TORONTO – It's a tradition in soccer, one North America has yet to adopt.
When a team has been crowned champions before the completion of the regular season, their opposition in the remaining matches form a guard of honor, welcoming the competition's winners to the pitch prematch.
Given that MLS Cup falls at the end of the year in the final match of the postseason, there is never an opportunity for that tribute to be bestowed upon the ultimate champion in the league, but it is worth considering whether the Supporters' Shield winners are worthy of that respect.
Toronto FC clinched the 2017 Supporters' Shield with a win over the New York Red Bulls on September 30 with two matches left on the schedule before the playoffs. While rivals Montreal did not pay homage to the best team in MLS this regular season in Week 32, it remains to be seen if Atlanta will on Decision Day, presented by AT&T. Toronto sure wouldn't mind it if they did.
“Yeah, it's something that I would enjoy,” said defender Justin Morrow ahead of the match against Montreal.
Ever level-headed, Greg Vanney admitted his doubts about any team's interest in adopting such a new tradition in MLS, especially given the circumstances.
“It's not the tradition in our league, nor is the team that wins the Supporters' Shield necessarily the champion,” said Vanney. “The way our league is set up, the championship is through the playoffs. That's the team that is seen as the champion.”
“That team gets a nice colorful ball that's different then everybody else the next year,” continued Vanney. “I understand [the guard of honor]. It's an interesting, respectful sign for the team that has won the league. I don't think it will happen here Put another way: We won't be expecting it.”
At least one person surveyed thought the idea was silly, interjecting with a smile before the question could even be fully asked.
“I don't think so,” said Drew Moor. “I understand it's tradition; I wouldn't want to do it for another team ... I don't think it's a tradition that MLS needs to pick up or should pick up. If they do... OK, but I wouldn't want to. Just get on with the game.”
