Fanshawe FC: Some games undervalued to TFC fans

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Some clubs value certain competitions over others. It's no shock when a big side like Manchester City crash out against a team like West Bromwich in the League Cup. Managers know losing 'meaningless' tournaments is not a big deal. Just as some teams value certain tournaments, fans also have their own views on where their team puts their resources. When fans say, 'We were lucky to get knocked out, now we can focus on the league,' isn't that sort of ironic, considering they call themselves fans of said team?

Regardless, the hope is that most supporters will cheer on their club no matter what the competition or circumstances. Take Toronto FC, for example; many fans watched their game against Philadelphia in the league, but in the back of their mind they couldn't help but think about Tuesday and their crucial game against FC Dallas in the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football Champions (CONCACAF) League. Mind you, this will prove as a second part to

last week's 'Support Canada' article. The tournament is young, and the North American version of the Champions League is still looking to have some legitimacy. Toronto currently sits third in the group of four, with one final round of games left. The only way Toronto FC can make it to the next round is to win. It's a must-win game for the Reds. If they don't advance, they will only have one more game left this season, at home against New England.

They will undoubtedly go for all the marbles. They will not make the domestic play-offs, so this game is all they have left. As was mentioned previously, the CCL is still trying to find its place in the soccer scene in North America. But for a competition to be taken seriously, people need to take it as such. It's not a gimmick, it's not a show, and it's a chance for teams like Toronto to battle for the championship of their region.

Being a fan is more than being there for the best moments or the moments that are most relevant, it's about being there through the good times and bad. Too many supporters of TFC have written off this tournament as something of an afterthought to this club. That's unfair that professed 'fans' (who just so happen to be professional writers covering the club) bash the competition and Toronto's place in it by comparing the coverage of the tournament to other clubs. Well, that's what happens when you swim in small ponds. This is as big a game the Reds have ever had to play, so support your team when they need it.

Supporters should back their team regardless of the situation. This year may have been a poor one for us TFC fans, but let it go out as a good one.

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