Toronto FC coach John Carver wants the supporters to play a massive role in helping the team win the Nutrilite Canadian Championship. There are still tickets available for the game against Vancouver Whitecaps on July 1st (kick off 4:00 p.m.) as the Reds welcome Canadian opposition to BMO Field for the first time.
"It's an absolutely massive game," said Carver. "I've said how important I have seen this competition and it's huge for us to have this fortress. I saw the 'fortress' banner at the weekend and that's how it needs to be. The supporters are definitely the 12th man for us, everybody across the league talks about it," he added.
If Toronto win the Nutrilite Canadian Championship, they will move on to the CONCACAF Champions League and face the Champions of Nicaragua in the Preliminary Round. If the Reds progress, they will be in Group C of the Champions League along with Atlante F.C. of Mexico, C.D. Olimpia or C.D. Marathon of Honduras and the winner of Joe Public F.C. (Trinidad) against New England Revolution.
"We need this stadium filled to capacity," said Carver. "I urge the fans to come and support us and get right behind. If we can get through this and win this competition, they'll get the opportunity to see some fantastic teams come here. The further you go in the competition the better the opposition becomes. It's a great chance to see a different type of football as well. I urge the supporters to buy tickets and get right behind us next Tuesday. It's very important to me and very important to the players as well."
Toronto FC won their opening game in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship 1-0 at Montreal Impact. The Impact then beat Vancouver at Stade Saputo, and the return match is tonight at Swangaard Stadium in Burnaby.
Carver is stressing the importance of not underestimating the two United Soccer League teams. "These guys are not a second class team. We saw how tough the game was in Montreal. Vancouver are flying in their own league. They're both trying to get into the MLS because they've got a good set-up. We can't take anything for granted, and that's why we need the fans to come and support us. They will give us a really tough game."
Toronto FC face Vancouver Whitecaps at BMO Field, July 1st and Montreal Impact on July 22nd. Click here to buy tickets.
