Toronto FC: The Story of A Voyageurs Cup Redemption

I've hinted at it before, but I will go on for the record to say that the two North American top-tier clubs that are dear to me are the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Los Angeles Sol.

I have never been much of a hardcore follower of the soccer clubs in Canada. Heck, I look at the Toronto Football Club (or FC) with a sheepish, indifferent demeanor that comes with being a proud citizen of the land South of the (Canadian) Border.

And for some odd reason, unbeknown to my psyche, or perhaps like the smile I get from seeing Atlante FC of Cancun—CANCUN, people, of all places—win the CONCACAF Champions League...I am happy for them.

I am actually happy for them.

All those supporters who made the trip up the 401/A-20—from the Red Patch Boys, to the U-Sector, the Ultras 114, the Firm 116, and the Yonge Street Elite—were praying for the unthinkable to happen.

Can it be done? Most importantly, WILL it be done?

Down four goals against the Vancouver Whitecaps, no one ever thought that Toronto, who have been criticized for their lackluster play in spite of their well-endowed support, would do just that at Stade Saputo in the pouring rain on June 17, 2009.

For those in red, drenched, dancing, and crying in disbelieving joy, it was a redemption that was not unlike the Los Angeles Lakers winning the NBA Championship in 2009 after falling to the Celtics the year before.

But let's rewind things a little bit here to really show you why this win has been a long time coming.

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