Yes, there were more yellow shirts in the stands yesterday than there were red. And, yes, that’s disheartening, irritating and more than a little pathetic. But, we knew what to expect going in.
About 6-weeks ago we had been told that Ecuadorian groups were gobbling up tickets. At the same time we knew that Canadian sales were sluggish. If we hadn’t been hammering our heads against this particular wall for, oh, about 20-years now that news would have made us really angry. Instead, the focus shifted to the only thing we could control.
Making sure that the Canadian section was as big and as passionate as it could be. Last night, it was.
When Terry Dunfield launched himself into the bottom of 114 (and, yes, as it so happened, directly at me along with one of the biggest and longest suffering Canadian fans I know) it occurred to me that it didn’t matter how many were there cheering for their grandfather’s country rather than their own. We were having a grand time in the south end and, I think, the player’s noticed.
If we can’t beat them with numbers we need to beat them in noise. It shouldn’t be difficult because, I’m sorry, the game matters more to those of us that live it every day than those who visit it only when the homeland is in town.
Not enough Canadians care about the national team, but it’s not fair to say that no one does. And those that do care passionately. To paraphrase a popular chant that used to be sung in the stands of Eastlands and Maine Road: 25 years; and we’re still here.
We’ll be here 25 more if that’s what it takes – proudly supporting the home team.
As for the game itself, a 2-2 draw against a quality team is worth celebrating. If you were at the game you’ll know that the quality of football on display was about 10 times better than what BMO Field normally serves up (shame then that you missed it if you’re part of the yeah-but-Canada-sucks crowd). Hopefully the late goal will give them some confidence and momentum heading into next week’s 1812 Derby.
It’s been way too long since we beat the Yanks.