Turmoil in Toronto
Last Wednesday Toronto FC traveled to the Ottawa Fury’s TD Place—a stadium the Loons visited regularly in the NASL—to compete for the Canadian Championship Cup. Toronto won the match, but its supporters will ultimately lose out due to their actions. Fans of Toronto reportedly lit a flare during the match, eventually setting part of the stadium on fire. Play was stopped and emergency responders were called. The fans responsible for the incident were reportedly removed from the stadium.
On Thursday, Toronto FC released a statement from President Bill Manning announcing that Toronto would “suspend all recognized supporter group privileges.”
Soccer participation dropping
Soccer worldwide is growing in many ways. Unfortunately for the U.S., youth participation from ages 6-12 is falling, and has fallen 14% over the past three years. The good news is that participation in youth sports in general has been falling. The bad news is other sports, baseball and basketball, have seen a rise in participation during this same time period.
FIFA Men’s World Cup 2022 Predictions
Skipping past the upcoming Women’s World Cup in 2019, Matthew Doyle has decided to predict the roster for the next Men’s Cup in 2022, to be played in November and December in Qatar. The obvious picks are there—Christian Pulisic, Jozy Altidore and John Brooks—but Doyle’s selection is a very young roster that depends on players taking expected steps forward.
MLS weekend roundup
Minnesota United FC trounced LAFC 5-1 in the Loons’ fourth consecutive home win in MLS
Portland and Montreal traded goals to draw 2-2
Colorado scored late to rescue a 2-2 draw against Real Salt Lake
Houston and Dallas both scored in the first 10 minutes, but draw 1-1
Columbus score twice late to win 3-2 over Orlando City
New York Red Bulls down New England 2-0
LA Galaxy come from behind to beat Philadelphia 3-1
Toronto down Chicago Fire 2-1
Vancouver falls 2-0 to Seattle Sounders
A Josef Martinez hat trick sees Atlanta win over D.C. United 3-1
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