Support the home team--regardless of gender

I hinted at it last month and today the CSA confirmed it. Japan will be in Toronto May 25 to take on the women’s national team. It will be Carolina Morace’s first game in Canada as manager of the nats.

Although the last World Cup qualifying campaign for the men was an unqualified disaster, there was one bright point—the way the Red Patch Boys, U-Sector and North End Elite came together to join the Voyageurs to create a truly pro-Canadian crowd at BMO Field. We need to continue with the momentum so that the day comes when cheering for our national teams is expected and embraced by soccer fans in this country.

Women’s football is not something that everyone takes to. That’s a shame because it can be incredibly entertaining when it is played at its highest level. Unfortunately Canada wasn’t playing the game the way it was meant to be played the last few years, which turned a lot of potential supporters off.

The Morace era promises to change that. The Canadian women have the physical talent to not just compete with the best in the world but to beat the best. If the tactics ever catch up to the talent, Canada could potentially win the World Cup. Let me just repeat that. Canada could Win. The. World. Cup.

That won’t be easy, of course, but setting a goal less that that is short-changing the potential of the program.

So this is my challenge to you dear readers. On May 25 get your ass down to the stadium. Once there I want you to treat this game like you would any TFC game. Imagine a south end at BMO providing the same type of vocal support that the Reds get every week and that the men got Aug. 20. Don’t you think our women deserve it?

Dino Rossi has once again stepped up to the plate and has agreed to gobble up 100 tickets in the south end to distribute. Although 100 is a modest goal, let’s start there. Let’s fill those seats with 100 fans ready and willing to provide 90 minutes of active support. Let’s get out there and support the home team.

If you are interested in leading your voice to this effort contact Dino at dinorossijr(@)hotmail.com. He will reserve a ticket for you and make payment arrangements (tickets will be about $15).