The BMO stands were paved with gold Wednesday night as Canada lacked support.
So where were you? No really, where were you? We missed you at BMO Field as Canada played Ecuador to a thrilling 2-2 draw in the most
entertaining game you'll see in Toronto this year.
For those of you who did come out and support the team in red -- well done -- you probably have no voice left as you cheered so loudly. Kudos -- you were fantastic.
As for the rest of you who claim to be proud Canadian soccer fans, and who are always complaining that our Nats never play at home, again I ask, where were you?
The Twitter world was all over me right after the game as I went on there complaining about the lack of support. Many replied by hauling out the same old lame excuses. Let's say there really were a little more than 14,000 people there as was announced. That means, by my best guess, about 10,000 had to be wearing yellow in support of Ecuador. All the numbers sound high to me, but I think I have the percentages right.
So here's what people said. Some made comments via Twitter, others through email, some to my face after the game and a few even before the game began.
"The CSA botched the promotion."
Stop blaming the CSA. The CSA is an easy target and you've worn that one out. Ecuador fans knew the game was on.
"Dobson you suck and Sportsnet botched the promotion."
I don't care what you think of me, and again, Ecuador fans knew it was happening.
"I didn't know where to buy tickets."
Once, again Ecuador fans....well you get the picture.
How about this one: "It was a school night."
Then why were there so many youngsters in yellow running around having a great time.
"It was a meaningless friendly."
Tell that to Terry Dunfield and Tossaint Ricketts who each scored their first goals for Canada. Both could not have been more proud, nor likely more disappointed in the lack of Canadian support.
The weather was spectacular, the game was a high-tempo entertaining affair with a wild finish at an affordable price. I am sick and tired of lame excuses for not supporting our national team. If you had a good reason for not getting there, fair enough and if you don't care about the Canadian team, that's your right, although I'll never understand that one.
There are nearly half a million soccer players in Ontario and half of them live in the greater Toronto area. I saw scant evidence of their presence at BMO Field.
Again, I'm not talking to those of you who faithfully show up and scream your lungs out. Well done to you all. We just need more of you. I feel like diving into the supporters section at BMO Field. It's the only place I feel at home.
