Toronto FC does not hold many MLS records. Not the good kind, anyway. They still hold the longest scoreless streak to start a season and the longest scoreless streak, period, in MLS history.
I don’t need to look those up. I lived them. Every. Single. Second. And then I missed the damn goal as I was stuck in a line buying beer.
Upsetting. But, I digress. To bring this back on track, there’s another record that I don’t need to look up. I can’t actually, as it’s not listed anywhere, but I remain confident that TFC holds it.
That record?
Most Open Letters To Fans from Ownership Promising to do Better.
Of this there can be no doubt. Like clockwork, every few seasons, we can expect a heartfelt letter telling us that we are the best fans in the league and that together we can overcome the latest crisis.
We got another one earlier this month. By my count, this is the second this year, which is a lot even for the Reds. Then again this year has been a lot, even for the Reds.
In case you missed the letter, here it is:
To TFC’s faithful fans,
We hear you. We understand your frustration. We know that you want a return of winning ways at BMO Field. I can promise you that no one wants that, and is working to deliver that, more than those within this club.
We want to deliver that for you more than anything else. To reward your passion and support for this club.
At the end of last season, I spoke about the fact that Toronto FC must undergo a full rebuild. Some important steps have been taken, but there is obviously much more to do. The foundation for this rebuild is an ethos that will guide this club, not only this season, but for many seasons ahead. An identity forged in pride and an unrelenting compete level.
We have seen evidence of that identity and mindset taking root at times this season, although admittedly, it was not at the level we expect in the two matches this past week. Our supporter groups expressed their frustration on Saturday and we not only respect that, we expect it when we fall short.
The most important part of this rebuild process, as it has been throughout every moment in club history, both highs and lows, is your support. We will stop at nothing to restore the pride in the Toronto FC badge and deliver you the winner that you deserve, but we need you there with us.
Any rebuilding project is challenging, but it is made much easier with focus, determination and unity. When we return Toronto FC to its place as a contender in MLS, it will make these challenging moments well worth it, and we will all know that we truly did it together.
Thank you for your continued support.
There was a time when I might have felt the urge to really dig into that narrative of nonsense above. I might have even had the energy to be angry at the club’s unwillingness to address the elephant in the room here — why Lorenso Insigne hasn’t been bought out, since that’s what is truly holding this team back (and it’s the one thing that could have been done right now to make it seem like they truly were doing all that they could to fix this as fast as they can).
There was a time when I Lived. Every. Second. of this club.
Now, is not that time.
It’s just not. Here’s the thing, though, that’s fine. I’m not walking away from a club I have supported for 19 years. I’m not thrilled with where things are and I not going to work my life around the games any longer (partly because my life has changed a lot in 19 years and there are simply things that are more important to me now than spending 10 hours in Liberty Village every other Saturday in the summer).
So, I didn’t need this letter. Frankly, I’m not sure who did. These guys, I guess, but their default energy is anger, so they aren’t going to be appeased by another letter from the club.
Everything about both the letter and the protest that led to the letter being written just leaves me cold, to be honest. It’s all performative nonsense — people playing a role they think they are supposed to be playing, rather than just getting down to the business of fixing the mess, if you’re the club, or blocking the view of corner kicks, if you are 114.
If there was a bigger purpose to what was happening, this might resonate more. There isn’t, though. When you break it down, what the boys in black were protesting is the fact that TFC is losing.
That’s it. Toronto FC isn’t very good right now. And that’s not very fun. So they are protesting for the club to BE BETTER DAMN IT. Try harder.
Ok, sure. There’s no evidence that they aren’t trying to win though. They aren’t very good at it, at the moment, but they’re trying.
No, TFC isn’t very good because it made poor roster decisions, not because they are cheap or aren’t trying to be successful. If the latter was the case, the boys with edgy flags would have something to protest. As it stands, I’m not sure what exactly they are demanding, or why TFC is pandering to them. Again.
Like I wrote above, it’s not going to reach them anyway.
Which brings me to the club. With them I have a very subtle and nuanced point to make.
SHUT UP.
S H U T U P.
For real. We know, Keith. We know you want to win. Of course you do. Everyone in sports wants to win. That’s the fucking point. When I had a daily podcast, there was a line I would use a lot about clubs that liked to sell us detailed building plans.
That line?
Show me; don’t tell me.
Toronto FC is decidedly in SMDTM territory now. No one cares what your stupid letter says. It’s just empty words.
As for the Real Football Firms of Mississauga crew behind the goal…
I mean, you don’t listen to anyone, anyway, so what’s the point, but, honestly, maybe take a step back for once in your Ooltra lives and learn to enjoy the journey a bit. The price of your ticket does not guarantee victory. Us oldsters understood that and had a blast in the early years because we didn’t take ourselves too seriously.
It must be exhausting to be so angry all the time.
All for one?