John Thorrington has become Mr. Clutch for the Chicago Fire.
We all remember his goal in last year’s regular season finale against the Los Angeles Galaxy. Well, he delivered again, scoring a stoppage time game-winner to give the Fire a crucial 2-1 home victory against East rival (and Brian McBride allocation foe) Toronto FC.
The loss continued a worrisome slide for TFC, which has played a congested schedule of games and managed not to win any of them. Toronto’s continued quest for a reliable forward continues, with names being linked to the club at random. Whoever TFC signs needs to show up in a hurry because Toronto just might fall behind the pack in the East if it doesn’t straighten out.
SBI correspondents Stephen Wattles and Duane Rollins watched the match and gave us their take on the Fire’s victory on Saturday:
Last-minute winner caps perfect night for Fire
By STEPHEN WATTLES
It was the near perfect evening for the Fire to turn things around. The evening was warm but not the stifling summer heat that turns so many midseason MLS encounters into snore fests. Nice enough in fact that it wasn’t hard to ignore the Canadians who had shown up in the hundreds to once again drink as if they’ve never seen beer before.
And of course it was Cuauhtémoc Blanco bobble head night. That’s right, we all held in our hands little “likenesses” our hero and MLS’ greatest villain (the piece that allows the head to bobble is the long neck making it slightly challenging to recreate ‘Temoc in plastic). Though there’s no truth to the rumor that any of the dolls assaulted the police officer bobble heads shipped in from DC shortly before game time.
The good vibes continued shortly after kick-off as Chris Rolfe once again threw his hat in the ring for goal of the week with a lovely turn and blast from just outside the penalty area in the sixth minute.
The Fire created chance after chance throughout the first half and into the second but failed to capitalize on any of them. Though Chad Barrett missed his as usual, he wasn’t the only one as a couple of gilt edged misses by Blanco and another by John Thorrington began to make us thing we’d seen this act before.
After the Fire’s initial rush, the second half déjàvu began to really settle in. The Fire had less possession, were lying a little deeper, and the runs off the ball began to disappear. Then while the Fire too slowly made a substitution to replace an injured Gonzalo Segares, the lone man opponents fear in Toronto’s side, Amado Guevara, took advantage of the temporary man advantage. He laid the equalizer on a platter for 17-year-old rookie Abdus Ibrahim to show Barrett what he is supposed to do, and the Fire had once again given up their lead at home.
As opposed to the few prior games, being tied reignited the Fire instead of extinguishing their spirit. But after several more solid chances were answered by Greg Sutton, who I will feel much better about being named to the All Star roster in place of the deserved number two Jon Busch after all he did this night, we seemed bound to drive home disappointed.
Logan Pause had again showed that if the Fire are going to play with three attack minded midfielders he could be the unlikely key to the Fire’s season. Additionally, Daniel Woolard played extremely well at central defense and later wide on the left, a good sign with Segares on the bench next week with cards. Thankfully, their efforts would be rewarded with one more twist of the plot.
A fluky header fell behind the Toronto bunker a couple minutes into stoppage time and somehow Thorrington was the first to reach it and calmly dispatch it under Sutton’s onrushing frame to kick off the dance party at Toyota Park. It was just desserts for Thorrington who along with Wilman Conde were the best two Fire players on the field this night. It was also the break and ending that Fire fans, if not the players, needed after a rough stretch in the season.
Suddenly, perfect was back on. The second half of the season again looks like anything is possible. The drive home made that much sweeter by the thought of our friends from the 51st state and their nice four nine-hour drive to think about whether they can show a little class on their next visit to Chicago. But, don’t worry; all will be forgiven when Uncle Mo sends us McBride’s rights on the cheap.
(Stephen Wattles responds to criticism of his piece after the TFC Supporter’s View)
Downward spiral getting painful for TFC
By DUANE ROLLINS
Losing we can handle. The Toronto faithful had plenty of practice in a challenging first season. But, this is a different type of losing.
When you’ve tasted success, seen your team ranked way up high on all those meaningless power ratings, and started to work out possible playoff match-ups in your head, it’s a bit more difficult to deal with the slow, painful slide down the table.
"We’ve had our growing pains" we complain to anyone that will listen. "We’re not supposed to be losing again."
But, yet as we grind through the hot, endless middle of the MLS season Toronto once again finds itself slumping. It’s not quite as bad as last year when June hope quickly faded into the reality of an 814 minutes goalless streak through July and August, but a ho-hum month has seen T.O. go from being near the top of the league to looking up at the playoff spots and staring down the embarrassing possibility of losing the Canadian championship (and CONCACAF Champions League spot that goes to it) to an USL team.
This, Reds fans are not used to. We learned to accept the inevitability of losing in 2007 when any other result was a bonus. But, after tasting success, and seeing what the team is capable of, it’s hard to accept that more shouldn’t be expected.
Especially on the road, where TFC can’t seem to catch a break. The TFC fan that tells you that they weren’t watching the last few minutes of last week’s disaster of a loss against the Fire with one eye closed is lying to you. You just knew that something bad would happen. Even after Toronto’s phenom Abdus Ibrahim scored on his debut to tie it up. You just knew it wouldn’t last. You could see it in the player’s faces as they tried to waste time and you could hear it in the supporter’s voices as they tried to sing out the doubt.
So it wasn’t a surprise when Marco Velez misplayed the ball to allow Chicago to break in and win on practically the last kick of the match. It just seemed right. At least a home date with San Jose loomed to possibly lift the spirits.
It’s cliche to label a game a "must win" but next Saturday’s clash with the ‘Quakes comes close. TFC needs to remember how to win. If it drops points against an expansion team, at home, it will be difficult to imagine Toronto being able to overcome it.
Bu
t, before then and now lies another challenge and another chance at redemption. With a Toronto win against the Montreal Impact next Tuesday, the Reds will advance to the Champions League. In a season where the playoffs are increasingly looking like a long shot, that competition could be what salvages things.
It’s a big week coming up in Toronto with San Jose, Montreal and some guy named Beckham coming to town to play West Ham. Toronto fans are eagerly looking forward to two of those games.
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(Here is Stephen Wattles response to the criticism sent his way regarding this week’s Supporter’s VIew entry)
The response to my writing this week requires me to reply and in large part to apologize. Primarily to the TFC fans in attendance at Toyota Park last Saturday, but also to the TFC fans in general and other Fire fans who I don’t speak for.
Firstly, it is at least implicit that this piece and the concept of Supporters Views encompass one opinion viewed from one seat by one person and that seat doesn’t belong to Ives. So this is my opinion of viewing the fans in attendance. Additionally, not being a journalist I am not looking for additional sources to verify any comments I may make whether it be in the game or in the stands. Now this doesn’t excuse the four hour drive bit, which was just a matter of not going back to update the placeholder I threw in when writing the article with the actual time, on that count I am indeed stupid as charged.
As for the anthem, based on what I can read now those in attendance were not disrespectful of the US anthem as it was being sung. The sounds as I could hear at its start up were not those of singing along, if this was due to any of the circumstances mentioned above or that I jingoistically jumped to conclusions out of pride in my own country, I deeply apologize to those fans and thank you for going beyond respectful and singing along. And I thank Ives for updating my piece so as to not incorrectly represent the circumstances any longer than necessary.
I will to a degree stand by the classless behavior comment as there was plenty of it on display. Whether it be swearing, middle finger waving, or throwing things into adjoining sections there were plenty of boys behaving badly amongst the crew of Toronto fans. When those adjoining sections are obviously primarily composed of many families with young children I personally take a disfavorable view of that behavior and do deem it to be classless. You can also argue the ‘few bad apples’ angle if you choose but I think its the job of the group to keep such behavior in check or suffer being painted with a broad brush as I admittedly have here. Likewise I am not saying it is unique to TFC fans but I can say I have seen it consistently in both their visits to our stadium and the comments were about just that and not ‘away support in MLS’.
Supporting ones team is an emotional investment and those emotions aren’t always expressed positively particularly when in groups and particularly when large volumes of alcohol are involved. However, I don’t deem either of those facts to be an acceptable reason for this behavior and that is my opinion.
Other throw-away comments such as 51st state were meant in jest, but I understand how with everything else herein they simply made the piece more inflammatory. I think Toronto is a marvelous city and have personally spent a good deal of time in Toronto for both work and pleasure and always enjoyed it and its people immensely. I also think TFC is a great addition to the league and that its fans are great. However, I don’t think that this excuses bad behavior from being pointed out when it occurs. If you disagree I’m sure you will express that and its an opinion you’re entitled to.
So basically, you feel we were still classless?
Do you notice something Stephen? How every single Fire fan has been attacking you and defending TFC fans? It really is amazing, how they let a buffoon who knows nothing about soccer write for this site. The behaviour you saw that is apparently classless occurs at every game, even with *gasp* your precious Chicago Fire fans. Yes we drink, and swear, I dont see how that is classless, you have done the same.
You come off, looking extremely ignorant even in your pathetic apology. It’s because of that lame ass “paint a brush” mentality you use that racism still exists.
Glad to understand that you can admit to mistake, as we all make them. And yes, I’m sure there were some ‘classless’ acts on the part of the away support (no offense TFC guys n gals)–but Stephen, seriously, I don’t know if you’re a supporter or a fan. I take no umbridge in you writing a peice, and I’m glad you do it–I’m also glad you don’t speak for all of us–and even more glad that at least those on the other side of the fence understand that as well.
Have you ever been on an away trip in the MLS? Because to be honest, it is a culture that is previously unknown in the US. Sure other sports may get people that go to the games in other cities, but it’s not as though they are all in one place–and hence probably why there are so many other ‘small scuffles’ that break out all over other stadia–but here in the MLS, and in the supporters’ culture, we all recognise and respect the away fans (even if they are not liked)–but that’s kinda the point. It’s good for rivalry and all around, they can point and shout at us, and we can do the same. It unites them in support of their team and us to ours. So it’s a healthy thing that is very different. To say that you can keep a few bad apples from stirring up some problms honestly tells me that you haven’t been on away support in the MLS–it is damn near impossible to do that–and makes someone feel more like a babysitter than a supporter/fan of their own team–an no one goes along for the ride for that.
Thrown beers and flipping the bird? I’ve been on 0 road trips where that hasn’t happened. Point being, if a few beers and some birds were the the worst of it…and maybe a scuffle or two, no biggie. Sorry if you, or someone you know, got wet, offended, or shoved. The cooler heads of both supporters’ groups usually get that under control.
Stephen, you really do need to see a doctor about a cranial-rectal extraction.
Our supporters swear. We drink. We get rowdy. That’s what we do. We support our team and unfortunately, it’s not what you would call a family friendly event. Deal with it, it’s not going to change and if you want this league to get any bigger, then real support is going to have to be allowed to flourish, not be stifled because of the occasional f-bomb.
That’s been the problem with MLS all along. Stadiums in the suburbs with “family days” and kiddies promotions which just plain don’t work. A great sports town like Chicago with a beautiful stadium can’t fill it because of that very same issue.
As to throwing things into the adjoining sections, ask your security staff who threw beer bottles at whom. Some of our guys chucked a couple of bottles in response to several objects that were thrown at us during the final few minutes of the game while security stood by and did nothing.
Again, you claim to write a piece from the point of view of one seat, but for all intents and purposes, you are talking out of the wrong orifice.
So do you really think removing the offensive remarks from your story and restating them in the comments here and on our supporters board helps.
You’re a turkey promoting hateful lies Wattles. As an American I can adamantly disprove these statements as I was standing 3 sections over from the adoring Canadians who made the trek to Chicago. They held the American anthem for 15,000 apathetic yanks singing as though it were their own. After their deafening performance of O’Canada, they were only too proud to carry on the Star Spangled Banner for the rest of us who couldn’t muster up even a whisper.
As for the beer consumption, they’re on a road trip you ignoramus. Have you never been out of town with your, ummm…friends?! Forget that question, how about – have you ever been to an NFL tailgate with your, ummm…friends?! Nevermind, I understand your ignorance.
The response to my writing this week requires me to reply and in large part to apologize. Primarily to the TFC fans in attendance at Toyota Park last Saturday, but also to the TFC fans in general and other Fire fans who I don’t speak for.
Firstly, it is at least implicit that this piece and the concept of Supporters Views encompass one opinion viewed from one seat by one person and that seat doesn’t belong to Ives. So this is my opinion of viewing the fans in attendance. Additionally, not being a journalist I am not looking for additional sources to verify any comments I may make whether it be in the game or in the stands. Now this doesn’t excuse the four hour drive bit, which was just a matter of not going back to update the placeholder I threw in when writing the article with the actual time, on that count I am indeed stupid as charged.
As for the anthem, based on what I can read now those in attendance were not disrespectful of the US anthem as it was being sung. The sounds as I could hear at its start up were not those of singing along, if this was due to any of the circumstances mentioned above or that I jingoistically jumped to conclusions out of pride in my own country, I deeply apologize to those fans and thank you for going beyond respectful and singing along. And I thank Ives for updating my piece so as to not incorrectly represent the circumstances any longer than necessary.
I will to a degree stand by the classless behavior comment as there was plenty of it on display. Whether it be swearing, middle finger waving, or throwing things into adjoining sections there were plenty of boys behaving badly amongst the crew of Toronto fans. When those adjoining sections are obviously primarily composed of many families with young children I personally take a disfavorable view of that behavior and do deem it to be classless. You can also argue the ‘few bad apples’ angle if you choose but I think its the job of the group to keep such behavior in check or suffer being painted with a broad brush as I admittedly have here. Likewise I am not saying it is unique to TFC fans but I can say I have seen it consistently in both their visits to our stadium and the comments were about just that and not ‘away support in MLS’.
Supporting ones team is an emotional investment and those emotions aren’t always expressed positively particularly when in groups and particularly when large volumes of alcohol are involved. However, I don’t deem either of those facts to be an acceptable reason for this behavior and that is my opinion.
Other throw-away comments such as 51st state were meant in jest, but I understand how with everything else herein they simply made the piece more inflammatory. I think Toronto is a marvelous city and have personally spent a good deal of time in Toronto for both work and pleasure and always enjoyed it and its people immensely. I also think TFC is a great addition to the league and that its fans are great. However, I don’t think that this excuses bad behavior from being pointed out when it occurs. If you disagree I’m sure you will express that and its an opinion you’re entitled to.
TFC fans are no different than any others. Sitting next to the TFC section, they were loud in cheering their team on and at time vuglar (including the whole section flipping the bird to the rest of the stadium), but we are all guilty of that. The thing is this whole question of class is really stupid. If away fans travel X amount of hours to see an away game, they’re going to feel entitled to a bit of trash talk. As well they should. We are all classless in our own way, and that’s OK unless someone gets hurt or it degrades to racism. Save that, all is good. You’re not supposed to be liked as the away fans. You’ve come to cheer the enemy. That’s the simple fact.
Learn some class coming from a Fire fan is busting the ironymeter. In our short time as an active fanbase in MLS (but lifelong football players and fans), I’ve found Chicago fans to be the wankfestiest. Kudos to those Fire fans who stood up in this thread. The rest of you, keep those cards and letters going to Garber for every damned thing that doesn’t go exactly your way.
Blanco for League MVP! (He can accept the trophy from jail, right?)
Settle down Tom.
I’ll say it one more time. It was Stephen’s opinion and he stands by it. He has admitted to me that he based the anthem comment on noise that came from the TFC section during the anthem. Upon further review, he has heard enough accounts of what went on to know that this wasn’t the case (I pulled the anthem comment this morning).
That said, Stephen sticks by the “learn some class” comment based on other incidents involving the group. Again, this is a fan’s take on the game, so the idea that it was “bad reporting” doesn’t really fit here. You have a right to disagree with the description, but he has a right to express his opinion on it. It seems that the consensus is that the TFC fans, overall, brought a good vibe to the game. That should be what matters to the TFC fans, not that one person could possibly have a different opinion.
What ever happened to free speech? Do Canadian’s value free speech?
“I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”
– Voltaire, he even French!
…and I see you have. My bad. You might want to edit that last graf too, since it relies on the info you’ve already edited out to support the position.
<>
Well Ives, as someone with a long track record in newspapers, you should know damn well better than to post this tired old excuse. The reality is, he wasn’t merely stating opinion, he was stating AS FACT things that he says happened atthe game that didn’t — pure and simple. Read the responses here; it’s not just “opinion” when that opinion is based on shoddy work.
C’mon man, have some editorial credibility and dress this guy down. I don’t think anyone’s asking you to cut him as a writer or anything drastic, they just want him to cut the crap. And that includes Chicago fans, so the position of humility and editorial decency here would be to address this.
Jayeden, I know you were just rebutting Stephen’s claim that TFC supporters drink a lot, but I do think that the beer selection is one of the things that Toyota Park does well. The vendors walking around only have Bud/Corona, but the stands around the stadium have tons of options including: Guinness, Harp, Stella Artois, Heineken, and others I can’t remember. For all that I hate about Toyota Park (lack of public transit, not in the city proper, lack of anything around the stadium, the congestion at the concession stands behind Section 8, small doorways and hallways throughout the stadium) I do LOVE the beer selection.
Jayeden, well played.
And Nick, I didn’t write the piece in question. A Chicago Fire fan did.
“Nice enough in fact that it wasn’t hard to ignore the Canadians who had shown up in the hundreds to once again drink as if they’ve never seen beer before. ”
Maybe if your beer had a decent amount of alcohol in it we wouldnt have to drink so much. I might as well dirnk my own piss.
Hi Stephen,
First and foremost, fu<k you. Secondly, I hope you come to Toronto for the game in October so you can experience the difference between what you seem to think were classness Canadians, and the way you will be treated by real classless Canadians upon your arrival. Where were you when the anthems were being sung? In a private box, still on your way to the game, in line for a hotdog? You obviously have little to no clue what went on. But thats okay, everyone is entitled to their opinion right. Well I think your a fu<king classless dou<hebag.
I am compelled to respond here. I am a senior who travelled to the Chicago game and I am flabbergasted at the comments made about the classless Canadians.
There was no disrespect to the US anthem at all. In fact, it was sung with gusto by the travelling fans.
Also the stadium staff and Chicago fans were great for the most part.
The uninfomed are the classless ones !!
Stop bashing and celebrate the game Ives..
Some Chicago fans thought the TFC supporters were making noise at the start of the SSB; it was a few guys trying to get the others to remove their hats. The guy who sang the anthem could barely be heard, so it may have come across as disrespectful. But as was mentioned, the Toronto supporters belted out the last half of the anthem, with the correct lyrics and melody.
^Ives he did not state that it was his opinion…he wrote it as if it was fact. Thank you for removing the lies.
Listen folks, the piece is Stephen’s opinion. Right or wrong, it’s his take on the game and his experience at the game. Obviously it sounds like some people had a far different view of things, which is great to hear.
From what I know about TFC fans I can’t imagine that the group, as a collective, would travel that far to act like jerks (as with any large group you might get a small few who stray). I also recall hearing the American anthem at BMO Field and not hearing any jeering or whistles (which I must admit I was surprised by). If TFC fans started to sing the anthem loudly then that’s great. Nobody said you had to be American to sing the anthem. As long as you know the words then sing it.
Seriously Ives, how can you let crap like this get posted on your site in the first place. The writer claims that “the Canadians” were classless and disrespected the national anthems, yet does not back up theses statements by explaining what actually occurred. Then he throws in the lack of class statement at the end, perhaps hoping that if he says it enough it will become truth. The only one classless here is the writer. This pile of tripe isn’t even good enough for a high school newsletter, how you let it onto your site is beyond belief.
this is the worst peice of drivel I have seen on here. Ives I think you should of done a better job picking writers and probably should of looked over this article before posting. This is nothing but uninformed Anti-Canadian trashing. Even some of Fire fans such as Giaco agrees that this is just a poor excuse to slag on Canada. way to show your true colors Wattles
I never thought I could hate a TFC opponent more than Columbus, but keep it up Chicago, you are rising up the list pretty fast.
And as far as the Chicago fans coming north goes, I can tell you that you will have a blast in our beautiful city. Just ask Ives, and read his story about the TFC fan experience that he posted this year on ESPN.
Stadium to stadium is between 7-9 hours depending on traffic/customs.
Stephen–
You need to edit your article. I am a Fire supporter, but to be fair, the guys (and gals) that came down from North of the boarder were a far better turnout than any other club; and no, I don’t include confused real Chivas fans coming out when the fake goats are in town. Not only that, but a few of them made it all the way to the oposite side of the lot and tailgated with us. They were well-behaved (hate that phrase, but for lack of a better term I’ll use it), and they sang OUR national anthem louder than the rest of the stiffs that seperated S8 and them–and let’s not even mention that 98% of Americans don’t know the Canadian national anthem past the words O Canada …..so I’m not knocking them. Wish you wouldn’t.
I understand that towards the end of the match, or directly after, there was some scuffle that broke out between them and some of the regular joe’s in the section next to them–but if that’s what you’re basing your “classless” comment on, you might want to be a little more tempered in your view–or at least qualify it to say that it was only a few. It only takes a few idiots on either side of the fence to start something that practically no one can stop. And honestly, we(Section 8 and some other Fire fans)are going up there to Toronto for their last home game in October. I look forward to my first trip to their city, and I hope we have a good reception–but your piece just made it a little bit harder for them to want to be good hosts. Thanks jerk. The rest of the article isn’t that bad.
On, on a side note, I haven’t made the drive there yet, but I’m positive it takes more than 4 hours….perhaps you meant 14?
51st State????? I dont think so! have you ever been to Canada?? Get off your high horse. 4 hour drive?? take a look at a map dumbass!
Pretty tired of hearing this sort of crap. God I hope we rinse Chicago for everything theyve got (MLS assisted of course).
Of course now that ive said this out loud i bet Chicago gives us a one legged midget and we give them McBride, Allocations and some draft picks…
Stephen,
You are the only person that has reported any problem with the anthem. Having been in the middle of TFC supporters for about 30ish U.S. national anthems I have serious doubts about the accuracy of your statement. The U.S. anthem has never been booed in Toronto. Ever. In any sporting event.
An anecdote: At TFC’s first ever home game the anthem singer forgot the words to the Star Spangled Banner. The TFC fans, once they realized what was happening, started to sing the song so that it could be heard stadium wide.
Whether you are making it up, or your biases have conspired to make you hear things that didn’t actually happen, I don’t know.But, I do know that it’s getting a little tiresome dealing with a near constant bashing of the TFC support for things that are pretty common league wide. Do some in the TFC crowd drink too much? Sure. Are some in the TFC support rude at times? I’d imagine, yes. Are you going to tell me that Section 8, et al are all angels that all drink responsibly and always keep things positive?
Please.
We did not disrespect the anthem in anyway, that is an outright lie.
“classless Canadians”?!?! You really are a douche. They carried your anthem for you, moron…