppard Ave. E. Have yourself a roti, sit back and… good luck!

For some reason, The Madison, which usually caters to a slew of frat boys and sorority girls, is tauted as the hot spot for Sweden today. It’s at 14 Madison Ave., and boasts having great chicken wings. There’s lots of room there, so no doubt it’ll be a lot of fund today! Oh, and you can get a pint of Creemore or Keats, for $5.75/pint.

I’m not really sure where the best places are to cheer for Costa Rica, Ecuador or Paraguay, but Skallywags at Yonge and St. Clair seems to bring in fans from every nation. Also, St. Clair West (around Dufferin) has a multi-ethnic flair that attracts lots of soccer enthusiasts, so you can’t go wrong there.

Enjoy the day everyone.

The Sad, Lonely Ride to Roncesvalles

2006-06-14T21:03:00.000-07:00

I got on the streetcar at College and University, and headed west.

Along that route, you pass through the United Nations of Toronto, cruising into the hearts of many neighbourhoods.

What a difference a day makes.

Only yesterday this street was alive with the sound of thunder and drums as Brazilians celebrated their win over Croatia.

Only two days ago, Little Italy, which is centred around College and Clinton, was teeming with the red, white and green tri-colour flag, as Italians revelled in the day's success.

This past weekend saw the west end of the street, at Dufferin, rocking to sounds of loud music and honking horns as Little Portugal boasted their win.

But not today.

Today, this is what the journedy looked like...

Sadly, I could not watch the Germany vs. Poland match on Roncesvalles street, the heart of the Polish community. But, after the game finished, and Poland's World Cup dream all but came to an end, I wanted to get out there to see the aftermath.

I had been told that many German and Polish fans intended to gather there, to watch the game together. I had hoped that, despite the result, it would be a joyous occassion for such a beautiful, and deserving neighbourhood.

It was not to be.

Sadly, as residents of this classic sub-section of Toronto are getting ready to say goodbye to an old friend (the Revue Cinema, a fantastic retro-movie house that has been a mainstay of the Festival Theatres for years, is scheduled to close on June 30th), they must also say goodbye to their hopes of football glory.

On most days, I would have loved the quiet. I would have loved the sound of the chirping birds, and the placid, spring breeze.

But today... it just felt sad. It felt lonely.

Day Five - Olé

2006-06-13T18:35:00.000-07:00

Olé Olé Olé!

I can still hear the banging of drums, the horns and the whistles. I still feel the Latin rhythm and the Salsa beat. I’m still swaying with a mamba twist.

Today was just that kind of day in Toronto.

While the middle match between France and Switzerland did not bear any fruit (no one really likes a goalless match), the day’s other games brought real excitement, and kept the flames of football passion burning bright.

The morning’s match ignited the Korean district near Bloor St. and Christie, as Korea reigned supreme with a 2-1 victory over Togo. The Christie Pitts became a sea of red as fans streamed out of their businesses and into the streets, adorned in their firey red team shirts.

I met these lovely people at the corner of Christie and Bloor, sitting calmly, watching the sun set over the field, still revelling in their team’s effort.

Clearly, they are filled with confidence, and have no doubts about who will win the cup.

Now… to College and Ossington.

Madness.

Mayhem.

Delight.

This video footage was at half time. ONLY HALF TIME…

Word definitely got out. Come one, come all! Brazil has beaten Croatia! Brazil has won the day! And the place to gather is La Cervejaria!

It was standing room only, as many fans were forced to watch the match from outside the bar.

But, that didn’t stop kids of all ages from enjoying the fiesta outside.

Even Ontario NDP Leader Howard Hampton came out to celebrate!

And when it was all said and done…

(Get your dancing shoes one… you’re going to love it!)

Day Four - Did Italy Just Win the Whole Thing?

2006-06-12T18:40:00.000-07:00

SOCCEROOOOOOOS!

Isn’t that fun to say?

Certainly, Canadian readers may well remember the Polka Dot Door from their childhood, which featured a mute, rather freaky character called Polkaroo…

Not the same thing.

But the Roos were hopping today, let me tell you. In a match that looked all but done, the Australians pulled off a victory over Japan by scoring three times in eight minutes.

That’s class.

There are two pubs that seem to cater to a large Australian/New Zealand crowd (and yes, before I get inundated with e-mails, I do understand they are distinct nations – and very different cultures… e.g. Canadians vs. Americans). There’s the Artful Dodger on Isabella, and Hemingway’s in Yorkville. No doubt there were some solid fry-up parties happening there this morning.

Now here’s a question. Where is the American neighbourhood in Toronto? I suppose it’s the Eaton Centre, or the tourist district, or, as my wife puts it, “those big, awful, ugly, gigantic family restaurants… like Hooters.”

In any case, there was nothing for them to cheer today, as they suffered the biggest defeat of the tournament thus far to the Czech Republic. Now, I’m not necessarily a fan of the Czech side, but for some reason I always find myself cheering against the Yanks! Of course, I mean no offence to my American cousins. Most of my dearest friends live south of the border. Quite simply, they are our natural rivals, and it’s fun to see them lose!

Finally… you’d think Italy won it all by the reaction downtown today. Little Italy, as expected, erupted into a euphoric roar every time an Italian player got near the ball! And, heaven help you when they scored! Lord knows they’ll be partying well into the dead of night.

I have a good friend who’s Italian. He refuses to admit there has been a World Cup since 1982.

Anyway, I regret to tell you that I have no footage of this mayhem. However, the good folks at City News managed to do a nice report. You can read about it and see some good video footage. Just click the link, look for the "Italy off to hot start" story, and then click the little television and you'll see it all!

Now, it’s time for me to brush up on my Samba. Tomorrow… BRAZIL!

G’day mate. Pozdrav na dobrou noc. Ciao!

Day Three - Dutch Treats, and Dancing in the Streets

2006-06-11T21:47:00.000-07:00

I have a confession to make.

I didn’t make it to the pub this morning.

I slept in.

Well, it’s to be expected given the exhausting weekend it’s been, hopping from pub to pub to watch the beautiful game in its greatest form.

But I managed to wake up in time to see the Netherlands squeak by Serbia/Montenegro. Certainly, the Dutchmen are among the favourites for the final eight, so the victory was to be expected. However, as an Arsenal supporter, I have to admit that it’s just not the same watching Holland without the Flying Dutchman himself, Dennis Bergkamp. Sorry to say, long time Manc player R. van Nistelrooy just doesn’t do it for me.

I did make it to Scallywags for the end of the match, and as you can see, the Dutch continued to enjoy a frosty pint long after the final whistle.

Interestingly, I have not seen one Iranian flag in this city. I don’t know if there is a neighbourhood where fans of Iranian football hangout, but if anyone knows of one, please tell me.

In any case, there would have been no Iranian flag waving today, because Mexico really took it to them, and cruised to a 3-1 victory.

Well, do you think this victory pleased Toronto’s Mexican population? I went to check it out at St. Clair and Dufferin. Take a look and see for yourself!

Then it was off to Little Portugal. I watched Portugal take on Angola at College Street hotspot Blue Nites.

It was awesome. A packed house, full of raucous, passionate fans. If the Portugese BBQ didn’t tempt you, how about a Portugese victory. Granted, it was a soft win at best. Angola gave them a serious run for their money, and it could easily have gone the other way. But, believe me, when you’re in that part of the hood… they might as well have won the whole damn thing. See for yourself…

Sadly, just after I left this scene, there was apparently a fight not far from there. Two men were stabbed and slashed with beer bottles, marring an otherwise joyous occasion.

It seems that some people are not in the true spirit of the World Cup, where competition is friendly and brings the world together. In the end, it’s just a game, and taking it more seriously than that will only end up in frustration. Hopefully that will be the end of it, and the kind of idiots who engage in this violent interaction will prove to be few and far between.

Day Two - Perfect

2006-06-10T21:05:00.000-07:00

Well, it was nearly perfect anyway. It began with me and my doll heading to Ben the Canadian's place down on the waterfront to watch England's first match. Our cab took us by Scallywag's en route, and we could see how popular this match was. As early as 8:00 am there was a long line to get in, and some people were religated to pressing their faces to the window to see what was going on.

The day began with a touch of class. Champaign cocktails, bagels and Timbits. Add to that an English victory, and you're heading toward natural bliss.

As you can see in the photo above, Ben the Canadian was delighted with the result, despite the somewhat labourious play of the English side. In the end, a win is a win. Now, how you watch England play, is a matter all unto itself. The video clip at the end of this post will tell you all you need to know on how best to enjoy watching England at work.

Following match one, we headed over to the Irish Embassy on Wellington. There we watched the upset of the day, as Trinidad and Tobago pulled off a small miracle and held Sweden to a draw. Despite an equal result, the Swedish fans were utterly dejected, while fans of the Caribean nations were jubilant.

I even saw my first Trinidad flag on a car on King Street!

Next it was off to the Wheat Sheaf, known as the oldest pub in Toronto. That's where we watched Argentina pull off a nice win over the Ivory Coast. It was a fairly one sided match, and despite Ben the Canadian's ultimate hate for a certain Argentinian player (see "Hand of God"), they were quite marvelous to watch. Look for them to go far in this tournament.

Of course, the temperatures were rather cool in Toronto today, especially for June. But, with the sun shining bright, and footballs flying in the air, it made for a virtually perfect day.

So, I'll leave you with this video, Ben the Canadian on How to Watch England...

Cheers.

Day One - German Beers and Polish Tears

2006-06-09T19:02:00.000-07:00

Roncesvalles is full of heartbreak this evening. On a day that promised to be the beginning of a world class World Cup run, the Polish side were shocked into submission by an alleged weaker team. Ecuador pulled off the first upset of the tourney, knocking the Poles 2-0.

But, don’t count Poland out yet. There’s one particular match in this first round that could change it all for them. As Ben the Canadian says:

Watch out for that Germany Poland game - their distaste for each other on the pitch might become as heated as the battle between their sets of hooligan fans off it. And that is coming from an Englishman - ouch.

Contrarily, fans of Germany have much to celebrate as the home town fans were given a treat of football prowess. Granted, Costa Rica put up a solid fight, and had the hosts on the run for a good part of the match. But two beautiful goals by the Germans were the difference in this one, as they pulled out a 4-2 victory. This should ease a few spirits, given that the German star striker Ballack is out with an injury.

Tomorrow things hit full stride. The match I’ve been looking forward to begins at 9:00 am Toronto time, and England takes on Paraguay. I’m predicting an England 2-0 victory, and I’ll be sure to have some reactions for you, and hopefully some video footage of some post match celebrations.

Also up tomorrow, we have Trinidad and Tobago taking on Sweden. I’d look for the Swedes to take this one easily, especially given their superstar Arsenal player, Lundgren, is in top form.

The final match of the day will see Argentina kick-off against Côte d'Ivoire. Argentina is heavily favoured for this match, and… well… most matches, so we shouldn’t be in for any major surprises on that front. I imagine we’ll see a nice parade of Argentinian supporters driving their cars, honking their horns, and waving those lovely powder blue flags along College street.

Either way, we’ll be just hitting our stride by around 11:00 am… so pay us a visit, and get in on all the action here at T.O. World Cup!

Oi, Hooligans!

2006-06-09T03:39:00.000-07:00

Stolen from the front page of T.O. Crime, the following is a direct testimonial from a self-professed English football hooligan I had the pleasure of sitting beside on a train during my last visit, describing the inner workings of a football brawl.

Oi, it’s like all the petrol in your tank suddenly exploding in your brain. Every bit of adrenaline hits you, and you’re burning. You look across to their side and you size them up. Pick the bloke that’s right for you. Give ‘em the look, right, like he’s about to see red. It’s the look of death. Show him you’re not taking the piss. This is for real you fucking muppet, and there’s no turning back.

Thing is, he’s thinking the same thing, right. He’s like, you’re the one going down. But you know better, and when your fist meets his fat face in the middle, then everything you thought goes out for shit.

Lads, we’re at it.

Every hit, punch, scratch, bite, wallop or kick to your bollocks is just a medal in your curriculum veritae. It’s a war wound to show your mates at the pub. It doesn’t hurt a bit. Not one bleeding ounce. No fucking way.

All that matters is you walk away and they don’t. Or you run, like from the Old Bill. They’re everywhere now, mate. Germany, France, Belgium, Holland… Christ, even fucking Korea and Japan at the World Cup… the Filth were there trying to put us all away.

I’ve had some good ones, eh. Some fucking bloody wars. Thing about the internationals is you’re in a truce. Doesn’t matter which side you’re on, Gunners, Mancs, Spurs, Hammers… Christ, even bloody Chelsea. You’re all on the same side when you’re going abroad.

They’re the best punch-ups because it’s for the pride of your nation. Doesn’t matter if the football team wins or not… it’s how you do in the streets. It’s the mark you make.

‘Course a lot of us go home in chains. And we’re not exactly welcome to come back, right!

Like Germany. This year’s a pisser. Bloody Bill from all over. Even being carted in from Poland, for fuck sakes.

Muppets.

But we’ll be there. We have to be. It’s bloody England.

Two World Wars and one World Cup
Doo dah, doo dah,
Two World Wars and one World Cup
Oh, de doo dah day!

You watch. You’ll see. England rules the waves.

I don’t know what kind of punch-ups we’ll see, but we’re in for some bloody awesome football!

Hopefully, we’ll see a lot of badgers on the field, like these lads (you must watch this clip), scoring plenty of goals for ENGLAND!

Rule Britannia!

Best,
H-

Welcome to the Second Greatest Place on Earth

2006-06-07T19:24:00.000-07:00

On June 9th, the world comes to Toronto.

No, Toronto the Good is not hosting the 2006 FIFA World Cup. But for the next month, aside from Germany, where football dominance will be decided in all its glory, Toronto is definitely the greatest place to be on earth.

From Roncesvales to Yonge, College to St. Clair, and all points beyond, our streets will be alive with vibrant international pride. Neighbourhoods will be adorned with the colours of many nations, and flags will be flying on virtually every car on every street.

Polish Canadians will be dancing on Roncesvalles. Italians will be parading the streets on College and St. Clair. Portugese fans will be cheering on Dundas West. Korea’s pride will blaze forth on Bloor. Brazilians will dance the Salsa… well… probably everywhere in the city.

And me…waving my St. George Cross for the glory of England… I’ll be here.

Scallywags pub has been hailed as ground zero for all World Cup football fans. Every game will show here, and fans of any nation will always find a frosty pint, a friendly face, and a rival snarl.

But, if you can’t come down to join us, find a pub of choice and enjoy the beautiful game in its ultimate tournament.

And when the match is over, tune in to T.O. World Cup!

That’s right. The creators of T.O. Crime are bringing you the Toronto perspective of the World Cup. We’ll have news, human interest stories, analysis, and a view from the streets as Toronto celebrates this glorious time of year.

To kick it off, I’d like you to meet Ben. Ben the Canadian, we’ll call him, as he has just today become officially a Canadian citizen. Born and raised in North London, Ben and I are usually rivals. You see, Ben the Canadian supports the Tottenham Hotspur, and I support Arsenal… two sides that don’t really get along.

But when it comes to an international tourney, we’re as English as tea in the afternoon.

Here’s Ben, freshly Canadian, with a few predictions for World Cup 2006.

Enjoy.