Five things you absolutely need to know for the MLS Cup
When, where, who, why, how?
The 2016 MLS champion will be crowned following a one-game winner-take-all final on Saturday, December 10. Kickoff is slated for 8:00PM and it will broadcast across the entire TSN network with the pre-game coverage going live at 7:00PM.
The match is being played at BMO Field between the host Toronto FC and the visiting Seattle Sounders FC.
The Reds qualified for their first ever MLS Cup by defeating their archrivals the Montreal Impact to win the Eastern Conference Championship. Seattle is also in its first-ever MLS Cup final and defeated to Colorado Rapids to claim the Western Conference title. Toronto FC is the first Canadian MLS team to reach the MLS Cup final.
A very brief Toronto FC History
Toronto FC played its inaugural season in 2007. The club initially struggled to find consistent success in the MLS. The Reds made their first MLS Cup playoff appearance last season. Now in its tenth season, TFC is on the verge of its first-ever MLS title.
Despite the rough early years in Major League Soccer, Toronto FC have won a record five Canadian Championships, including a wild last-minute victory over Vancouver in the final of this year’s tournament.
This is not the first time Toronto FC has hosted the MLS Cup. BMO Field was the site of the 2010 final, where the Colorado Rapids defeated FC Dallas in extra time.
Key Toronto FC Players
Designated Players Sebastian Giovinco, Michael Bradley, and Jozy Altidore deservedly garner much of the attention, but Toronto FC have built their run to the MLS Cup on depth.
An American defensive corps made up of centre backs Drew Moor, Eriq Zavaleta, and Nick Hagglund, as well as goalkeeper Clint Irwin, helped TFC record 10 clean sheets during the regular season and two more during the playoffs.
A trio of Canadians have also made a significant influence during the Reds’ playoff run. Midfielders Jonathan Osorio and Will Johnson have both made contributions when called upon. Super sub Tosaint Ricketts has been a difference-maker late in matches.
Get to know each Red a little bit more with our in-depth series “We are TFC.”
Key Sounders Players
The brightest star for the Sounders is Nicolas Lodeiro, a Uruguayan attacking midfielder who has taken the league by storm since his arrival in late July.
The Sounders main goal scorer is talented American striker Jordan Morris. The 22-year-old was named the MLS Rookie of the Year. More here.
Another player to keep your eye on is former TFC goalkeeper Stefan Frei. The Swiss keeper spent five seasons with the Reds and was once the all-time franchise leader in appearances. More here.
Here are ten things you need to know about the Seattle Sounders...
Match day
If you are heading down to BMO field be sure to read our handy match day guide for all the info on the pre-match festivities.
In addition, you should be aware of these match day traditions:
March to the Match: Join your fellow fans as they make the pilgrimage from Liberty Village and descend on BMO Field.
The “Viking Clap”: Popularized by the Icelandic supporters at the 2016 European Championship the Viking Clap has been making regular appearances at BMO since 2007. It is quite simple. Stand up, hands aloft, then clap your hands over your head after the double-beat of the drum. Shouting “Hey!” at the top of your lungs is also acceptable.
The Canadian National anthem: Sing loud, and sing proud and if you have a scarf lift, it up high above your head.
Join us for the Toronto ’Til I Die Pre-game Street Party presented by Budweiser. It all gets started at 3:00PM.
