TORONTO – Having taken MLS by storm this season, setting records aplenty en route to the first-ever treble in MLS history, Toronto FC’s 2017 team have entered those rarest of pantheons: a candidate for greatest of all-time in their league.
They haven’t been shy about sharing their opinion on the matter. Jozy Altidore has said it; Greg Vanney, too.
With such achievement comes a side salad of malice, from other clubs and their fans. The team perhaps most hated in US and Canadian sports are MLB’s New York Yankees, for whom there is no such thing as neutral emotion.
TFC president Bill Manning was asked if his side was verging on that territory given their dominance in the regular season and the way they fought and clawed through all comers in the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs, including MLS Cup runners-up, Seattle Sounders, themselves no strangers to polarizing feelings.
“Not yet,” was Manning's initial reply.
“Hate is a strong word. I would hope we have respect across the league,” he said. “It's not easy to do what we did this year. We were very public about our goals, what we were going to do, and we did it. It was a huge feat.”
For aspiring detractors there is fodder: Highest-payroll, star players, and fans who do not fear letting their opinions be known.
But respect is neither bought, nor garnered by reputation alone. It is earned.
“We're not afraid to be ambitious,” said Manning. “But respect is earned on the field; how you hold yourself, win or lose, as an organization. I hope we are respected around the league for the right reasons.
“Last year we earned respect: getting to championship game, how we go about our business. I don't think we're an arrogant franchise. I hope we don't come off that way. We're confident. We let our results speak for themselves. And that's how we're going to continue.”
One facet that Manning emphasized was that this team “relishes” having a target on their back. After last season's MLS Cup defeat, TFC emerged as early contenders to return this season.
“This group is very secure and confident in who they are,” said Manning. “There are some teams that have to be the underdog. We don't. We're very comfortable being the favorite.
“We want to be one of the top franchises in this league, and North America, frankly. You have to prove it on the field first; we've done that. Over the next few years, we'll continue to grow. The runway is long for this group of players.
“Let's talk about the Yankees when we win a few more championships. But certainly, if we could emulate a franchise that would be it.”
Amongst other topics discussed, including increasing the season-ticket base from 21,000 to 25,000 and finding ways to maintain the extra capacity added for the playoffs by a temporary stand in the north end and a few other spots, Manning discussed the possibility of safe standing coming to the supporters' sections at BMO Field.
“It will be done; mark my words,” promised Manning. “It won't be for next season. My hope is for the 2019 season; at least by 2020. They stand all game anyway.”
