Tide Is Turning; On And Off The Pitch

Post-match High Still Going Strong

Mood: Wheeeeeeee!!!
State of Mind: That actually happened, right? Will it happen again?
Location: Jubilant supporter couch - Soon, The Duke

                                         Who doesn't love a good celebratory video!

THEY WON!!!  They won, they won, they won. Did I mention that they won? Were you there? Oh I hope that you were because Saturday night is the sort of night that you remember; not just for a day, or a week, or a year, but forever. Am I overstating things? No, I don't think so - Saturday was a special night at BMO and if you were there you know exactly what I mean. You're still smiling aren't you? Still filled with that sense that hey, maybe the tide is finally turning for Canadian soccer? Yeah, me too. 

Was it the perfect game? No. Was it pretty damn close? Yes, yes it was. They played a great first half - the only thing that marred it were some missed scoring opportunities. But our men (still sounds weird, still going with it) had full control of the game, highlighted by some outstanding defensive work led by Kevin McKenna and a monster game by Atiba Hutchinson and JDG in the midfield.  And then that goal!!  The one that some of us missed so quickly and cleverly did they take it.  The one that we were sure was going to be called back at any moment? That was fantastic. So great to see such intelligent play from our team - this is how you win games. And you know what? That was one of the best games I've see the Canadian team play. They were organized, quick, passed the ball, talked to one another and well, they were better; plain and simple. The best game of football I've seen at BMO in six years. Really, I mean that. This is the turning point 

Don't let the empty seats fool you - this was a good 1/2 hour before kickoff - the stands were packed by 8pm.  

But the best thing? The very best thing about Saturday? Being in the stands surrounded by hyper, excited friends, supporters and fans was like nothing else I've ever experienced at BMO.  While we all lamented every time the Canadian forwards seemed afraid to shoot the ball (Shoooot!!!) and groaned in unison when McKenna's header went the wrong way off the post; we were all together - one voice, one purpose, one group of supporters for one team.  If you were there you know what I mean.  I've never had that much fun, been that stressed or felt that part of something at any sporting event I've been to in my life.  17K + (almost 18K) rowdy fans and the vast majority cheering for Canada - while not the sellout that some were hoping for it was a giant leap in the right direction.  To not be outnumbered by Panamanian supporters - Who to their credit were a lot of fun, they brought it but only added to the great atmosphere. Other away teams could learn from them - to have the stands full of flags and fans chanting "Ca-Na-Da" non-stop? Huge for the game here; huge. An truly unforgettable 90 minutes. 

Spirited support for Panama - boy were they loud! - But we were louder.  :)

                                        
Since Friday I've talked to so many people who casually went to the game or were taken by friends and family - every single one has bought tickets for the October 12th match against Cuba. This is where the tide turns folks - if you've been dithering for some reason about supporting your national teams, it's time to come out to a game, or go to a viewing party and join us as we agonize and cheer for our team. It's wonderful; really. If you love the beautiful game then this is what you need to watch.  In fact tonight you have another chance to join in on the agony and ecstasy of watching Canada play.  While not a home game tonight's game against Panama is one of the most widely broadcasted games ever.  Not only is Sportsnet showing it (most people get Sportsnet) but you can watch it on CityTV!  Seriously - no excuses - get thee to the TV or pub or friends house and get set to watch this game! Why? Because it's a HUGE game. So big in fact that the Panamanian supporters spent the last two nights having a street party outside the hotel where the Canadian team is staying. That's called respect folks; it they weren't worried they wouldn't bother.  Also exciting about this game is that the Estadio Rommel Fernandez is from all accounts a beautiful facility with a fantastic pitch.  None of that crab grass & gopher holes that they played on in Cuba. So once again (even being without Olivier Occean and Will Johnson) our team stands a very good chance of not just walking away with a point; but all three. Believe me when I tell you this is not a game you want to miss. It will make that game you're coming to in October (because you are coming, right?) all the more special. 

SEE THEE RISE

Time For Some Meaningful Football

Mood: Stressed, Excited, Anxious - all in equal parts
State of Mind: They're going to win. Right? Right?? (oh please let them win)
Location: Soon to be in a sea of Red at BMO
Weather: The Towrads are awake - looks like thunderstorms/rain - whee!

SEE THEE RISE

Today the most important football game you will see so far this year (because you ARE going, right? RIGHT??) will be played at BMO Field. Forget that other team in red that so many of us follow and come out to support your Men's National Team in their quest to go to the World Cup in Brazil in 2014. This is one of the most nerve wracking things that a fan of the national team can experience - watching in stressed agony, hoping that this time they'll see it through.

As nervous, stressed, anxious and excited as I am, I feel good about this game. The team has performed well so far during this round of qualifiers (hey, 4 points is performing well!); the same core is together; they've been in Toronto together for several days getting acclimated and most importantly many of the team have been in fantastic form plying their trade for their clubs in various parts of the world.

But regardless of all of that what more do you need to know other than that you get to join thousands upon thousands of your fellow fans and cheer on our team - because no matter who you cheer for on any other day - this is OUR team like no other team can be.  Moments like this do not come around all the time - don't pass up on the chance to be a part of what has been a very special year for Canadian soccer. Oh, did I forget to mention that almost every member of the Bronze medal winning Canadian Women's National Team will be at the game? They're going to be (deservedly) honoured before the match - don't you want to be there to celebrate their accomplishments? Of course you do. Can't you feel the excitement, the buzz, the tide turning in Canada's favour? I can; it's palpable. 

Yes they're playing against Panama, the group leader (won against both Honduras away and home to Cuba); possibly the most difficult team in Canada's group and according to coach Stephen Hart the best team in the group. They feature a great deal of speed up front, are unbeaten in this round of WCQ matches and well damn it they're a good team! Tonight's game isn't a slam dunk, hell it's not even a walk in the park; but the points are there for the taking and our men (hmm, that sounds a little odd but I'm going to go with it) are more than capable of taking all three.  

And at the risk of repeating myself - this is the most important game they'll play this year (so far), the most meaningful game of football that you can watch!!  There is nothing to compare to watching your country's team play; it is truly a special experience to be surrounded by your fellow fans as you all focus on willing your team to win. I can't describe it other than it is the best, most exciting, most enthralling experience you can have as a fan of the beautiful game. And no, I don't think I'm overstating it - days like this are special!!  So if you haven't already bought a ticket please get online or get to BMO and get yourself down to the stadium tonight - believe me, you don't want to miss this!

ALLEZ LES ROUGES!!  

World Class Links: Here are some actual previews for tonight - Waking The Red (Duncan, James), Red Nation Online and Squizz at CSN.

Biggest Game Ever

Mood: Excitedly stressed and nervous
State of Mind: They're going to win; aren't they?
Location: Nervous twitching at home now, anxious viewing at BMO later


This isn't going to be a long post or even much of a preview (I'll leave that to the experts in the links below) but I couldn't let this day pass without posting something.


In a few short hours we'll be at BMO to watch the most important game any of us will have seen this year. Seriously, there is no game that means more than this one. Our Men's National team is on the cusp of doing something that has not been accomplished for over 25 years - qualifying for the World Cup. Doesn't get any bigger than than this; it just doesn't.


I've said before that I'm new to supporting our National teams, having only gotten really involved in the past couple of years and it is the most nerve wracking, anxiety inducing but wonderful thing ever. It's hard to describe what it was like watching the match against Cuba on Friday in a room surrounded by fans who are completely invested and focused on what is happening on the screen. We were all rapt and only speaking to yell about the terrible (of course) refereeing, comment on the terrible (of course) pitch and mutter hopefully every time it looked like Canada might score.  


And when the goal was scored? Bedlam, pandemonium, joy, ecstasy - all of the above - I didn't stop smiling for hours after that game. Because it's our team - and they did what had to be done. They went into one of the most uncomfortable places they could possibly play; in the heat and humidity, on a terrible pitch with awful refereeing. But none of that matters because they came back with 3 much needed points - something they've never done before - putting them well in control of their fate.


Tonight they face a ticked off opponent that shockingly lost to Panama - this was never going to be the easiest of matches but the Panamanians sure didn't do us any favours. But none of that matters because damn it this year, this time is different. The question is will you be there to witness it?  If you haven't yet (and for the love of footy why the hell not?) bought tickets yet - get to Ticketmaster immediately, go on - if you miss this match, if you miss the chance to cheer on our boys I guarantee you'll regret it.  That's it - let's make sure that our team is playing in front of a home crowd tonight; the twelfth man is huge for matches such as this - let's be there for them.


ALLEZ LES ROUGES!!!


Links: If you haven't read these already you should - Waking The Red, Red Nation Online and Rudi over at Goal . Com

Canada Libre

Mood: Excitedly nervous
State of Mind: It's going to happen this time
Location: Now - couch, Soon - The Duke


It's here boys and girls; it's the official beginning to our Men's National team's road to Brazil!  This afternoon (at 2pm) our boys take on Cuba in the sweltering heal and humidity of Havana at the Estadio Pedro Marrero.  Not to mention the obligatory dodgy pitch with something only approaching proper grass and Caddyshack-esque holes and of course the always suspect Concacaf refereeing to contend with; otherwise a walk in the park, right?


Actually yes - our boys should actually come home from Cuba the possessors of 3 shiny new points - really. Cuba did not impress (not in the least) at the Gold Cup last year and have done nothing in the past year to change that. Canada is coming off of a very good performance against the US last Sunday and are well positioned to take this game.


I know that Euros start today but please, wherever you are set aside your adopted loyalties and forget your picks in whatever pool you've joined and at 2pm be watching (be it on TV, computer, twitter) and cheering on our boys - this is what we've been waiting for the past four years, this is what we long for - time to steady your nerves and get ready for the most important game you'll watch today.


ALLEZ LES ROUGES!

Friendly Fire

Mood: Content and Happy
State Of Mind: Optimistic for the next two matches
Location: Satisfied Supporter Sofa


Were you there? Did you come join us and your fellow supporters at BMO Field Sunday night? If you didn't you missed a fun night of excited fans, satisfying football, great atmosphere and a gift from the weather gods. 


If you weren't there then hopefully you're already making plans to attend on June 12th for the Honduras match and if you're not - why the hell not? If there is ever a time to come out to BMO it is now as our Men's National team strive to qualify for the 2014 World Cup. As much as I live and die for TFC there is just something different about supporting your country - it's a different feeling, a different vibe and can be some of the best experiences you can have as not just a lover of the beautiful game but as a supporter of Canadian sports.


As is tradition the afternoon began at Maro in Liberty Village for beer, food and getting pumped with friends old and new. It was great to see so many of the new super sharp centenary kits, flags, Voyageurs scarves throughout the excited crowd. And what a crowd it was.

One of the best things about going to the pre-game is to feed off the buzz of your fellow supporters. If you're not excited before you arrive you definitely are by the time you head off to BMO; and no that's not just the beer.


The weather gods did indeed smile upon us Sunday night when the ongoing threat of (and actual) rain dissipated and we were blessed with blue skies and some brilliant sunshine for the beginning of the match.  Most of those around me were excited and looking forward to seeing our boys out on the pitch. Before the game started there was a very nice moment honouring the past of Canadian football with the introduction of Jason DeVos, Alex Bunbury, Bob Iarusci, Paul Saltieri and others - it was great to see the crowd applaud and celebrate some of the men that have helped to pave the way for the current crop of Canadian footballers.


Pleasantries out of the way it was time to turn our attention to the real task at hand; making fun of the US team in their Waldo-esque kits. I can't be 100% certain but I do believe the "Where is Waldo" chant originated somewhere in the general vicinity of where I was standing (not by me of course, honest!) but it was quickly taken up by the rest of the supporters in the south stands - fun! :)

 The first half saw the US controlling the game and getting the first chance at a goal when Edgar Castilo send a shot that Lars Hirschfeld just tipped over the bar and all of us breath a collective sigh of relief.  As the half progressed our boys in Blue (have I mentioned how much I LOVE those centenary kits?) began to take back control mostly due to the excellent work of Tosaint Ricketts and Olivier Ocean up front and Nik Ledgerwood who played a great two-way game in the midfield. In fact it was Ledgerwood that appeared to have put Canada on the score sheet 35 minutes in when he pounced on a loose ball and easily put the ball past Howard only to have it not count due to a mystery foul called on DeRosario. Obviously more Concacaf conspiracy (actually just typical poor Concacaf refereeing) at work. This of course brought a chorus of boos raining down from us, especially as the goal and the "foul" happened almost right in front of the supporters in the south stands. However Canada continued to press and keep possession and the game went into the half with no score.


During the half (and from the outset of the match actually) I and some of the folk I was watching the game with wondered why Coach Hart wouldn't put Simeon Jackson out to start, commented on the excellent play of Ledgerwood as well as David Edgar (and the entire backline) and shockingly very few had anything negative to say about JDG - it felt pretty good to have mostly positive things to say about well any team that we support and watch at BMO.

The second half saw our boys continue to press and neutralize any attempts by the US to put the ball on net; in fact the much vaunted pairing of Dempsey and Donovan was all but invisible for the majority of the match.  The backline of Edgar, McKenna, Hainault and Jazic was excellent and put in a very complete game and were instrumental along with DeGuzman, Johnson and Ledgerwood in keeping the Americans off the scoreboard.  Canada had a few missed chances in the second; both Ricketts and Simeon Jackson (subbed on in the 65th minute) sent shots just wide.  In fact the lack of finishing was really the only off note about Canada's game on Sunday and will need to be much sharper in the upcoming WCQ matches.


All in all it was a very positive performance against a much better team. You could argue that the US team was tired (playing their 3rd game in 8 days) but they never seemed to have any answers or creativity and couldn't handle the midfield presence by our boys.  And again standout performances by Nik Ledgerwood and Tosaint Ricketts who both ranged all over the field and gave the US defense and offense fits deserve another mention. One other note was the first cap (although not official as it was only a friendly) of 17 yr. old Samuel Piette when he was subbed on in the 86th minute. Although he didn't really have much (if anything) to do it was somewhat heartwarming to see the youngster out there.


The match ended and all that I saw were happy (well slightly disappointed that they didn't win) fans all around me. It was a good start to Canada's WCQ campaign and hopefully the strong performance against their rivals from the south will keep their confidence high heading into their first important match in Cuba this Friday at 2pm.  But none of that matters just yet; what matters is that we got to see a solid, positive performance by our boys and other than the disallowed goal (really ref? really?) I can find nothing on the night that I'm really unhappy about. Yes I would have liked a win and some goals but I'll take a solid 0-0 result any time. It was a great night out at BMO with my fellow fans & friends and just a great way to start the year for our Men's National Team.  If this doesn't get you pumped for the match against Honduras on the 12th - well what's wrong with you?  If you haven't bought tickets yet get thee to the Interwebs immediately and get prepared to pack BMO - see you there!


See Thee Rise


Friendly Links: If you haven't already read these (and really, why not) here are you usual suspects with their thoughts on the match: The Yorkies, Waking The Red and Red Nation Online.

Oh Canada! See Thee Rise

Mood: Excited!
State of Mind: Really, really, really excited!

With TFC off until the middle of June all of our attention should now be turned to the Canadian Men's National Team as they begin their journey towards qualifying for the 2014 World Cup.  We here in the GTA are very fortunate in that we can easily go to see all of the home games at BMO Field. Seriously, we are incredibly lucky that all of these games are being played here - we should be leaping at the chance to take advantage of such important opportunities as this. How often do you get to be there at the beginning of something this exciting?


Sadly it seems that not enough folk are taking advantage of the chance to see our National Men's team play; with word that only around12,000 or so tickets have been sold thus far for this Sunday's friendly against the US - I beg you, no I implore you to please, please buy a ticket! We need to pack the stands with Canada supporters; home field advantage means nothing without the home support! It's fairly inexpensive, you get to watch our Men's National team square off against our most frequent (and well hated is an awfully strong word, but we're not very fond of them) rivals the US and you get to stand with thousands of your fellow fans cheering your heart out - it's a truly wonderful experience and one not to be missed. 

If you need more encouragement check out my post from April and then join us in the stands this Sunday and again on June 12th. Our boys need you!  So, see you Sunday?


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