"Thanks... was that so hard?"With the first MLS meeting between Toronto FC and Olympique du Fromage behind us, it is safe to say
"The 401 Derby" is here to stay. There is very little love lost between the red clad fans on this
end of the highway and the bleu clad on the eastern end.
Busy weekend in Major League Soccer, but before we get to the attendance numbers, here are a
couple of quick hitters from the last couple of days. The Philly Inquirer provided this article
over the weekend that looked at Philadelphia areas sports fans and teams. Perhaps most
interesting from the soccer perspective, was the statement that the Union enjoy a 2 thousand person
season ticket waiting list.
Chicago Fire players pose in their new Quaker Oats sponsored jerseys. (Photo Credit: Chicago
Fire)Last week we posted the news and a snazzy video announcing that the Chicago Fire had landed a
new jersey sponsor, Quaker Oasts, after an empty-chested 2011. Given that several Major League
Soccer clubs do not have shirt sponsors (by choice or otherwise), these news releases are always a
sign of forward progress for American soccer.
Week 4 of MLS action saw two league leaders fall and one come back on the road. The Revolution
handed the Galaxy a defeat to put them in last place of the Western Conference while Real Salt Lake
climbed back to win against Portland. San Jose gave Seattle all they can handle and suddenly out of
nowhere the New York Red Bulls impressed.
Ever since their CONCACAF Champions League run came to an end, Toronto FC have been hit with a
string of setbacks, one after another. There are still ways for Toronto FC's calamitous season to
get worse, though, and one of those scenarios presents itself tonight.
Playing at home against the rival and expansion Montreal Impact, Toronto FC need a victory in
the second leg of their tie to avoid being sent home in the semifinals of the Canadian championship
for the first time in the tournament's five-year history.
photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz
All-time record: 2–1–1
At PPL Park: 1–0–1
At BMO Field: 1–1–0
Goals for: 10
Goals against: 6
Did you know...
The Union's 6 goals in their 6-2 victory in Toronto last season was the most goals they've ever
scored in an MLS match.
What: Union at Toronto FC
When: 4:30pm ET
Where: BMO Park, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
TV: Comcast Network
Referee: Juan Guzman
It has been a season of surprises and disappointment for the Philadelphia Union.
