On the face of it, Saturday was a perfect day to be a TFC fan: a free buffet President’s breakfast at Real Sports, MLSE President (Big) Tim Leiweke promising two major designated players for next season and no Argos at BMO for the foreseeable future, then to cap it all off, a comfy 4-1 win against DC United.
However, as a TFC fan, it’s easy to find the negative in everything we do. The pancakes were rubbery, Leiweke made no strong promises of what kind of player they’re looking at (other than saying they’re focused on the Premier League and Serie A) and last place DC fielded a less than B-side.
We’ve talked all summer (and for the past seven years) about the poor state of the team, management and fans. But Saturday was a small break from all that – it gave TFC fans a hall pass to actually get excited for one of the only times this year. So forget that we went 1-0 down to DC’s reserves and remember all the positives from Saturday:
The pancakes had whipped cream on them.
Darrel Russell scored another beautiful goal, one of the best we’ve seen all season.
Jim Brennan has an undefeated coaching record in the MLS. He should probably retire right now.
(Little) Tim Bezbatchenko reminded us that the future could be bright, boasting that our homegrown player development is better than many other clubs in the league, pointing to the first team signings of Jonathan Osorio, Doneil Henry and Manuel Aparicio
Asked one on one at separate times about who has the final decision when it comes to players, both Coach and President asserted it was Nelsen. “It’s his team,” explained Big Tim.
The teenage security guard sitting in front of section 116 looked terribly hungover and did not bring sunglasses to the game. When not squinting desperately into the sun, he could be seen pouring water on his head and looking like he wanted to just curl up and die. It doesn’t get better than that, does it?
Ryan Nelsen spoke candidly to fans at the breakfast. He explained that Darren O’Dea simply had to be moved because “Christiano Ronaldo and Matias Laba combined would be cheaper” than what the Irishman was getting paid. He also defended the decision to ship out Maximiliano Urruti, saying that he was costing way too much to just sit on our bench. And when one fan challenged him to play more good ol’ Canadian boys, Nelsen made it clear that starters aren’t picked on their nationality.
Leiweke made some big promises. And while we can be forgiven for being a little skeptical, it was refreshing to hear someone at least claim to have large aspirations. “So far we have been Nutrasweeting our DP’s and it’s time we went out and got big old blocks of sugar,” he said. “The days of us dipping our toe in the water are over –we’re swinging big. I don’t want to see you guys in January and have failed you.”
Leiweke is a go big or go home kind of guy, and he’s not prepared to go home with his tail between his legs. If he fails, he’s going to fail extraordinarily. Whatever happens, it’s going to be an interesting ride.
So as you reflect on Saturday, take your hall pass and don’t feel bad about forgetting the troubles surrounding this organization, even if it’s only until Saturday’s game in Philadelphia.
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