So, wishful thinking aside, it doesn't seem like MLS will be coming to Detroit anytime soon. I'd like to start following the league anyway, which leaves me with the question of who to support. Here are the candidates, based on geography: Columbus Crew Chicago Fire Toronto FC I'm leaning against Columbus, because I went to the University of Michigan and therefore have a bias against all things Ohio, especially things from Columbus. Similarly, Chicago is a natural rival to Detroit in most other sports. My feelings here aren't as deep as those against Ohio however, as I'm even a Cubs fan in addition to supporting the Tigers. That leaves Toronto FC, rivalries in other sports are less of a problem here, the Red Wings and Maple Leafs are historic rivals, but the hatred has died down since we're in different Conferences now. The other problem is that I know next to nothing about this team. Until I looked at the MLS website I didn't even know they existed. The two outside possibilities are the LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes. My brother lives outside LA and my best friend lives in the Bay Area. Still, I think I'd prefer a team closer to home. So, MLS fans, if you're a fan of these teams (or any of the others really), tell me, why should I support your team?
If you went to Michigan you have a natural hate for anything Columbus so, I suggest watching a few Fire and Toronto matches and letting your heart tell you who to follow. If you could make it to a live match it would be even better.
If you want a team that will win, I welcome you to the Vancouver Whitecaps. 7 championships in 4 different leagues since 1979. Our new badge is badass minimalism at its best, and by picking them as your favorite club, you can justify a vacation to one of the most beautiful and diverse cities on the planet - VANCOUVER! - once a year for a two-game homestand. Shall I put out the welcome mat?
I've been to Vancouver and loved the city. I'd prefer a closer team but I won't rule the Whitecaps out. Coincidentally, we have a minor league baseball team in West Michigan called the Whitecaps as well.
San Jose Earthquakes all the way. the reason being is that no one will call you a bandwagoner for doing so
sorry man, I dated a mormon chick once and it ended badly, like stalker badly. Anyway, Utah's a no go
Picking a team is not like picking a car. No one can give you a list of features & you will decide what team you want. No ones is going to ask you "What can I do to get you in this team?" Watch some games on tv, better watch some games live. The choice will come to you or maybe it won't.
Hey Krudmonk! How are you doing man? Havent seen you riling up us LAG fans lately Hope all is swell and SJ fulfills your wildest dreams. As for which team to pick... which one is closer or an easier drive for you? Chicago or Toronto? Id suggest going to a couple games of each and figure it out which team you like better, which drive you like better, which stadium you like better, etc. LA is a great team here, but if you are never going to get to a game....
agree, the choice of team will come to you.. im an LA native so i first supported CHivas uSa but now i have opened up by fandom to the LA Galaxy i also root for DC United.... im a hippie at heart so ive pretty much embraced MLS as a whole
You can be a fan of the team that two Detroit AO guys (currently in South Africa) absolutely travel 800 miles for. RBNY!
Its almost exactly the same drivetime. But yeah, I didn't mean to suggest I was picking a team solely based on this thread, just looking for a little info and such.
I don't think this is necessarily true. I tried following MLS back in 2000, and I tried again about 5 years ago but no matter how much I read and watched, all the teams felt very distant (I live in BC, Canada, so it was both literal and emotional distance!). When TFC got in, I started following the league constantly. I would cheer for the Canadian players on TFC, but I could never cheer for TFC. Not just because they are from Toronto (though that was the biggest reason) but because, again, I felt no connection. When Seattle got in, I got a little bit invested in their fortunes since they are close to Vancouver (despite them being rivals, I am kind of a Cascadia guy, so Seattle and Portland are my love-hate clubs). Philly's badge and the Sons of Ben's passion got my really stoked and I thought they were a club I could really get behind (it doesn't hurt that I have a friend doing post-graduate work in Philly, so that helps the connection), but as they were getting things going, Vancouver got a team. Now at least TFC got me into MLS, but I had to wait until Seattle got in to care at all about a team, and Vancouver's arrival got me into it. I am not saying you have to get a home team to root for, but it does help; my point is mainly that in 4 years of watching MLS, no club "chose" me. The theory works for some people, I am sure, but not for everyone as evidenced in my case.
Youre an American with no team in your city. Gotta go with the Nation capital's team then = DC United
I did find another factor in favor of Toronto, I would get to see a dozen or so more games per season due to coverage on CBC.