Insecurity Alert

My, my, my - some people are clearly not getting enough relaxation time in this summer.

The in-box was thoroughly flooded over the past two days after - horrors! - this space failed to highlight the contributions of Toronto FC to the summer sports spectacular we are all supposedly experiencing here in mighty Hogtown.

I suggested it was rather quiet out there these days. The soccer crowd (mob?) tends to disagree. MLSE puts another losing team out to the public, these folks buy in like lemmings and those who dare to find it all rather uninteresting are taken to task.

Well, that's typical for the footie crowd. It's always been that way. Never content to simply enjoy their fave sport, they get their knickers in an insecurity knot when the rest of the sports world doesn't fall to its knees in praise of the beautiful game.

To make things clear, two of my four kids play soccer. My wife plays, and even scored her first goal in roughly a quarter-century Wednesday night (our union will be in serious jeopardy the moment she reads that).

So I don't hate the sport. At the grassroots level, it gets quite of few of my dollars on an annual basis. I just don't particularly love it, and having spent most of the summer in the city, my sense is that TFC and the Under-20 tourney were both successful at the gate, but Mo Johnston can still feel safe walking down Yonge St. without being noticed. I'm glad folks are having a ton-o-fun at little BMO Field, but I'm just not feeling the mania.

When  it comes to soccer, this is very much the minors, and probably always will be. Last week I took in minor league baseball games in Auburn, N.Y. and Syracuse, and undoubtedly there are fans in those cities who believe fervently in their teams and that they are being ignored by the larger sporting community.

But the soccer folks always take it to a new level. If you don't buy what they're selling, you're a moron. A jackass. An idiot.

That's the part that bugs me. See, I love tennis, but I understand that it's a sport that isn't nearly as popular as it once was, and that for many, it's simply not their cup of tea.

And I'm ok with that. When people ignore the game, I don't fire off indignant emails.

I don't scream to the hills in defence of the game I prefer. I don't get all bug-eyed and command others to follow the ATP and WTA tours. I simply accept that what I like, others don't.

So soccer people - relax. Sorry (not really) I didn't mention TFC in my previous "Dead Zone" blog, but quite frankly, last-place MLS teams playing out of a home stadium on a surface the world's best consider a joke don't really register in my brain in August.

Comments

[Jeff]

While admittedly a second-rate soccer squad, it's interesting how defensive you get about not mentioning TFC. I'm a soccer fan who doesn't care if others don't buy into it, but by purely journalistic standards, the numbers add up to something worth mentioning in the context of toronto sports. TFC averages 20,000 fans. The home of the Leafs and Raps holds 18,800 (hockey) and 19,800 (hoops), respectively. The TV ratings for TFC equal or surpass that of both the Raptors and the Blue Jays, nevermind the Argos. So even if you're not convinced of TFC's popularity, the numbers alone warrant a mention. Even if it is in a why-are-all-these-folks-so hyped-on-a-crappy-soccer-team sort of way...
Enjoy your columns but this one (and the dead zone) just seemed lazy.

[J.Silva]

Damien,

TFC fans do not have a problem with people not enjoying the game of soccer, you don't like it fine. Soccer fans don't care if you like it or not. The problem and the reason you received the numerous emails and comments are due to the fact that TFC is being continuously ignored by most of the Toronto sports media. Your previous blog was an illustration of this. I also believe that insecurity exists with the media who know very little about the sport and fear that it will continue grow in this city and country. How can you properly cover a team if you know nothing about the sport they play, you cannot!

The point about TFC being in last place is a very clever jab at MLSE, I mean who would think an expansion team would be last place? The games are still selling out because soccer fans have waited 20 years for professional soccer to return to this city. Regarding the field, it was good enough for FIFA and the U20 World Cup.

[chris]

Of course Toronto FC is in last place, Damien. They're a first year expansion team handcuffed by an import rule that puts them at a big disadvantage against other teams. The coach, Mo Johnston, has stated that, and MLS commissioner Don Garber already admits that it was a mistake putting up unfair restrictions on the team. Despite that and the injuries, Johnston has done an outstanding job putting this squad together and it will only get better with time.

But it seems YOU'RE the one on the defensive here. You arrogantly dismiss this team, and the rabid support it receives, then you get your dander up when the fans point this out to you. We thought you were a more level headed journalist. But it would seem Gary Bettman railroading your hometown Hamilton of an NHL franchise has damaged your psyche far more than you may admit.

So I would suggest that you seek help in a big hurry. Soccer fans in these parts are far better adjusted than you realize. Certainly more so than you are!

[Azerban]

You know nothing about the sport, it threatens you (and your job), therefore, you must hide it. Face it, soccer is blowing out every other traditional sport in this city (except for hockey, of course). And regardless of what you might think of the standard of play, we finally have a team in the top flight, and we're embracing it. It's not going away, no matter how thoroughly you plug your ears. The barrage of emails you received is testament to that.

Oh, and nobody cares about tennis, but you still mentioned it. Got a whole paragraph. You're being purposefully ignorant regarding the sporting community, and your blind hatred of a sport you know nothing about is readily apparant.

Feel free to put yourself out of a job, this is only our first year, but it will grow, and we have long memories.

[Mark Hillier]

uh yah, I have to agree full heartedly with the other posters... TFC deserves more attention and respect in the media.
They are an expansion team.. they started out slow, as is to be expected but made some trades/acquisitions and suddenly they are a very very competitive and exciting team, with more supporters than any other team in the league. This team and league is only going to get better. While many football fans are the most passionate in the world, it's not surprising they would react that way, even if that reaction is obviously not the best way to voice their concerns. This isn't about MLSE putting "another losing team out to the public." (Obviously, Damian has another agenda to push on this one.) Football is the most popular sport in the world, and now Toronto (and Canada) finally have a decent professional team to follow. The Canadian sports media really need to wake up to this. The sport will continue to grow despite them. I'm not 100% sure but aren't more Canadian kids now playing soccer than hockey??

[Frank Capizzano]

Damien, Thanks for reminding me why I recently cancelled my Star subscription!

Your ignorance is understandable, but your arrogance is unexcusable!

I must admit you are an expert...in covering a losing team in a minor league sport...but you are no where near the "centre of the sports world"...you wouldn't know it if it hit you in the side of the head!

[Paul]

Its not the fact that you didn't mention Toronto FC that makes your previous article stupid..its the fact that you claim that its a boring time for sports fans because the Toronto teams cuurently aren't successful. What happened to supporting teams no matter what the standings show. Isn't that the definition of a fan.

You can discount TFC all you want. Rag on their current position, it doesn't matter. I know that my fellow 20,000 fans that fill the stadium every game will have a great time, and show more spirit than you will ever see at a regular season Leafs game. Thats ok. Hockey season starts fairly soon, and you can go back to ACC and all will be well in the life of Damien Cox again. Have a good sleep. We'll wake you up when Toronto FC becomes successful. It will probably be alot sooner than the endless wait for a Maple Leafs success.

[Daniel Stott]

I don't think you can compare TFC's impact to a minor league baseball team in upstate New York.
Your email is degrading to the thousands of people who love this team. MLS is not minor league. Is minor league baseball covered on CBC and ESPN2 nationally?
And no offense, but what-on-earth does your wife and kids playing soccer have anything to do with TFC?

[Alexintoronto]

ha-ha nice hissy fit.

You may be right about one thing - name calling isn't appropriate. But it wasn't a very well written article when you consider it left out the biggest story of the summer.

Have you been to a game at BMP Field yet?

If not I'd like to personally invite you. I have season tickets - 2nd row. After that you can write an article about the experience. Until then I don't think you have a right to criticize the team out of ignorance.

(Beers are on you though)

[Julian]

Damien, just stick to discussing sports for which you possess a modicum of knowledge like tennis.

Why do you even write about sports? You are obviously not a fan of any team or you'd probably have an inkling of why fans might support a losing team. Lemmings? How is it lemming behaviour to support a local sports team? Are fans supposed to ignore a team until right before they win a championship? Are they supposed to quit following an EXPANSION team because it has a losing record?

[Chris]

Of course the fans get riled. Your column basically said there was nothing going on...which is a slap to face of the biggest and most successful tournament Canada has ever seen and probably the biggest sports story in Toronto this year (quick...name me a bigger story?) in TFC. You guys in the media missed the boat on this one and have been justifying yourselves ever since. And talk about minor league? MLS is making major strides and if would receive the support it should, can be a competitive league up there with some of the best in the world. Lord knows there is enough money in the US to make it happen. The CFL is just a bunch of NFL castoffs and we are supposed to look at the CFL as a more professional league? The ONLY thing that is holding back soccer in North America is the lack of support, otherwise, soccer can be just as successful here as it is in Europe and South America but thank to guys like you, Canada will ever only be successful at hockey, a niche sport barely followed anywhere in the world other than in places where it snows. Thanks for that.

[Chris Michaels]

Great article, Damien. I whole-heartedly agree with you.
And, for the guy taking shots at the CFL, let's talk after MLS has been around for 50 years (let alone the Argos 130 years in existence).

I've been surprised at what a great atmosphere it looks like down at BMO Field. Might even want to take in a game. That said, the excitement generated in the stands sure seems like a stark contrast to what happens on the field.

To those who haven't fully immersed themselves in hockey, lacrosse or CFL football, I'm sure the TFC, and MLS, is very entertaining.

[Justin]

I'm guessing Mr. Cox has never been to a game. The atmosphere is 10x of what you find in the ACC or the SnoozeDome. Mr. Cox is part of the old club establishment that believes sport only happens during snowfall and the period in between is watching the Jays not make the playoffs. Little BMO field holds about as many as the ACC, sells out what they can fit and while the on field product is expansion caliber (it IS an expansion team), the fans are mostly amazing, with just a few ACC hold outs that like to enjoy a morgue like atmosphere. Regardless, Mr. Cox is behind the times and that is fine, his articles are mostly boring anyway and the only reason I read this article was cause I saw mention of TFC. He's not losing a reader here, he never had one in the first place.

[Matt]

"Damien, just stick to discussing sports for which you possess a modicum of knowledge like tennis."

That's what he's doing. Damned if you do and damned if you dont I guess. And really, what could the star tell you hardcores that you dont already know?

[Perry]

Thanks for the post Damien - I agree 100%.

[Alec]

Damien, I'd really like to see you put your money where your mouth is and head down to BMO field. After you experience one game, you'll understand the extreme idiocy in your post.

[Spencer]

Fair comment Damien. As a marginal soccer fan, I'm enjoying TFC despite how bad the team is. You're right to point out the correlation between Leafs fans and TFC fans. Sad really. But there you have it eh?

[Dan]

Damien,

You are right, these folks are aggressive and angry. But, on the other hand, I've gotten steamed at some of your articles too.

[Edward]

Perhaps a fair point about us football fans getting a bit defensive at times. But understand the frustration that at this pivotal time in the sport in Canada, at least in our belief, with Toronto FC and growing interest in the national team, it appears that the media is not on board. I sort of expect this sort of thing on politics with the media's right wing bias not being a reflection of the public but for sports too? Its fine that you may think that this is a passing fad but the fact is Toronto FC is attracting large scale grass root support. Its not just reflected in the stands, people are talking. To write an article about summer sports in Toronto and to ignore this is downright ridicules.

In addition, it looks like you lack knowledge of sport support or at least football support to believe that team support should be based on performance. Lemmings? Damn right, thats what supporting a team is about, even if there are only one or two times for celebration thats what makes it worth it. I don't care if the team loses every game, I'd cry about it and I'd whine and whine about the manager and the players - but I would still support the team with all my heart. That's what its about and I am perplexed that a sports journalist does not know this.

This is the international game whether you like it or not, and its finally catching on here in Canada, are you going to do your job as a journalist or are you going to stick to your biases and not address this? From what we've seen it appears that you're the insecure one.

[Martin]

Interesting you call your response Insecurity Alert, when what do we see you do right off the bat, but go to battle. You know this name calling, and belittling was left for most of us in high school, and maybe a little more at the collegiate level, but a man of such knowledge, experience and stature in the press as yourself would know that and rather not get inolved in it, or would you. As for supporting a second rate club, rest assured the sport you cover apparently well, and the city you call home, has supported a second rate club for years, filling the pockets of the same organization, and allowing it to bring something new, something exciting to the city. Thats ok, go on, and report on that second rate hockey team that you cover so well who plays on a second rate surface that the world's best consider a joke. Cheers

Signed
The Soccer Mob lol

[charade]

One can only imagine Damien's response was brought on by tons of snarky e-mails.

One interesting point brought up is that there are certainly a couple Star columnists who were predicting nothing but doom and gloom. Would be nice to have them publicly eat crow.

Heck, I was predicting doom and gloom!

(Actually, I'm still taking a wait and see stance. Talk to me in three seasons)

Having said that, I've taken in a game and it was great.

[Stephen]

How are we in last place? Currently we are 6th in the East out of 7 and 9th overall out of 13, am I missing something?

The last two expansion teams were Chivas USA and Real Salt Lake they ended up with 18 and 20 points respectively after 32 games. After just 19 games Toronto FC has 20 points. So, they would have to lose the next 13 games to have as bad of a season as Real Salt Lake had in their expansion but still would be better than Chivas USA's expansion season. The next year Chivas USA would make the playoffs with 43 points and Real Salt Lake ended with 39 points just missing the playoffs. Yeah, TFC sure is a "losing team"!

[Stickles21]

Damien,
Good for you. Soccer is just boring and I'm not surprised you failed to mention TFC's contributions to the Toronto sports scene.
I don't how anyone raised on hockey can have even the slightest regard for soccer with all that diving and faking that goes on in the so-called beautiful game.
Soccer is all hype. Who needs it? Let the Europeans play soccer and we'll stick to hockey, baseball and real football.
I wonder how many of your readers remember the Toronto Metros. I think the TFC will eventually go the way of the Metros once the hype and curiosity wear off.
Keep up the good work, keep dissing soccer.

[Stu Campaigne]

Damien, I'm usually with you every step of the way. Unfortunately, equating soccer to tennis is mostly a shot in the dark. You state: "That's the part that bugs me. See, I love tennis, but I understand that it's a sport that isn't nearly as popular as it once was, and that for many, it's simply not their cup of tea.
And I'm ok with that. When people ignore the game, I don't fire off indignant emails."
But, is that not what you are doing with this diatribe?

[scot milroy]

The dead zone which you speak of in sports conveniently tied to your extended vacation. And it was rather refreshing considering the contempt that you have for your readers and, in general, any Toronto sports fan. If this is so annoying to you and, us fans, are so insecure and ludicrous as you attest, why don't you do us all a favour and make that extended vacation permanent.