Why are so many T.O soccer fans anti TFC?

Discussion in 'Toronto FC' started by firice4837, Jan 27, 2008.

  1. firice4837

    firice4837 New Member

    May 20, 2007
    Ok, first I thought it was just some of my friends, but it seems like many people I talk to who are passionate footy fans think of TFC as a joke. I reguraly get arrogent remarks like "Its nothing like the premier league" and "Worst footballl (soccer) I've seen in my life." Its not supposed to be the premier league, its supposed to be OUR league.

    We all know about the Bob McCowens of the city who hate the sport in general and I've learned to accept that. But how can you call yourself a soccer fan if you refuse to give TFC a chance. Many of the posters on this board cheer for other clubs (manu, liv'pool, juve etc), but still show a passion for this citys team. Sure we all love watching soccer at its highest level on TV, but going to a game is just something else. I'm sure we've had discussions on this board about soccer hating, soccer bashers but I want to know what you think of these soccer loving, TFC bashers. Also what should be my response to this?

    Cheers!
     
  2. nfitz

    nfitz Member

    Aug 20, 2007
    Toronto
    I can't say I've come across many against it. Some are not interested, but it takes a funny sort to be actively against something that doesn't interest them.

    Given TFC is sold out, then perhaps we should be glad for all those that don't want it. Makes it easier to get tickets - and they can lock themselves in the basement watching people living half-a-world away.
     
  3. Polygong

    Polygong Moderator
    Staff Member

    Apr 8, 2007
    Toronto
    Club:
    Toronto FC
    Nat'l Team:
    Canada
    I haven't heard much of it, what little I have is more of a lack of interest than being truly against the team, and most of those are displaced limeys.
     
  4. voros

    voros Member

    Jun 7, 2002
    Parts Unknown
    Nat'l Team:
    United States
    I'm not a TFC fan by any stretch, but how can a soccer fan not enjoy going to a live, sold-out professional soccer match with the crowd enthusiastically supporting the local team.

    I was not a soccer fan at all until I experienced it, so how the hell can a fan be so wrapped up in "the premier league" to not enjoy that? To an extent a bunch of 10 year olds could be out there playing and if the atmosphere is right, it wouldn't matter much. Whatever you want to say about the 2007 version of TFC, the atmosphere was definitely right.
     
  5. dontch

    dontch New Member

    Apr 27, 2007
    as a whole..I'd take MLS over EPL.
     
  6. hodgkiss

    hodgkiss New Member

    May 21, 2006
    Toronto
    i haven't heard one person say they didn't like the mls or toronto. i know many people feel the quality of the soccer is lower then other parts of the world but everyone still enjoys it. and i can honestly say that the quality is getting better and i'm looking forward to a much better season.
     
  7. TFC07

    TFC07 Member

    May 19, 2007
    Brampton, Ontario
    Nat'l Team:
    Canada
    I know where exactly you're coming from. I also have tons of friends bashing TFC and rest of MLS and even laugh at me for supporting TFC. I don't understand how their can claim to be real footie fans and hate on our league at the same time.

    IMO, if you're a real fan of the game in general, then you're enjoy TFC and would want to watch a TFC match at BMO field.
     
  8. TorontoFC1976

    TorontoFC1976 Member

    Apr 1, 2007
    Toronto
    I understand perfectly what you mean...

    I found the same from some of my soccer "loving friends". I'm not sure why they would not take the league seriously.

    You can't compare the league to european leagues, but in my opinion the soccer level in MLS is higher than a few of the south american leagues. That to me shows a pretty good level.

    What the league needs is to proof itself... It's been said before. I think than in order to do that MLS needs to bring big teams with a lot of history that are relatively closer to the level of this league. For example, bring a big team from chile, a couple of teams from mexico, one or to from the brasilian or argentinian leagues seating at mid table. Then will see where the MLS league stands.

    Stop bringing EPL teams or Scotish teams. MLS has to start bringing teams that can realisticly compete against and possibly beat, so the games don't have a fake feel to them. (the all star game is a different story)

    I notice that an MLS team was invited to play in "la copa sudamericana", which is the equivalent to the UEFA cup in europe. They were beaten after the group stage by a Mexican team by a close margin. That shows that first is not the worst league in the world, and second that in a few years if the league keeps progresing the way it is, we'll have the best league in America...:D.... maybe wishfull thinking, but possible... I mean we got the $$$ compare to other countries in america.
     
  9. DrewVelvet

    DrewVelvet New Member

    Mar 1, 2007
    Etobicoke,Canada
    Club:
    Toronto FC
    You can't compare hundreds of years of traditional football leagues in other
    parts of the world with the MLS which has been in existence for 12 years.
    Obviously, the quality may not be top quality but it still is football/soccer.
    I follow Man U but I am a ticket season holder for TFC and will support
    football/soccer til I die (and TFC). All you can say to the haters is that
    it's a sport that is popular world wide and although its not passionately
    supported in North America (USA and Canada with Mexico being an exception) it will be in the future. Just be proud that you have an interest
    in one of the most universal concepts or topics that has existed on our
    planet. FYI there's an article in the latest edition of Maclean's magazine
    (the cover has a polar bear on it) which compares the North American
    sports and the action vs inaction ratio. Guess which sport has the most
    action in its total duration of play.
     
  10. ArteEtLabore

    ArteEtLabore Member

    Dec 16, 2006
    Club:
    Toronto FC
    Nat'l Team:
    Canada
    My experience has been that the people who are quick to dismiss MLS are usually the ones who have never seen a game.
     
  11. T.Reds

    T.Reds New Member

    May 18, 2007
    Toronto
    I have experienced the same thing. Self-professed football fans hate for TFC.
    Do what I do, invite them to BMO field.
    Up till now I have made 3 people change their minds.
     
  12. Polygong

    Polygong Moderator
    Staff Member

    Apr 8, 2007
    Toronto
    Club:
    Toronto FC
    Nat'l Team:
    Canada
    I used to try that, but then I've decided they're not worth the bother.
     
  13. vita666420

    vita666420 New Member

    Jun 3, 2007
    Scarborough
    My dad is one of those. Bitches and moans throughout the game. Honestly though the quality is somewhere between League 1-2. No where near the quality of the Prem and the Championship. The only reason I watch is because its Toronto teams. I didn't even watch the MLS cup. Theres nothing that compare to the prem and championship in my books. Honestly I went to a couple of games and it felt like I was watching non-league teams.......
     
  14. .:Rabid

    .:Rabid New Member

    Apr 26, 2007
    To be honest...
    The Prem bores the shit out of me.

    A TFC game on tv or better yet, person is just more enjoyable to me.
     
  15. Cashcleaner

    Cashcleaner New Member

    Feb 5, 2007
    Ajax, Ontario
    I don't know of anyone who would seriously take a televised EPL match over a live TFC match at BMO Field.

    I know that MLS isn't up to the same level of quality as the Premier League or other top European leagues, but who really cares? I've seen plenty of amazing live SPL, EPL, and Championship games in my life and they all beat a seat in front of a television any day of the week.
     
  16. mikey99

    mikey99 Member

    May 15, 2007
    True that!
    Even watching a TFC away game on the big screen with the crowd at Joe's beats sitting at home watching far far away footie, hands down.
     
  17. scar tissue

    scar tissue New Member

    Nov 22, 2007
    Oakville
    i don't think i've met anyone yet, who loves soccer, but hates TFC

    although i don't live right in Toronto..
     
  18. SweetOwnGoal

    SweetOwnGoal Member

    Jan 5, 2003
    11.9986 km from BMO Field
    Club:
    Toronto FC
    Few things:

    1) - I have not run into a lot of the so-called Euro Snob attitude that you are alluding to. Actually, I would argue that TFC's success is largely because MLSE found a way to break through that attitude--in other MLS cities the issue is much more pronounced.

    2) - Comparing MLS to other leagues is a fool's game. MLS has a salary cap and rules that are in place to ensure that the league is relatively strong from top to bottom. No other league in the world is set-up that way. You really are comparing apples to oranges. But, if you want to maintain your belief that the overall quality of the league is no better than League 1/2 in England...God love ya. Look at the players that come over to play. Then tell me they would be playing at the third tier of English football...

    3) - As a true Heinze 57 Canuck, what draws me to this sport is its ability to connect communities. When I go to a TFC game I am there because the team on the field represents me and my home. I cheer for an EPL team (Manchester City), but I support TFC. I love the passion football evokes. I think the sport is unique in the symbiotic relation that exists between crowd and team. That relationship is best experienced in the stadium, sharing a drink with good friends while watching your team perform. If you don't understand that and prefer to sit at home watching La Liga repeats on GoalTV...you may be a fan of the game, but you aren't a supporter of it. And, it's your loss.
     
  19. alphamale111

    alphamale111 New Member

    Jan 22, 2007
    Toronto

    Very well said... and true.

    Most of the anti TFC stuff I've heard was really anti-soccer in nature - just TFC made an easy target. Most of it from hard core CFL football fans or people who have never watch a soccer game in their life. My brother-in-law is a prime example. Loves hockey and NASCAR... yet says soccer is boring, no scoring, too much drama and flopping around, etc. Meanwhile he watches cars go around an oval for 3 hours(simplifying here for you NASCAR fans out there).. I got him to watch the FIFA club world cup final and a few TFC matches I have recorded. I actually broke the game down to him on a level similar to hockey and he got it. You'd be suprised how similar the games are on a play by play basis.
    He still may not be a big fan but now I can turn on a match without hearing him moan about it. And he actuallys sits and watches - even makes an intelligent comment now and then.
     
  20. TFCSteve

    TFCSteve Member

    Apr 16, 2007
    Toronto
    Actually, I know what the OP is talking about. Curiously, before the season, I would have predicted it would be the ex-pats from countries with good soccer leagues that would turn their noses up at TFC, but my experience has been the opposite. It seems like many of the ex-pats appreciate what live soccer (football) is, at all levels, and go to support the team because that's what's done (supporting the local football team). Most of the snobery comes from friends who have never set foot in England (or any other football nation for that matter) but refuse to watch MLS because of the level of play. My answer is always the same "I bet you I can guess your favourite club within 4 tries" (and I'm always correct btw). I'm sorry, but you just choose to support Liverpool (Man U, Arsenal, Chelsea) a few years ago, have never seen a game live, and you would take that over BMO? Are you kidding? Football is about supporting your local side, win or lose, it's not about hunting glory. How do you think such low level teams in England can draw crowds?

    Anyway, I am a TFC supporter for life. I will cheer for Sunderland, but I will bleed for TFC.
     
  21. Polygong

    Polygong Moderator
    Staff Member

    Apr 8, 2007
    Toronto
    Club:
    Toronto FC
    Nat'l Team:
    Canada
    My experience is opposite in the most of those I know who look down on TFC are expat Brits (but I know alot of British expats so that's probably why). Of course, even most Brits I know still respect TFC and what's going on here.

    Just look at how many people who actually still live in Europe are here on these boards from time to time. I think that says it all that people who live over there are paying attention to what's happening here. Next time someone gives you stick about MLS not being up to calibre I suggest you point this fact out.

    And Steve: Sunderland, good choice!
     
  22. TFCMANU

    TFCMANU Member

    Apr 19, 2007
    Parkdale/Newmarket
    Club:
    Toronto FC
    Nat'l Team:
    Portugal
    T.Reds good point I've converted many of my friends and family just by bringing them to a game now they won't leave me alone for tix.
     
  23. crazypete13

    crazypete13 Moderator
    Staff Member

    May 7, 2007
    A walk from BMO
    Club:
    Toronto FC
    I know people that went to many of the U-20 games but aren't particular to MLS. If MLS doesn't do it for them - so be it. The fact is that most people in Toronto who enjoy live games enjoy TFC and MLS. Let the haters hate - I have little time for them.
     
  24. T-boy

    T-boy New Member

    Apr 28, 2007
    T-dot
    Why are so many T.O soccer fans anti TFC?

    I loved last season...great atmosphere, "some" excellent games...but also, there were some very poor football games to watch, TFC had a mixed bunch of players...a first eleven that was exciting and skilful....but also a second string of players who were very poor, in any standard!

    The friends I have that went to watch last season, on the whole, thought TFC, were poor and the standard of football was poor. I think if I had gone to one of those middle of the season games when Dichio/O'Brien/cunningham etc were all injured, I would have also thought TFC and MLS was crappy and second rate.

    Unfortunately, to answer your original question....too many T.O people saw one of those POOR games last season, and that "first impression" of MLS and TFC sticks with people. First impressions count, as they say!

    Given a couple of seasons, those people will come back again as they are curious, and hopefully TFC will have a better, stronger (in depth) team, and they will start to respect the team and the league.
     
  25. Tezza

    Tezza New Member

    Apr 9, 2007
    Waterdown
    By that rationale we shouldn't have a leafs fan younger than 15 years old in this town.
     

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