Toronto Caribbean Newspaper celebrates Toronto FC’s new energy kit; a night out with the fans

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

The atmosphere inside the stadium was electrifying. I heard the chants, cheers, and colorful displays of team colors before I even stepped into the BMO stadium. The collective energy of thousands of fans had transformed BMO stadium into a cauldron of emotions. The excitement of a soccer game is truly electrifying. From the moment the players stepped onto the field, there was a palpable energy in the air that transcended the boundaries of the stadium and captivated fans throughout the city of Toronto.

I have always been one of those people who have only seen the games on television, but had never taken in the intensity and atmosphere of a Toronto FC game, and my question was: why are the fans so passionate?

I received my answers when Toronto Caribbean Newspaper was invited to Toronto FC’s Caribbean Heritage Night that took place on July 8^th, 2023. Brenda Foreman (Honorary Consul St. Kitts and Nevis) and I had the opportunity to watch the game in style with Adidas as the brand celebrated the launch of their new Energy Kit – inspired by Caribbean Carnival culture.

I have to admit; for the first time, it was something else watching the game live in the VIP section. The Adidas section was hype, and I had the opportunity to experience the look and feel of the brand’s new kit and the Caribbean culture at large.

I think that after attending the game, I see why Toronto FC has such a passionate fan base. There is a sense of camaraderie and belonging that radiated from the fans around me. The rivalries between teams added an extra layer of excitement to the match. I learned that night that soccer is not just about physical prowess; it also involves intricate tactics and strategies. Fans around me were analyzing the tactics employed by teams, the formations, and the individual roles of players on the field.

For 10 years, supporters of Toronto FC have been renowned for being wildly passionate about a mostly pitiable club. TFC supporters realize that their direct participation in supporting the team, through buying tickets and going to games and cheering, actually makes a difference for the team on the field.

Founded in 2006 by Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the club has won the Voyageurs Cup seven times (2009–2012 and 2016–18). They have made it to the MLS playoffs three times (2015, 2016 and 2017), becoming the first Canadian club to reach the MLS Cup final in 2016 and the first to win the MLS Cup in 2017. TFC has competed in the CONCACAF Champions League five times, making it as far as the finals in 2018. Joining the fans that night was the Caribbean community’s soccer hero Dwayne De Rosario, who has demonstrated his commitment not only to the game of soccer, but also to establishing himself as an ambassador of the sport.

For my TFC fans, I thought that I would share some of the most recent updates so that you are completely up to speed. On July 8^th, 2023, Toronto FC announced that the club had signed defender Adam Pearlman, midfielder Markus Cimermancic and winger Jesus Batiz to short-term agreements from Toronto FC II for the club’s MLS match against St. Louis CITY SC. Per MLS rules, the short-term agreement allows clubs to sign players on loan from their MLS NEXT Pro affiliate for MLS, U.S. Open Cup, Concacaf Champions League, Canadian Championship and exhibition matches.

On July 10^th, 2023, they announced that the club had acquired Argentine midfielder Franco Gabriel Ibarra on a season-long loan from Atlanta United FC in exchange for $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) for the 2023 MLS season, with Atlanta United retaining the player’s rights following the conclusion of the loan. Ibarra will occupy a U-22 Initiative Player roster spot for Toronto FC.

Finally, on July 13^th, 2023, they announced that the club has acquired Ghanaian midfielder Latif Blessing from New England Revolution and a 2023 international roster slot in exchange for midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye. Blessing will be added to the roster pending the receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).

The Toronto FC of Major League Soccer is currently playing the 2023 season with a record of 3 wins and 11 losses and 10 ties for 19 points in MLS’s Eastern Conference.

I want to thank Toronto FC for inviting us out to an entertaining evening. I have to say, I get it now. I get the passion, the excitement, and the thrill of everything that is soccer here in Toronto.