For 5-years I shelled out $2,000 a year to buy seasons tickets with Toronto FC soccer club of the MLS. As an expansion club there were few expectations in the first couple of seasons. No franchise in MLS history had failed to make the play-offs after 3-full seasons.
In the first 3-years the stadium was packed, with an additional 10,000 person waiting list for seasons tickets. The atmosphere was electric at games. The fans had low expectations, but were passionate about the franchise. The in game experience was unlike any other in the city.
MLSE had put executive Tom Anselmi in charge of its lowest profile franchise. Easy pickings for any sports executive. A passionate, patient fan base, a ticket waiting list and rich ownership. No one could screw that up.
Tom Anselmi screwed it up!
Under Anselmi's watch the team is in its 6-year without any prospect of making the play-offs. They have never had a play-off game. They set an MLS record by losing 10 straight games to start their 6th season. Not even a draw to be had. They have had 7 coaches in 6 years. The waiting list for tickets? Gone! They play to over half empty seats. The in-game fan experience is worse every single year. It is as if they have meetings to discuss ways to piss off the fans. They drew 5,000 to a CONCACAF game the other week.
Any other ownership group in the world would have fired Anselmi. He was and is a monumental failure. MLSE? They promoted Anselmi to lead the entire organisation, including the Leafs and Raptors. If this was a Dilbert cartoon it would not be believable.
The Toronto sports press? Only muted criticism. They either work for parent company Bell/Rogers or are too scared of MLSE meal ticket.
My season's tickets? Gone with any hope for this franchise.
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