Toronto FC...can't we all just get along?

As Toronto FC approachs the end of its 4th season in the MLS, emotions are running high for the fan base of this fragile franchise.  It's been a season to remember in the short history of Toronto FC...another new head coach, a grass playing field, the new north end seating, the Wall of Honour, CONCACAF Champions League success (sort of), General Manager Mo Johnston being fired and a season-ticket scandal that resulted in the club sending an open letter to Toronto FC Fans admitting they "screwed up" and are now holding 4 town-hall style meetings...WTF???

A corner kick for the opposing team from the south-east
corner of BMO Field the Red Patch Boys corner...beware!

This past weekend, TFC finished the home portion of it's MLS schedule with a 2-2 draw against one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference, the Columbus Crew.  The Reds played a solid game and deserved the full 3 points but a crazy goal in injury time, by the Columbus goalie (yes, you read that correctly), gave the visitors a tie.  You can see it all for yourself by watching the game in 6 minutes.  This was normally the kind of game that would have the BMO Field faithful in a frenzy...scarfs would be held high, streamers would be flying, feet would be stomping and the singing would get louder as the game progressed but not on this day.  Sure, people got excited and cheered at all the right times and yes, the air was sucked out of the stadium when Columbus scored the equalizer but overall, the energy around the stadium just felt off.  Well, here's the reason why...The Red Patch Boys, generally recognized as "the leader" of the various supporters clubs, used this game to send another message to the management of Toronto FC...by extension, to the evil empire MLSE.  Normally the loudest and reddest section at BMO Field, the boys arrived to the park making very little noise and with everyone wearing green instead of red, a gesture done to symbolize the greed of the owners.  It was a strange to see the most hardcore TFC supporters, sitting on their hands while their team put on a solid display of football.

The recent events surrounding Toronto FC have created a bit of a media buzz.  They're talking about us in the New York Times while The TSN Reports have given their thumbs up to TFC supporters for forcing the corporation to listen.  TFC management have received the message and changes are in the works for next season.  

I understand the frustration of another losing season and it's widely acknowledged that the club as been mis-management for a while now.  I support the need to send a message and demand a change from the powers above.  I'm a season seat holder who will be renewing his seat and will be attending one of the town-hall style meetings to further voice my displeasure with recent management blunders.  Sure, times are tough for TFC supporters but...with 15 minutes left in the last home game of the MLS regular season, after our goalie threw a player to the ground defending his territory and our team was playing a great game, the Red Patch Boys could have put aside their differences (for 15 minutes plus injury time) and supported the players on the field.  Maicon Santos was having an inspired game and Nicholas Lindsay looked like he belonged in the MLS.  You demanded a better performance on the field and the lads delivered.

Tuesday night, TFC will play its last home game of the year, closing out their CONCACAF Champions League schedule against Deportivo Arabe Unido.  With all the excitement surrounding the club, one might forget that they actually play soccer from time to time.  Here's hoping for a strong performance by our team, an entertaining TFC victory and that the supporters and management can get along for 90 minutes...plus injury time.