86 Forever Not Exactly Thrilled To Open Against Familiar Foe
The Vancouver Whitecaps and Toronto FC might be the only MLS teams in Canada, and they do have a certain amount of animosity for one another, but that doesn't mean the fanbases are exactly pleased with this being their first match of the year. Or, at least, that's how the early returns are looking.
Benjamin Massey of 86 Forever points out that part of what Whitecaps fans have been sold upon moving to MLS is an upgraded experience. That means better facilities, better players and better competition. By opening against a team they’ve faced six times in the past three years in a facility that isn’t quite first division, there’s at least a bit of disappointment.
Just because a home opener against them is almost three points in the bag doesn't mean I wouldn't prefer to see Los Angeles, or New York, or even the likes of DC United. Something new, something that isn't just the same old Voyageurs Cup match with pricier tickets in a crappier stadium. We don't even really have a rivalry with Toronto, and I think the average Toronto fan would agree that they don't see Vancouver as a rival. The raucous pro-Vancouver crowds at the 2008, 2009, and 2010 Voyageurs Cups were created by one part western alienation and two parts the sheer upset potential of little second division Vancouver snatching points against big bad MLS Toronto. Obviously, when we're both in the first division, that's not going to be a factor.
Never one to shy away from a little good-natured ribbing, Massey points out that the Whitecaps have a +3 goal difference against Toronto FC, despite playing a level below their national rivals. He even calls the match “three points in the bag,” even if it is with tongue firmly planted in cheek.
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