Last year, drawing from the 2,500-year idea that “the enemy of my enemy is my friend,” we asked representatives of a number of fan bases around the league how they were aligning for the 2016 MLS Cup: Behind Toronto FC or the Seattle Sounders?
Much to no one’s delight — save for Seattle and Toronto fans, of course — we’re asking the same question as we did last year. Some of what we establish still holds: Timbers fans will root against the Sounders no matter what, Montreal fans are good with the Sounders getting back-to-back titles, and Vancouver fans find themselves equally at odds with their Canadian rivals and Cascadia rivals – though they did get to the Western Conference semifinals against the defending champs.
But how do fans feel this year? For those who express a preference, Toronto gets the nod – in part for the acknowledgment of their Supporters’ Shield-winning season.
Dallas Beer Guardian president Bailey Brown, who handed the Supporters’ Shield to TFC fans at BMO Field last month, maintains an official neutral position, explaining that, “I have friends on both sides and neither team is Dallas.” She does note that many of her fellow fans are conflicted, grappling with both a Western Conference rivalry and disappointment over the US national team’s failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup — which some American fans have expressed via reactions to TFC and USMNT mainstays Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore.
As Bailey notes, “A lot of Dallas fans really hate Seattle and don't want to see them win, but then I think there's a lot who still have ill feelings towards Bradley and Altidore.”
She does feel for the Toronto fans she calls her “little northern family,” saying, “They're definitely seeing this game as more than just a game but almost as a chance to prove that they were the better team all along. When I was there, I could see the desire in their eyes, almost a sense of a shot at redemption.”
One of the highest-profile US fans, American Outlaws Board Member and In-Stadium Chair Donald Wine II — also a capo with D.C. United’s Screaming Eagles, is pulling for Toronto precisely because of Bradley and Altidore’s involvement.
Toronto's Jozy Altidore (pictured) and Michael Bradley have been the target of jeers from fans across the league since the US national team failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup / USA Today Sports Images
“They've been the best team in the league all season,” explains Wine, who is also a capo with D.C. United's Screaming Eagles. “And I want them to exact revenge over Seattle after losing to them last year. I don't know that I represent all D.C. United or USMNT fans in that, but I know a lot may not necessarily be rooting for Toronto, but against Seattle. In my case, I think Altidore, [Sebastian] Giovinco, Bradley, and the rest of the team have played tremendously well this season. As a USMNT fan, I still love Altidore and Bradley and will always pull for them to do well — except when they play D.C. United.”
Columbus Crew SC fans aren’t as behind the Toronto team that outlasted them in the Eastern Conference Finals. Morgan Hughes, who has emerged as one of Crew SC’s highest-profile fans, starting with his leadership of the team’s #TIFOSWEAT collective, simply says, “I'm a supporter of the Columbus Crew, and teams that aren't the Crew mean nothing to me.”
Supporters’ groups for the newest Eastern Conference team, Atlanta United, aren’t officially taking sides.
“Honestly, for us it really doesn't matter who wins,” according to Resurgence board member Sarah Palmer, adding they’re throwing a watch party “because it's a great time to get together, watch soccer, and gather supplies for Meals on Wheels and Toys for Tots. But we don't don't care which team brings home the MLS Cup if it's not Atlanta.”
She does note, however, that a few SG members, who are Seattle transplants to Atlanta, may feel differently.
And Jorge Alonso, an early Terminus Legion organizer now with The Faction, adds, “As a fan of the sport, there's no doubt in my mind that Toronto is the best team in the league, so I will be pulling for them. They are simply a class above most of the teams in MLS. It's a no-brainer for me.”
Fans of the other inaugural 2017 team, Minnesota United, are conflicted about the current Cup holders.
“Minnesota fans have a long history of rivalry with Seattle, going back to all the years playing against each other in lower divisions,” said longtime Dark Clouds leader Bruce McGuire. “Does that cause Minnesota fans to cheer for or against them? It’s probably split pretty evenly between both appreciation and loathing.”
Houston supporters' feelings about former Dynamo and current Sounders striker Will Bruin, right, could shape their rooting interests on Saturday / USA Today Sports Images
Familiarity breeds contempt for Houston Dynamo fans, who were ousted in the Western Conference Championship by a Sounders squad that included former Dynamo striker Will Bruin.
“I'd say most Houston fans are pulling for Toronto,” said Texian Army president James Hromadka. “I personally didn't think much about Bruin until his comments where he was basically relishing going up against Houston and hoping to personally eliminate the Dynamo. There are plenty that really hate the guy though. He didn't leave on the best of terms with Houston fans.”
Sporting Kansas City fans are also lining up behind Toronto.
“Toronto has a very dedicated fan base that has been through a lot of ups and downs,” notes the Cauldron’s Zachary Cobb. “I would love to see TFC supporters earn MLS Cup in their own house.”
And LA Galaxy fans are behind Toronto, even though former Sounders coach Sigi Schmid now steers the Galaxy.
“I am rooting for Toronto in this one, just like I did last year,” notes Total MLS contributor and Galaxy fan Britt Jo. “It is definitely fueled by the LA v. Seattle rivalry. Toronto has played entertaining soccer over the last couple years, and them playing against my favorite team’s rival is just icing on the cake.”
MLS’s newest block of supporters’ groups—rooting for the Los Angeles FC team that will premier in 2018—are looking at the MLS Cup in a whole different light from the league’s other fans.
“Rather than choosing either side, we are treating it more like New Year’s Eve,” said Josef Zacher of Black Army 1850, one of LAFC’s core SGs. “We will be counting down to the final whistle so we can celebrate the beginning of our inaugural season.
“We wish the Bradley family well and will be happy for our coach” if TFC wins, Zacher said. But he also notes his team's fans are focused on their favorite Bradley, Michael's father and LAFC head coach Bob Bradley, with an eye toward the future.
“Honestly, we can’t wait to celebrate with him on Tuesday following the Expansion Draft,” Zacher said.
