The Playoffs: TFC's march to justification

The long-shot prospect of Toronto FC making the 2014 MLS playoffs represents one glorious opportunity for those that control this club from up high. No, it is not to reward the most beaten-down of all MLS supporters - it is justification.

Already, many fans have come to loathe the four-week "must-win" campaign that has devolved into the "we're still mathematically possible" reality we have today but as annoying as the internal club promotion may be - TFC is still in with a tiny chance. The best-case playoff scenario would see The Reds flail backwards into the fifth spot in the East and a shot in the wildcard "play-in" match. The question is: should we want them to?

The refrain that "anything is possible once you're in the playoffs" isn't completely hollow. There have been a few instances in the past where an unlikely club battles their way deep into the semi-finals or even finals but these are mostly the exception to the rule. For the most part, the cream rises to the top and it would be hard to find too many TFC supporters who would put their money on the line to back the locals in a one-match do-or-die, away to either New York or Sporting KC.

"But why would that be bad?" you may ask. "Don't we deserve a crumb of the post-season?" Yes. We all do… but the problem comes afterwards. The problem becomes how ownership may use that potential future and the most likely answer is again: justification.

Tim Leiweke & Co. made bold statements that the playoffs were the goal this year. No asterisks involved. Nothing about how far in the playoffs they would travel - just the playoffs. TFC's eight-year Valhalla realized. It is not difficult to imagine TFC squeaking into that wildcard match and - even if they re-produce an effort not unlike Saturday night's miserable display at Red Bull Arena - being trumpeted as a successful completion of the stated pre-season goal. Your first-ever post-season TFC! "We gave you what we promised! Now we need to talk..."

A mere appearance in the league's post-season will give MLSE the ammunition to go forward in two ways. On a team level, the so-far greatly underwhelming Greg Vanney and his inexperienced staff who lead a squad rife with imbalance and shallow depth may no longer seem to require an urgent fix. “Surely if this young(ish) squad made fifth this season then better can be achieved with the experience and a transfer window that Vanney has gained” will be the likely refrain. The cracks, and there are more than we'd like to believe, will not necessarily receive the care they require this off-season. However, the real justification that MLSE seeks from a post-season appearance may be more personal to you, the supporter.

After rolling back season ticket prices to 2007 levels and having to then freeze those prices, the owners must be bursting at the seams to put things right in their eyes. Giving you the absolute bare minimum on the pitch so they can squeeze the bare maximum out of your wallet is the trophy that they seek most. On a raft of promotions and slow motion videos of The Reds "historic post season march", your 2015 tickets will undoubtedly reflect this grand "achievement". Leiweke has told fans in the past that they would not ask for a raise until they did what they said they'd do. No matter how brief an appearance - this would be trotted out as proof.

Seeing The Reds in the post-season is nearly a decade-long wish for all supporters. The sweet, unknown experience of the playoffs is such a tempting prospect that it is easy to say we will worry about the future when it happens. Unfortunately that will most likely all happen very quickly. This club is not currently built for a run at the Cup. Does the potential of 90 extra minutes resembling this past Saturday suit the expected reward the club will ask of you in return?

Despite "how close" the current manager likes to tell us this club is to succeeding, it is increasingly difficult to see this. TFC, as is, can't compete on a consistent basis with the better clubs in this league. Without an off-season where the club's feet are held to the fire because of their failures this year, this potential playoff blip could simply usher in another long barren spell.

This club is not yet good enough. There are holes now and more to open up over winter with the imminent departures. Having the club emboldened by the absolute minimum modicum of success - and raising prices to watch it in 2015 - could be a far worse long-term hindrance than missing the playoffs again this year.

Yes, anything can happen in the playoffs. The reality points to TFC's possible appearance producing little more of the same on the pitch followed by an off-season of indifference, reinforced by the corporate jewel of being a "playoff team". Any TFC fan can be forgiven for not caring about that right now just to get a taste of what we have deserved for so long. However, is this incarnation of TFC, one which would be justified in its own mind to pursue the status quo albeit at a much higher expense to you, worth 90 more minutes of your time?

THE SOUTH STAND REPORT - Toronto v Orlando... or What do you mean goaltending is illegal?!?

As a season ticket holder of Toronto FC, I have been afforded many privileges: Embarrassing officiating, failure at understanding why de Guzman was a big deal, and being told to get used to it, to name a few. Last night, another perk fell into my lap, tickets to see a professional basketball contest.

I was assured that this basketball was the best Toronto has to offer, and if I know anything about "the sports", the local sides have a history of lastminutedisappointus which isn't contagious.

On to the match:

1' - GOAL - Toronto hits a long range effort that evades all defenders and finds its way into the net
BASKETROBINS 3, MAGICIANS 0

1' - GOAL - What resilience! Orlando immediately marches up the pitch and pulls a goal of their own right back. Tiki-taka stuff that left the defenders wrong footed.
BASKETROBINS 3, MAGICIANS 2

2' - GOAL - We're in for a classic! When play resumes, Toronto runs right through the defense and after the first attempt hit the woodwork, another Robin was there for the tap in.
BASKETROBINS 5, MAGICIANS 3

5' - GOAL - This is just absurd right now. As I was writing down what happened, more goals were pouring in.
BASKETROBINS 10, MAGICIANS 5

OK, my hand hurts. This is stupid. How does anyone write a proper match report for this bouncy netball?

Half Time : Toronto 55, Orlando 40  Mood: Understanding it.

34’ - GOAL - Amongst other things, this one was remarkable as Lowry sends up a huge high cross right into the penalty area and Ross is there to slam it home. Fantastic stuff.
BASKETROBINS 76, MAGICIANS 59

39’ - OK seriously ref, that one guy has fouled just about everyone in the last few minutes and you’re not even going to book him? At least their gaffer would be wise to sub him off.

Basketrugby is a funny game. No seriously, it's f***ing weird.

Apparently if the Robins score 100 points or more, everyone in attendance gets free pizza. 2:30 remaining. This is good as done.

46' - um... ok, next possession.

47' - two misses. Oh well, there's injury time. Can't seem to find the 4th official’s signage. #PanicBall?

48' - another near attempt. Still at 98 points.

THERE'S NO INJURY TIME?!? WHAT FORM OF BARBARISM IS THIS?!?!?

Full Time: Toronto 98, Orlando 83

Man of the Match: This Lowry kid has the presence of a Laba and creativity of Osorio, but I'm gonna give it to Valanciunas. He blocked a pile of shots, wasn't afraid to get up the pitch and contribute. Second and third efforts were rewarded and stood his ground. Young defenders can learn plenty from this leader.

Goat of the Game  I didn't understand why the manager put the reserves out there at the end denying the faithful a piece of well earned pizza.

Ref Rating: 5 out of 5. No blown calls, no favoring the visitors, no blown tackles.

I Am Not The Gaffer But: how do you manage when you can make so many substitutions? It seems so schizophrenic.

Crowd seemed genuinely interested in the game until the one drunkard tried fifteen times to start a wave. Sadly he succeeded... As a fan of team sports, I was pleasantly surprised how well the Raptors played. It’s not like we have a precedence of how egos ruin a team... It doesn’t get said often enough at the field, but it needs to be said that the ACC staff, as well, are awesome... I saw really nice Raptors scarves worn by some of the fans but didn’t see it in the store... I thought I recognized Neymar’s mom in the crowd tonight but then I realized I don’t know what she looks like... Damn, is it footy season yet?

Player Ratings : Ross 7, Johnson 6.5, Valanciunas 8, Lowry 8, Vasquez 7, Salmons 6, Hayes 6, Novak 6.5, Stone N/A, Hansbrough N/A

@ignirtoq knows the hooperjamball. As a kid, he supported the Utah Jazz and though he checks the standings to see how they’re doing, it’s always with fond memories of Stockton-to-Malone. And fuck Michael Jordan and his damn “fever” story. He should’ve learned to share some NBA championships with other teams just as he did for Pippen, carrying him his whole career.

THE STARTING 11: Unexpected side-effects of Toronto FC's new plaid scarf

"I was into TFC before they were cool."



Many of you are sitting in your window like a Jack Russell waiting for the Purolator delivery dude to bring your TFC Season Ticket package right now. Sit Ubu supporter, sit. Good supporter. However, not only are your vouchers to a year of exciting somewhat palatable football in that tardy box but also a bold fashion choice. For our seventh season ticket holder scarf, TFC decided to step outside of the couture box and go with a hip lumberjack plaid design. Some will hate it ("It's not a football scarf!); others will love it ("It goes with my ironic moustache!") but what surprising circumstances await the unwitting hipster supporter?
　
11. Every time you grab your scarf, a bloodhound is asleep under it
　
10. Unofficial TFC anthem becomes "Plaid to the Bone"
　
9. The Scottish can't keep their hands off of you
　
8. Northern Ontario supporters now have extra formal dinner attire
　
7. Always expected to be the first to clean up household spills
　
6. Hunter-weary bears now steering clear of Exhibition Place
　
5. Guaranteed to get a seat for post-match drinks at trendy Ossington Ave. nightspots　

4. You totally look like a hot-shot when talking about maple syrup
　
3. Portland Timbers now consider us their most bitter rivals
　
2. Eddie Bauer's 2013 catalog is mostly random photos of BMO Field's south stand
　
1. Stadium security turn a blind eye if you bring an axe to a match

"OMG! Rollback prices are like sooooo 2007!"

"Keep rollin', rollin' rollin'..."



We haven't had to eat a lot of crow in regards to Toronto FC over the years but today they prepared us a wee Crow Butty. While most supporters have been very vocal in their demand for lower prices on season tickets in 2013 before renewing - we had little belief that the club would actually come through. For a change, they proved us wrong. Very wrong.
　
In a seemingly spontaneous (but obviously not) media gathering today, MLSE President Tom Anselmi announced a major rollback in season ticket pricing which will see existing TFC season ticket holders pay the same amount they did for their seats in 2007. Claiming a need for a renewal in the club's "relationship with the fans", Anselmi introduced the scheme which among other incentives will include a ticket to the season opener... in Montreal's Olympic Stadium. The MLSE Board Meeting where this was all hashed out must have been spewing painful, money-losing fire and brimstone.
　
Jokes aside, we give kudos to TFC/MLSE for making the right decision for their fans. It is a move that will staunch the bleeding of season ticket holders and just maybe give supporters less of a feeling of being used and abused by the ownership. That being said, short-term forgiveness will not be followed with forgetfulness from fans as it was six years of bumbling that forced MLSE’s hand today – not jolly goodwill towards men.
　
Indeed, all football sins will not be dismissed by supporters but a reprieve may be offered in 2013. Many who weren't going to return to BMO Field may do so now but they will still require one more solution in the long-term… better football. While Anselmi offered few details beyond post-season analysis of the on-field product, he definitely did not go as far as offering Paul Mariner & Co. a vote of confidence. Some media in attendance have taken this as a broadside for further personnel changes before 2013 but that remains to be seen.
　
You did a correct move today Toronto FC. Supporters will appreciate it for the most part. But... it was "A" move and not "THE" move necessary for restoring the once vaunted BMO Field "atmosphere" that Anselmi referred to today. Use the goodwill you got from some supporters today as a springboard to fix the club on the pitch next - don't rest on financial laurels... again. Give us wins and we will give you more atmosphere than you can measure. Prove us wrong again please. We will happily eat more tasty, tasty crow.

THE STARTING 11: New TFC 2013 Season Ticket renewal taglines

TFC Ticket Centre - "Operators are standing nearby"



Things have been conspicuously quiet so far on the TFC Season Ticket renewal front. In fairness, the job of TFC ticket rep is currently ranking in career satisfaction alongside "Part-Time Hobo Foot Carer" and "Assistant Crack Dealer". Perhaps the club is waiting for TFC fans to forget Joey Saputo's awesomely dropped Impact price reduction boast or maybe they are waiting for TFC to go on a 5-game winning streak to get supporters' spirits up. Keep waiting. Either way, the club has to embark on its hard sell soon enough and have a few taglines at the ready for a media blitz. Check your emails soon for these doozys...
　
11. "There's a pretty good shot you'll get to play!"
　
10. "Yeah, last time we checked, Toronto didn't have a team in the English Premier League... so you can go suck an egg"
　
9. "Either you come back - or Mo Johnston does. Your choice."
　
8. "Paul Mariner + Shorts + March = Hilarious!"
　
7. "# 1 in your hearts - # 10 in the Eastern Conference"
　
6. "New Club President Jimmy Brennan invites you back..."
　
5. "First 1000 renewals receive this year's annual management apology in a luxurious faux-brass frame!"
　
4. "Now with 75% more random cats than a Raptors game!"
　
3. "Get in on the ground level of the new 5 Year Plan"
　
2. "PRICE REDUCTION!*... (*on second order of BMO Field tacos)
　
1. "Next year is totes for realzies guys!"

Balls of String: Stories to watch as Toronto FC plays out a lost season

"Today's attendance is 19,575... thank you fans"



Getting casual fans to watch TFC matches when times were good... well at least fun.... was a challenge. Now, as yet another season enters the "playing for next year" phase, even getting the most ardent supporters interested grows harder. For those of you who know they are addicted to this club and will be back next year despite 2012, finding a reason to watch a futile string of matches may be frustrating. So, if you need more reasons to watch a match aside from hearing Thomas Rongen's Dutch "donkey hitting his foot on a rock" analogy - here are some stories that you can keep your eye on...
　
FRINGS AIN'T WHAT THEY USED TO BE
When we last heard, the club whispered under its breath that club captain Torsten Frings had suffered a hip injury and had headed back to Deutschland to visit some BundesDoctors. The wording seemed to hint that Frings may be shut down for the year and if that is the case - is it unreasonable to think that TFC may cut ties with the Bavarian talisman? Frings has definitely lost a step this season (possibly due to injury) but with only a year left on the pricey 35-year old, will the club look in a different direction? Also see: Danny Koevermans
NOW UPDATED WITH 50% MORE HORRIBLE TRUTH (HERE)
　
EL MILAGRO DE LA CONCACAF
Most sane Reds supporters would concede that TFC's 3-1 loss to Santos Laguna at BMO Field all but ends the club's quest to progress in Champions League. While all signs point to "no way Jose", could TFC pull out a miraculous double of victories in Mexico and El Salvador AND get help to steal their CCL Group?
　
4-4-?
While not exactly blessed with a plethora of football knowledge in his starting eleven, Paul Mariner's tactics as manager have been described (sometimes fairly, sometimes not) as "dump and chase" or "hoof ball". Decried as a relic of 1960's English football, the style has even drawn mocking from opponents and without the scoring prowess of Danny Koevermans has not been effective. Will Mariner try to massage a little more "football" into his soccer in an attempt to separate the wheat from the chaff in his squad?
　
THAT ONE'S A KEEPER
It seems pretty evident that a TFC keeper is being frozen. No, not by an opponent from the penalty spot but by the coaching staff. After Stefan Frei went down with a major injury, Milos Kocic became the defacto # 1 but recently he has been replaced by very raw Bermudian Freddy Hall. Is Kocic's benching a sign that his TFC days are numbered and is Frei headed back to his place as The Reds' main man in goal for 2013?
　
END OF THE ROAD?
We may only see them if garbage minutes allow but it would seem as if 2012 may mark the end for a few old faces. Adrian Cann and Ty Harden have been phantoms (even when not injured) and do not seem to fit into Mariner's plans while other names such as Eric Avila have been surprising in their omissions. More than a few Reds may be down to their last few weeks with the club.
　
PETER OUT OR "PAUL" UP?
The on-field performance lately has been far from inspiring. Lack of talent is one thing but coming out flat is just downright infuriating for fans to watch. With little to play for except clichés, will we see a scrappy TFC inspired by their manager - or, will heads and effort levels drop in unison as other teams prepare for the playoffs?
　
CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE?
Will the blend of injuries and general lack of talent on the club allow Paul Mariner to "audition" the younger members of the team for 2013? While a few veterans will be necessary to give the appearance of "trying" to win, the remaining fixtures may be an opportunity to see what youngsters can really cut it at the MLS level. While the likes of Ashtone Morgan and Luis Silva have solidified a future, names like Aaron Maund, Quincy Amarikwa, Matt Stinson and Logan Emory still need to show they have the consistency to demand a salary next year.
　
BIT OF A HASSLI
The imposing Frenchman avec le tattoos du neck was brought over to TFC as something of a panic buy after Danny Koevermans went down for the season and beyond. As far as panic buys go, he's a fairly good one - despite likely being able to snatch him for free at the end of 2012 if the injury hadn't forced Mariner's hand. However, Hassli has yet to find any consistency and has been far from the replacement needed up top. The Reds once again find themselves desperate for a consistent goalscorer but will Hassli find the form in the last few weeks of 2012 to warrant his pricey return?
　
TICKETS! WHO NEEDS 'EM, WHO WANTS "EM?
Oh to be a TFC Season Ticket Rep over the next few months. Not an enviable task. Through no fault of their own (except guilt by association), these poor souls will have to convince TFC season ticket holders to hand over wads of cash for yet another season that is yet to hold promise of much different. Many Day One ticket holders are finally calling it a day and casual support is bleeding on a weekly basis. Will MLSE have the Saputo-prodded smarts to lower season tickets across the board? GASP! Will they freeze ticket prices once again? Can they offer anything to the long-abused to avoid TFC matches from resembling FC Dallas matches? This is a question that only time will tell.
　
C.O.-OH NO!
The inevitable coronation of Tom Anselmi to MLSE's COO (aka head virgin sacrificer) will have many TFC supporters rolling their eyes. How a man so directly involved with the slaying of a golden goose is exalted to one of North America's highest sports management positions is beyond us, but hey. Maple Leafs and Raptors fans are suddenly screaming that "the sky is falling", but to them we say... "you are absolutely right". Welcome to our world. From a TFC slant, it will be interesting to see if Anselmi continues his iron grip over the club or if in a move of appeasement, an actual football man (not looking at you Earl Cochrane or Jim Brennan) is put into place as a TFC "President". Either that or the new owners move the Argos into BMO, get us a fluffy mascot, thundersticks and the TFC City Dancers. Whatevs.

THE STARTING 11: Rejected items for the TFC Season Ticket package

"Yourassowsky looks amazing in those"

For Toronto FC's loyal yet downtrodden season ticket holders, receiving the annual box full of tickets and assorted goodies has become a rite of Spring. Despite knowing that patience will be necessary in Year V, opening the Pandora-sent box to 2011 was nonetheless exciting. Well, perhaps it would have been a bit better if the new scarf didn't look like a Hudson Bay Company reject and the glossy Yearbook wasn't a reminder of one of the club's most horrible seasons... but as usual we digress. There were other items that were considered as additions to the big box of joy, but hey... postage and stuff... MLSE's not a charity you know!
　
11. Framed and autographed black & white print of Adrian Cann's abs
　
10. Souvenir lock of Mo Johnston's hair
　
9. "The Big Book of Dutch Curse Words"
　
8. Joao Plata
　
7. A donation envelope for the club's new charity - "TFC WORKS - Employing Under-privileged Footballers Since 2007"
　
6. 800 Marlies tickets
　
5. Audiobook version of Louisa May Alcott's classic Little Women as read by Maicon Santos
　
4. A pair of sexy red underwear with the word "Yourassowsky" on the backside
　
3. iTunes gift card good for one free download of "I Do Thingsh My Waysh: Bob de Klerk does Sinatra"
　
2. A free sample of Stefan Frei's new Swiss chocolate bar "Goalblerone"
　
1. A new 5-Year-Planner

Lucy, you have some essplainin' to dooo! Response to Tom Anselmi

----- Awww, Tom's sad. Poor Tom. Here's a fifty to wipe your eyes.

For those of you who consider us at the Yorkies the be-all-and-end-all of TFC related media (once I stop laughing, I'll continue writing...) *ahem*, here, the Toronto Star gave us this gem of an article and apology filled with quotes from Tom Anselmi.

So here's my take on it...

TFC is to announce Wednesday that Anselmi is going to hold a series of town-hall meetings with supporter groups.

This is a great PR move. You get enough of the blind supporters, you know - those who get behind the team no matter how far supporters get gouged, to show up and these town halls become giant love-ins. I'm sure our invitations are in the mail as we speak...

Scarf-waving supporters, angry with the lack of improvement on the field and dramatic increases of over 30 per cent in cost and four more games in their season-ticket packages for next season, have been voicing their displeasure with chants and protests during home games.

OK, so enough people have made noise. Good. I didn't think MLSE paid attention. Earlier this week, I read an article about Bundesliga supporters going on strike due to rising ticket costs. I'm thinking Anselmi read the same article.

However, this is what got my ire:

The club is also removing a pair of CONCACAF Champions League matches from obligatory purchase in season tickets, a move that will cut the total cost of the 2011 package, he said.

[sarcasm] Yes. There it is. The real reason. We're upset over the Champions League matches. If I've said it once, I'll say it again, I am upset at how my seasons tickets include only games involving Toronto FC, right? [/sarcasm]

The article failed to mention a single WORD about the MLS Cup ticket included in the package. The ticket that is responsible for much of our outrage. I want all the tickets to games involving Toronto FC. I don't want to be gouged extra for it later *cough*Real Madrid*cough*. And I sure as hell do not want a ticket for a game that not only excludes TFC, but involves teams I couldn't give a damn about. Hell, 5 minutes on any message board would've brought this question to either Ansemi's or the author's attention.

I actually believe Mr. Anselmi when he states the following:

At Maple Leaf Sports, we've been accused at length about suits like me interfering with the team. (This is) proof positive, we don't interfere.

Why wouldn't this be true? After the sacking of talented players for unknowns and the protection and playing of liabilities, anyone who has watched the game with any discerning eye would've given Mo the hair-dryer treatment. Cronin's gone but White is still here? Gerba dismissed but Hscovanviscs has his contract seen through? Wynne disappears but Garcia still has employment? There's no WAY the suits are involved... especially since the league picks up their tab. The suits are damn-near comatose!

*deep breath in*

*deep breath out*

So am I crazy?

THE STARTING 11: ML$E 2011 season ticket ad slogans

Jim Brennan - star of "5 Year Plan II: The Plannening"

Poor old Maple Leaf $ports and "Entertainment". They work their fingers to the silk glove to bring us quality "soccer" and what do we do? Yell and protest at them because we are greedy and want a marginally "good team". We supporters should be ashamed of ourselves! Do you know how hard it is to get out of your solid gold bed, lift off the mink duvet and slip into your Siberian Tiger-head slippers, only to read in the morning papers that the fans that you treat like royalty (Sudanese royalty) are angry with you? It's enough to put the poor ML$E exec off his breakfast of blue whale steak, dodo eggs, unicorn DNA and virgin's tears. They'll have to try harder than ever to promote those ticket packages but don't worry - they have their best ad-men on the case...
　
(And yes... its sarcasm)
　
11. "Imagine how much we could have charged if they were good!"
　
10. "10% off Preki bobbleheads with season tickets"
　
9. "Come see TV commercial superstar Danny Dichio!"
　
8. "Witness new GM Jimmy Brennan embark on a new 5 Year Plan!"
　
7. "See Vancouver Whitecaps live - we here they're pretty good"
　
6. "Watch (enter false DP/ coach/ GM rumour here) and Toronto FC!"
　
5. "Come on people - you make more than Dan Gargan does!"
　
4. "TFC - what else you gonna watch? The Lynx? Pfft."
　
3. "MLS Cup 2010: Not because you want to - because we made you!"
　
2. "Can you say Butty Buffet?"
　
1. League One football - Premier League prices!"

All the chips you can butt