MLS SG Council will not award Supporters Shield in 2020

[rydermike]

The Supporters' Shield, awarded to the team that finishes with the best record during the MLS regular season, will not be awarded in 2020. The decision was made and officially announced by the Supporters' Shield Foundation (http://supportersshield.org/), the group appointed by the Independent Supporters Council (https://www.officialisc.com/) to oversee the awarding of the trophy every year.
The Shield was created by club supporters in the early years of the league and it has recognized the best MLS team in every regular season since 1998 (the 1996 and 1997 teams were later inscribed into the trophy).

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/10/17/supporters-shield-will-not-be-awarded-2020-following-decision-isc (https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/10/17/supporters-shield-will-not-be-awarded-2020-following-decision-isc)

Saw this posted in another thread, but feel like it deserves its own thread, since we are currently in line to win it

[Smokecell]

This is a slap in the face to players, especially on Canadian teams who have openly said if they are going to be separated from their families that they’d make it worth it (titles).

[OgtheDim]

Further developments


5 people made this decision, without consultation with the ISC (the supporter's group umbrella)

[reggie]

if this is the case..i hope vanney will play some of the young canadians the rest of way.

[Red CB Toronto]

The league has removed the words Supporter Shield from the standings on the website, it's now just overall standings.

[NK Toronto]

Anyone in favor of petitioning MLSE to create a new trophy to award to the 2020 MLS season champions regardless of who they are? Why does this ISC group, whoever they are, get to decide what trophies the league awards? This is a joke.

[PaceyWinger]

if this is the case..i hope vanney will play some of the young canadians the rest of way.
I don't really care about the passports but Vanney should definitely spread the minutes around. TFC are in. Pozuelo, Osorio, Delgado, et al have been running a lot lately and there is now no longer a reason (other than keeping guys match ready) to worry about regular season games. We should see some first team debuts and opportunities for guys who impress in training.

[rydermike]

Maybe when we win the RPB and other groups should create the Supporters Sword and give it to the team instead

[TFC07]

if this is the case..i hope vanney will play some of the young canadians the rest of way.

Don't forget these teams are fighting for seedimg for the playoffs. Finishing first means TFC wouldn't have to travel at all in the playoffs, which is a huge advantage for them

[OgtheDim]

I don't really care about the passports but Vanney should definitely spread the minutes around. TFC are in. Pozuelo, Osorio, Delgado, et al have been running a lot lately and there is now no longer a reason (other than keeping guys match ready) to worry about regular season games. We should see some first team debuts and opportunities for guys who impress in training.


Vanney talked about this in his bit on Footy Talks this week. He indicated he really wants to give kids more minutes & if we were in 4th or so would likely be doing so...but the need to win supporters is big for this team. Its worth a look at

Starts about minute 30

https://www.pscp.tv/FootyTalksLive/1DXxyADdqrgxM

[MikeForbes]

Yeah, giving the midfield trio a break will be key going into the playoffs. The amount of distance guys like Osorio and Delgado run each game has to take it's toll. I mean, I don't want to see TFC II out there tomorrow night, but it would be nice to see Marshall-Rutty get some minutes and maybe Prisco next week. You can still put your superstars like Mullins out there with them and show the kids what if means to work hard and be the very best.

[reggie]

Don't forget these teams are fighting for seedimg for the playoffs. Finishing first means TFC wouldn't have to travel at all in the playoffs, which is a huge advantage for them
if it was bmo i understand.essentially they are all road games

[reggie]

Yeah, giving the midfield trio a break will be key going into the playoffs. The amount of distance guys like Osorio and Delgado run each game has to take it's toll. I mean, I don't want to see TFC II out there tomorrow night, but it would be nice to see Marshall-Rutty get some minutes and maybe Prisco next week. You can still put your superstars like Mullins out there with them and show the kids what if means to work hard and be the very best.
superstars like mullins lol.

[OgtheDim]

if it was bmo i understand.essentially they are all road games


Don't underestimate being able to stay in one place of our choosing on a pitch we can control without having to travel during Covid.

[Auzzy]

Don't underestimate being able to stay in one place of our choosing on a pitch we can control without having to travel during Covid.

Exactly! One pitch, one hotel, no travel which creates more risk of infection. Imagine losing someone like Pozuelo during the playoffs due to a positive Covid test. Also key: avoiding crappy plastic turf fields.

[NK Toronto]

I am surprised that there isn't more outrage on this forum about no trophy being awarded this year for the regular season championship. Everywhere else in the world the league championship is the primary goal and the cup tournament is secondary, except the MLS. And now there will be no league champion this year because some obscure group outside of MLS arbitrarily decides so? Has anyone ever even heard of this group? Can you imagine if Liverpool were denied the Premiership this year by some type of supporters association? This makes MLS the laughingstock of world football.

[PaceyWinger]

FWIW I read that the team that secures first will still make the bonus prize, get a concacaf champions league spot, and top seed for the playoffs (obviously). So there is still technically a reason to win the league.

[khso11]

Lol, this shit is a fucking joke. Right, let’s change rules and take out trophies right in the middle of a tournament. What’s nexts? First goal wins in the MLS Cup finals?

[Canary10]

I am surprised that there isn't more outrage on this forum about no trophy being awarded this year for the regular season championship. Everywhere else in the world the league championship is the primary goal and the cup tournament is secondary, except the MLS. And now there will be no league champion this year because some obscure group outside of MLS arbitrarily decides so? Has anyone ever even heard of this group? Can you imagine if Liverpool were denied the Premiership this year by some type of supporters association? This makes MLS the laughingstock of world football.

MLS’s unbalanced schedule already makes winning the league less of a championship to me. Certainly not on par with winning the Premier League. But that’s never stopped them from awarding the Supporters Shield before. It’s a really juvenile decision.

[NK Toronto]

If you aren't going to award anything to the season champion why even bother playing it? Why work hard all season to finish first when you can be eliminated in a one game series on an own goal or in penalty kicks, and end up with nothing. Might as well play just hard enough to qualify for the playoffs and then start resting players. Or better yet just forfeit when it involves long plane trips to the west coast, or if you have to play just send a reserve squad.

MLS needs to establish its own trophy for regular season champion and cut its ties to this group, whoever they are. This is ridiculous.

[Canary10]

Also their original rationale, before retconning to say it’s about the unbalanced schedule, that there have been no supporters in the stadiums is ludicrous.

This should be the end of this version of the Supporters Shield. MLS should step in with something this year. Something different and more democratic needs to be brought in for future years and these clowns finished.

[Canary10]

If you aren't going to award anything to the season champion why even bother playing it? Why work hard all season to finish first when you can be eliminated in a one game series on an own goal or in penalty kicks, and end up with nothing? Might as well play just hard enough to qualify for the playoffs and then start resting players. Or better yet just forfeit long plane trips to the west coast or if you have to play just send a reserve squad.

MLS needs to establish its own trophy for regular season champion and cut its ties to this group, whoever they are.

Some teams do just play for the playoffs. This is a good opportunity actually to rethink the league title. We undervalue it in North America.

[NK Toronto]

I agree that an unbalanced schedule is not equitable but overall a 34 game season spread over 7 months is a better measure of a team's quality than a single game elimination series played over a few weeks. You lose your top player going in even for a mild injury and you are done.

What I find even more incredible is that MLS would agree to an arrangement where some group outside of the league is even allowed to have any say in this matter. Up until yesterday I had never heard of this group. Does this go on anywhere else in the world?

[OgtheDim]

I agree that an unbalanced schedule is not equitable but overall a 34 game season spread over 7 months is a better measure of a team's quality than a single game elimination series played over a few weeks. You lose your top player going in even for a mild injury and you are done.

What I find even more incredible is that MLS would agree to an arrangement where some group outside of the league is even allowed to have any say in this matter. Up until yesterday I had never heard of this group. Does this go on anywhere else in the world?

The shield wasn't awarded by the league at all - the league actively resisted such a thing. So, the trophy is a creation of the fans. Then somebody at the head office realised it was free content so might as well embrace it - the groups involved resisted the league controlling the trophy and insist the trophy is handed to supporter's to hand to the players.

When you dig down deep into what seems to have happened is somebody isn't enjoying themselves and decided to take their ball home. They literally said "See you in 2021". They have now backtracked and said "We will take the shield on tour" which is like saying "Instead of you players competing and some of you winning this trophy, we will share this trophy with our friends and talk about how important we are to this game."

Yes, they would rather take the shield to a bar in every city then award it to a team.

Turns out a large amount of supporters at a number of teams who are not near the top are unhappy with this season because they can't go to games. They consider this season meaningless because they can't support their team in the way they are used to. I get it...there are people not on here now because they just can't do this support thing during Covid. BUT, to change the rules a few weeks before the end of the season, without ensuring buy in from every supporter's group is...amateur.


The chairman of this group is a capo from NYRB
The vice chair is a Timber's Army guy.

See the trend.

They both went on Twitter yesterday indicating consultations happened when it turns out all they did was talk about it in a slack and expected reps to look at said slack, without telling them to look at said slack & then considered no response to be support.

The chair spent also a good chunk of yesterday afternoon liking tweets that said "this season is meaningless so I'm OK with this".

When confronted with "Maybe consider the work your own team players have done this season as being meaningful to them.", they have no response.


*********

4 years ago the league was provided a consultation that said the winning of the league should be almost completely abandoned as important. This group of performative supporters has given MLS the perfect opportunity to do so, along with making $250K or so from some sponsor for the new trophy to be awarded next season. The league winners will get the league trophy - the league winner's supporters will be given the shield. Slowly, the shield will die off in importance.

All because a group of people who said they valued what supporters do didn't think what supporters are doing during Covid is really being a supporter - I don't think they thought about the players at all.

[AlanO]

This sums it up perfectly IMO.

https://twitter.com/RoterTodFooty/status/1317617024961425408

[Bushmancan]

FWIW I read that the team that secures first will still make the bonus prize, get a concacaf champions league spot, and top seed for the playoffs (obviously). So there is still technically a reason to win the league.

We don’t get the spot regardless (perhaps I am wrong) but isn’t the only way we got into 2018 Champions league final was in winning the Canadian championship.

[benito]

It’s frustrating that this trophy isn’t being awarded. It seems really silly that this was decided at this point of the season and the rationale seems really weak. Every year the schedule is unbalanced and the “strength of schedule” always varies.

I was unaware of how this trophy is administered before this fiasco and their decision seems unpopular in the comments sections I have read.

[NK Toronto]

The shield wasn't awarded by the league at all - the league actively resisted such a thing. So, the trophy is a creation of the fans. Then somebody at the head office realised it was free content so might as well embrace it - the groups involved resisted the league controlling the trophy and insist the trophy is handed to supporter's to hand to the players.

When you dig down deep into what seems to have happened is somebody isn't enjoying themselves and decided to take their ball home. They literally said "See you in 2021". They have now backtracked and said "We will take the shield on tour" which is like saying "Instead of you players competing and some of you winning this trophy, we will share this trophy with our friends and talk about how important we are to this game."

Yes, they would rather take the shield to a bar in every city then award it to a team.

Turns out a large amount of supporters at a number of teams who are not near the top are unhappy with this season because they can't go to games. They consider this season meaningless because they can't support their team in the way they are used to. I get it...there are people not on here now because they just can't do this support thing during Covid. BUT, to change the rules a few weeks before the end of the season, without ensuring buy in from every supporter's group is...amateur.


The chairman of this group is a capo from NYRB
The vice chair is a Timber's Army guy.

See the trend.

They both went on Twitter yesterday indicating consultations happened when it turns out all they did was talk about it in a slack and expected reps to look at said slack, without telling them to look at said slack & then considered no response to be support.

The chair spent also a good chunk of yesterday afternoon liking tweets that said "this season is meaningless so I'm OK with this".

When confronted with "Maybe consider the work your own team players have done this season as being meaningful to them.", they have no response.


*********

4 years ago the league was provided a consultation that said the winning of the league should be almost completely abandoned as important. This group of performative supporters has given MLS the perfect opportunity to do so, along with making $250K or so from some sponsor for the new trophy to be awarded next season. The league winners will get the league trophy - the league winner's supporters will be given the shield. Slowly, the shield will die off in importance.

All because a group of people who said they valued what supporters do didn't think what supporters are doing during Covid is really being a supporter - I don't think they thought about the players at all.

As MLS evolves and grows it is becoming more global and less American. You don't see games being played with football yard markings on the field any more. The breakaway penalty shot has been eliminated. More and more clubs are playing in soccer specific stadiums. What separates our sport from the other traditional North American sports is ours is the only one truly global that is not American dominated. I hope MLS is guided by what the rest of the world is doing and not what the NFL or MLB does. The rest of the world awards a trophy to their league champions and MLS should do the same. Otherwise you are devaluing the regular season and encouraging teams to manage their season where the only goal is a playoff spot. If you want to make it a secondary award to the MLS Cup so be it, but not to have any award is just wrong. I understand why the league will not consider promotion and relegation as this has huge financial implications to any club relegated, but there is no cost to the league or the teams in awarding a trophy to the regular season champion. In fact it creates more interest if your team is competing for it after having already clinched a playoff spot. What makes 2017 so special was not just the MLS Cup, but the fact we won the treble, something no other team has done. No one can argue we weren't the best team in MLS that year. We won every competition.

I am hoping the league recognizes the absolute stupidity of this current arrangement and establishes its own award for the regular season champion, and actively promotes the trophy. I believe that most fans are not just TFC fans but also follow the game internationally and would like to see MLS adopt what is done in other major leagues. Ultimately the goal is to have MLS grow and become amongst the elite leagues in the world.

[OgtheDim]

I think MLS moves even more to the NFL model, with 2 separate conferences that occasionally do interplay and enough divisions so that winning that is important and getting home field advantage is important.


They MIGHT have learned from baseball which almost had the specter of a team recently convicted of cheating having a below .500 season come within 1 game of going to a World Series. You make sure that doesn't happen by having many divisions and just enough wild cards across those divisions.

But, a 40 team league is coming and it will make winning only important as far as getting into the playoffs.


********

My bigger concern is the immaturity of people thinking the only way you can support is in the stands. This is preposterous, unheard of in the rest of the world & ultimately hurts the growth of MLS within North American soccer culture. The fact these people think what they do normally in the stands has more value then what players are doing during Covid is mind numblingly selfish.

[NK Toronto]

I hope that doesn't happen but if it does you can always create 2 awards, one for the east and one for the west. Even have them play in a one game match for regular season champ. I just don't want the season to be devalued by turning it into a glorified training camp.

As for the playoffs I prefer a 2 game series home and away. This one and done set up makes the playoffs more of a lottery.

[NK Toronto]

A factor that may also play a role in how MLS evolves is the prospect of international broadcast rights. I can see the day when MLS receives more money from foreign broadcast rights than from North America. If that happens then these broadcasters are going to want some say when matches are played and how competitions are structured, and as we all know money talks.

Wasn't there a story a couple of years ago about some media group requesting MLS adopt promotion and relegation as a condition to a broadcast contract? Also I believe FIFA has been trying to convince the league to adopt a fall to spring season as is done in Europe. There will increasingly be external factors in force which also will play a role in the league's direction and evolution.

[ensco]

Hi all.

I think solidarity with the players is more complicated than people are saying it is.

These Supporters Shield custodians are brain dead with respect to how/when to do things, but they are not obviously wrong on the substance.

I have not been engaged because I also think that there is a legitimacy question about this season.

Not because of strength of schedule or fairness, more because (i) players were oppressed into playing via the lockout threat, (ii) the Orlando bubble was an abomination (in my opinion they just got lucky with that given how bad the situation was there when they played), and (iii) MLS COVID response overall continues to be mainly about money, and is overall a joke.

Poz and Piatti told us all what they really think with that PK.

Anyway I watch the TFC highlights, I will watch the playoffs I am sure, but it ain’t really right, for me. I get that others see it is a critical distraction at a very tough time, this isn’t all one way or the other.

But I hate, hate, hate the coercion. They don’t really want to be here. These are optional activities. At least the guys who have to work in essential services know that the world needs them.

Not trying to pee in anyone's corn flakes, I will see you guys down the road.

[Yohan]

https://twitter.com/KristianJack/status/1317874488474730497

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EkoH3AUXUAACVi1?format=jpg&name=small

[OgtheDim]

Wasn't there a story a couple of years ago about some media group requesting MLS adopt promotion and relegation as a condition to a broadcast contract? Also I believe FIFA has been trying to convince the league to adopt a fall to spring season as is done in Europe. There will increasingly be external factors in force which also will play a role in the league's direction and evolution.

The former was a figment of the imagination of the owner of the NY Cosmos at the time. He said he had people - never materialised and never taken seriously.

As for the second, FIFA wasn't doing that push - it was a group of agents. FIFA doesn't care about when a season is but agents do because an aligned schedule with Europe helps them sell players. The fact that an aligned schedule is not possible due to weather (and we have seen during Covid how important home crowds are & how artificial having a base outside of your home is) makes any idea of that impossible.

[James17930]

I guess I'm the only one who isn't miffed by this. I didn't realize the players cared that much about it (based on Vanney's quote), but anyway, here's my reasoning:

To us, to TFC, other than bragging rights, the SS really only means top-seed in the playoffs since we can't qualify for the CL that way. So in that sense, as long as we finish first and get the top-seed, I don't really care if there's a trophy attached to it or not. If we were an American club and could qualify for the CL with the Shield, then yes, I would be pissed now (though they'd probably award the CL spot anyway, come to think of it). But as it stands, all I care about is MLS Cup. Winning the Shield, in terms of its trophy value, is just sort of icing on the cake.

And that's in a normal year. This year, I actually kind of agree with the whole 'unbalanced schedule' thing. Yes, I know the schedule is always unbalanced, but not like it has been this year, where it as also been shortened. I mean, Colorado might not even play a whole bunch of their games! How unbalanced is that? I know teams in other leagues sometimes get docked points, so I'm not saying that if all those games are cancelled and become 0-3 finals that it's illegitimate, but it does certainly cast a pall over things. Plus, right now it's just the Rapids; next week, literally any team could have an outbreak and even more games could be PP or cancelled. There's just too much uncertainty around everything right now.

So let's just put our heads down and keep pushing for first overall with the goal in mind of homefield in the playoffs. That's as valuable as a trophy, in my view.

[OgtheDim]

I guess I'm the only one who isn't miffed by this. I didn't think the players cared that much about it, but anyway, here's my reasoning..

They are. They said so on twitter yesterday and the Vanney quote above is as blunt as I've ever heard him.

[James17930]

They are. They said so on twitter yesterday and the Vanney quote above is as blunt as I've ever heard him.

Yeah, I see that. It surprises me a bit, but I guess they're proud and they like having pieces of silverware to point to. That's cool. I'm sorry for them if they really wanted it. But I just don't feel it's that important overall (see my post above).

[Bushmancan]

Hi all.

Anyway I watch the TFC highlights, I will watch the playoffs I am sure, but it ain’t really right, for me. I get that others see it is a critical distraction at a very tough time, this isn’t all one way or the other.

It is disappointing to hear that and there are a lot of reasons to feel the way you do, so not trying to invalidate.

There are also many reasons to thank and reward the players for overcoming this Covid coercion/adversity. TFC, Impact & Whtecaps more than any have been everywhere this year. The teams didn’t get to cherry pick their schedules, they didn’t get to say where they would play 12 games in 8/9 weeks etc.

They have risen to the challenge and hopefully will overcome. It needs to be celebrated, as pointed out we don’t get a CCL spot for having the best record, others do. The shield is a way the Supporters can reward whomever comes out on top.

But, all of the above really means nothing when it comes down to the timing and who was involved with the decision. Seriously, there are 5 games and 2 weeks to go. Seattle, Toronto, Columbus and Philly deserve to chase this thing. Not to sound cynical but we know NYRB and Portland members are 2 of the 5 (both past winners and now out of contention). Who are the other 3 in the group of 5?

[DinamoTFC]

It's a joke of a decision made by 5 people who didn't consult any of the supporter groups.
MLS will take their opportunity to cancel this trophy and award their own if it doesn't get reversed.

[dupont]

I have a photo of my brother and I holding up the Supporters Shield back when TFC won it. It's my all time favourite picture. I do think that trophy means something to the fans and the players.

The season obviously isn't ideal. It's been hard for everyone which is all the more reason to still give it out to give the players and fans of some teams something to cheer for and look forward to. It's just such a mean spirited thing to take away and so late in the season too. Very disappointing

[OgtheDim]

So the ISC came out & said that all supporter groups were aware of this about 30 minutes after the Nordecke from Columbus said they were never told

https://twitter.com/Nordecke/status/1317903084866183170

And all I the people I see on twitter supporting the shield decision are NYRB & Seattle fans.

Something is seriously out of whack somewhere

[glaze]

Have we made a similar official public statement?
What are the other SG groups saying (kings, etc). And what can be done?

[NK Toronto]

This underscores why the league needs to step in and create it's own award for league champion rather then permit it to be determined by some so called supporters group with an axe to grind. Has the league or Garber made any public comments on this?

[Bushmancan]

Have we made a similar official public statement?
What are the other SG groups saying (kings, etc). And what can be done?


FYI... this came across twitter about an hour ago.

”ISC Reps, please check the Slack and your emails for communication with regard to the Supporters' Shield and a Q&A with the board.”

[Bushmancan]

KJ putting the heat on...

https://twitter.com/kristianjack/status/1317955414869278721?s=21http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/blob:http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/a14b763a-87f6-4ae0-bdcf-30fbe8db8a6e

[rydermike]

So the ISC came out & said that all supporter groups were aware of this about 30 minutes after the Nordecke from Columbus said they were never told

What'd they do?...Make a decision, send an e-mail to a couple people, and then announced it publicly an hour later? Letting someone know the decision minutes before is not involving them in the decision. Because that is what this is sounding like

[OgtheDim]

Kings of the North have also come out indicating ISC discussion on this was non-existent - apparently the Slack channel involved was only suggested to be something used come the end of this month & not yet mandatory - the Kings rep wasn't even on it yet. The release put out by the Supporter's Council washing their hands of this and saying its up to the 5 people on the Shield committee seems to have caught some people by surprise.

I note that almost every single thread about this on twitter has a response from some NYRB fan saying they don't think this decision is bad at all. I keep asking them if they would tell their players to their faces that this season is a sham & doesn't matter - only one guy, who happens to run a blog but also sounds like a sociopath, says he would do that.

The gatekeeping of fun here is staggering. I get people do weird things in relation to Covid but saying people can't enjoy these things, even though there is an obvious asterisk involved, so no trophy is going to be given is really really immature.

[James17930]

KJ putting the heat on...

https://twitter.com/kristianjack/status/1317955414869278721?s=21http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/blob:http://forums.redpatchboys.ca/a14b763a-87f6-4ae0-bdcf-30fbe8db8a6e

But can MLS even do that? Aren't those spots determined by US Soccer and the CSA?

[Bushmancan]

But can MLS even do that? Aren't those spots determined by US Soccer and the CSA?

That was my point earlier, really it means no and no. But I like that TSN is turning the screws and saying this whole approach needs to be re-thought.

[Globetrotter]

Do any of the leaders of the supporters groups have what it takes to pull out of the council? If enough do, collapse...

The council got it all wrong on so many levels.

[flatpicker]

I'm pretty annoyed by this decision. I've heard no good reason to support this.

And considering I designed the shield, I'm personally saddened that it won't get handed out. I always get a kick out of seeing it lifted by the players. Even more so when TFC is the team to do so!

[Bushmancan]

I'm pretty annoyed by this decision. I've heard no good reason to support this.

And considering I designed the shield, I'm personally saddened that it won't get handed out. I always get a kick out of seeing it lifted by the players. Even more so when TFC is the team to do so!

So what would it cost to make another one....only half joking.

[OgtheDim]

I'm pretty annoyed by this decision. I've heard no good reason to support this.

And considering I designed the shield, I'm personally saddened that it won't get handed out. I always get a kick out of seeing it lifted by the players. Even more so when TFC is the team to do so!


Take heart sir..apparently there are plans...well kinda :canada:

https://twitter.com/MichaelSingh94/status/1318008849035595778

[flatpicker]

So what would it cost to make another one....only half joking.

More than I can afford.
That said, with where 3D printing is at these days...

[flatpicker]

Take heart sir..apparently there are plans...well kinda :canada:

https://twitter.com/MichaelSingh94/status/1318008849035595778

ha! Awesome!

[NK Toronto]

The fact that MLS seems to be going along with this decision makes it look like a Mickey Mouse league

[Auzzy]

The fact that MLS seems to be going along with this decision makes it look like a Mickey Mouse league

As explained above, it's not MLS's decision to make. It's not their shield. It originated from & is (supposed to be) awarded by supporters. I bet the league will be a bit pissed and embarrassed about the sudden cancellation though, and won't mention or support the Supporters Shield again in the future.

[OgtheDim]

The fact that MLS seems to be going along with this decision makes it look like a Mickey Mouse league


Nah, makes the league look professional and the Supporters Shield group extremely petty. All fits into the likely plan now to have a league provided trophy next season. I feel for all those people who built up that shield as a thing who've had a bunch of amateurs ruin it through a petty decision involving a shambolic process.

We all know

Don't make any major decisions to change things during Covid.

But, hey, Timber's Army & NYRB groups can't go to games so.....

[Auzzy]

More than I can afford.
That said, with where 3D printing is at these days...

I get the feeling a significant number of people would be willing to contribute large amounts of money to this effort. On Twitter, fans from the around the league were willing to throw money at a GoFundMe.

[Bushmancan]

More than I can afford.
That said, with where 3D printing is at these days...

Do you still have connections... could we all pitch in or do a go fund me?.

edit... Auzzy beat me... but maybe one could be made for RPB trophy case as well.

All for One..

[Auzzy]

Do you still have connections... could we all pitch in or do a go fund me?

TAKE MY MONEY NOW please...

[MikeForbes]

I mean, I am not a real supporter according to the ISC so I am not sure I count. But, I am more than willing to throw money into a trophy for the guys to celebrate with if/when they clinch the league.

[flatpicker]

I get the feeling a significant number of people would be willing to contribute large amounts of money to this effort. On Twitter, fans from the around the league were willing to throw money at a GoFundMe.


Do you still have connections... could we all pitch in or do a go fund me?.

edit... Auzzy beat me... but maybe one could be made for RPB trophy case as well.

All for One..

I only know the fella who built it. And it wasn’t cheap. And my design was a 2D rendering. So to do a more inexpensive (and less durable, I assume) printed version would require someone with 3D design software knowledge... which ain’t me unfortunately. The only person I’m acquainted with who knows that tech is in the jewellery industry and would come with a hefty price tag. I’m afraid this is beyond my area of expertise.

[rydermike]

Omar Gonzalez

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CGgiDN2BuyI/?igshid=1x3omcwmpt69h

[Richard]

This should have all been clarified when they resumed the season. There is a legitimate argument to be made that this season does not count, however the players should be rewarded, and taking the trophy away a few weeks before it's end is a complete joke.

MLS needs to take control of the trophy moving forward.

[FootBallAZ]

Omar Gonzalez

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CGgiDN2BuyI/?igshid=1x3omcwmpt69h



Ciman did the same thing but not as loud as OG.
Bradley explained in detail how its a joke- and it will set the league back- I mentioned this as well.

Vanney said- if they win they'll paint a manhole gold and they'll get the whole team to lift it up if needed.

I am down to put money into this, i can start looking for some 3D CAD designers.

If someone has the original rendering could piggy back off that.

clearly these guys deserve something, the one point i was hoping someone would mention is the risk vs Reward (lack thereof) - risk being their health.

[sarsippius]

Ciman did the same thing but not as loud as OG.
Bradley explained in detail how its a joke- and it will set the league back- I mentioned this as well.

Vanney said- if they win they'll paint a manhole gold and they'll get the whole team to lift it up if needed.

I am down to put money into this, i can start looking for some 3D CAD designers.

If someone has the original rendering could piggy back off that.

clearly these guys deserve something, the one point i was hoping someone would mention is the risk vs Reward (lack thereof) - risk being their health.

I'd put some money in, fwiw.

[jabbronies]

Ciman did the same thing but not as loud as OG.

I am down to put money into this, i can start looking for some 3D CAD designers.

If someone has the original rendering could piggy back off that.



Funny you should say this - the shield was designed by an RPB and was built in Toronto....so we have access to that lol

[Afra]

I still have the molds....

[jabbronies]

I still have the molds....


... The rebellion has begun

[FootBallAZ]

I still have the molds....


I work with a lot of different manufacturers can someone explain to me what specifically is needed- like a CNC machine for example.

I can start making calls, should make an adjustment to the mold if possible

anyone have a rough idea what it costed? should start a reddit it thread and get supporters on same page.

[Afra]

I am pretty sure that making something along the lines of the current design will get messy. If TFC wins and Toronto supporters want to make something for them to keep, I am glad to help out making an award in a new design.

[jabbronies]

I am pretty sure that making something along the lines of the current design will get messy. If TFC wins and Toronto supporters want to make something for them to keep, I am glad to help out making an award in a new design.


Something unique would be amazing. It would have to be simple though in order to pull it off both creatively and financially in the short amount of time

[rydermike]

anyone have a rough idea what it costed? should start a reddit it thread and get supporters on same page.

$18,000


Out of the ISC meeting in Portland came the creation of the Supporters' Shield Foundation, a registered non-profit which was setup to fund a new Supporters' Shield, as well as promote and manage the award going forward. Instead of the $3,000 required for the original Shield, a quote of $18,000 was taken from a trophy manufacturer in Toronto.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/10/11/internet-message-board-valued-prize-how-supporters-shield-got-its-start




By the way, for anyone interested, this was what the original Supporters Shield looked like compared to the current one
https://dc-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/supporters-shield-150x180.jpghttps://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/df/Supporters%27_Shield_trophy.jpeg

[Bushmancan]

Whats going on in the twitterverse..... https://twitter.com/FootballSaves/status/1318180716966969345

[FootBallAZ]

18K- oof im sure if season holders donated $1 Each should be able to get that easily.

Turn around time is key- I know many who you use Auto desk, solidworks and others and could possibly get a decent price depending on if my partner is willing to work with us.

Use the mold to get a rough idea and then tweak it for sure.

Ideas would be maybe including tfc shield, maple leaf flag and a mask lol

[Joe Kool]

is this all coming from us playing Montreal and Vancouver a few times and all of MLS fans whining about it over and over? Like somehow it isn't fair. As of today there are 10 US MLS teams below Vancouver and Montreal in the overall standings. So going by the logic of the average stupid US MLS fan then any MLS team playing any of those US MLS teams below MTL/VAN also had an unfair advantage? Wow. Everyone totally overlooking we have had to play every game since as essentially an away game. Our team deserves something.....I still can't believe what is happening even so many hours after it was announced.

[glaze]

MLS should really step in and say either you award it, or we're moving on to a new trophy next year.

The players have come out saying it's important. Put an asterix on it if you want, it'll be a fitting reminder of this year. But you have to award it.

Either way, everyone responsible for this decision has to be removed from their position immediately, and permanently. There has to be something in the bylaws for that.

[CBTFC]

beaverton style headline would read "Supporters Groups of teams not in the running to win the Supporters Shield have decided to not award Supporters Shield".

It's just so lame and petty.

[jabbronies]

is this all coming from us playing Montreal and Vancouver a few times and all of MLS fans whining about it over and over? Like somehow it isn't fair. As of today there are 10 US MLS teams below Vancouver and Montreal in the overall standings. So going by the logic of the average stupid US MLS fan then any MLS team playing any of those US MLS teams below MTL/VAN also had an unfair advantage? Wow. Everyone totally overlooking we have had to play every game since as essentially an away game. Our team deserves something.....I still can't believe what is happening even so many hours after it was announced.


Colorado will have missed a bunch of games when all is said and done. They still have 10 games left, but I think only 4-5 are scheduled to actually happen.

[jabbronies]

18K- oof im sure if season holders donated $1 Each should be able to get that easily.

Turn around time is key- I know many who you use Auto desk, solidworks and others and could possibly get a decent price depending on if my partner is willing to work with us.

Use the mold to get a rough idea and then tweak it for sure.

Ideas would be maybe including tfc shield, maple leaf flag and a mask lol


reality is - this would be a TFC supporters initiative. So I would only count on them to chip in for this - and we would only chip in IF TFC were to win. Season isn't over - so i wouldn't put anything in stone .

With that being said - you should bank on a budget of $800 - $1000 max. I don't see much more being raised. Anything above that would be gravy.

[Joe Kool]

Colorado will have missed a bunch of games when all is said and done. They still have 10 games left, but I think only 4-5 are scheduled to actually happen.

Yeah well I feel for Colorado but not like they were in the running for Supporters Shield realistically and if Colorado not being able to play all their games is the reason then this also penalizing all the teams as well that had super strict controls to avoid COVID exposure and just because one team didn't or got very unlucky the other teams can't compete for something. Not a good look for the league. Might as well cancel all the other individual league awards then too and maybe not even have a playoffs then because it all is affected/influenced by COVID in some way.

[ag futbol]

beaverton style headline would read "Supporters Groups of teams not in the running to win the Supporters Shield have decided to not award Supporters Shield".

It's just so lame and petty.
Yep, absolutely and great point.

Everyone knows this year in many ways will always have an asterisk next to it. Is anything gained by not awarding the shield? MLS already had an unbalanced schedule. You aren’t crowned champion based on having the best record in the league. CONCACAF isn’t going to formally weak their qualifying formula based on the opinion of the supporters counsel. The team that has the best record will still be in the books as such. All that’s accomplished is making the players on the field feel a little less appreciated which is exactly what we didn’t want to do.

I think these people on the supporters council who came to this decision have forgotten what their role in this is supposed to be.

[Bushmancan]

Yep, absolutely and great point.

Everyone knows this year in many ways will always have an asterisk next to it. Is anything gained by not awarding the shield? MLS already had an unbalanced schedule. You aren’t crowned champion based on having the best record in the league. CONCACAF isn’t going to formally weak their qualifying formula based on the opinion of the supporters counsel. The team that has the best record will still be in the books as such. All that’s accomplished is making the players on the field feel a little less appreciated which is exactly what we didn’t want to do.

I think these people on the supporters council who came to this decision have forgotten what their role in this is supposed to be.

So the question to ask is, if an American team finished with the best record (e.g. Columbus, Philly etc) do they qualify for CCL (normally in regular years the answer is yes) or did MLS give this spot to the winner of MLS is back. ( i.e. Portland Timbers.) Would make sense why Portland's rep doesn't care about the shield this year and the normal benefits that come along with placing first. They got their ticket to CCL and they have won the shield numerous times before. NYRB have no chance and they have won it 4 times, so you know where they would stand.

[Joe Kool]

So the question to ask is, if an American team finished with the best record (e.g. Columbus, Philly etc) do they qualify for CCL (normally in regular years the answer is yes) or did MLS give this spot to the winner of MLS is back. ( i.e. Portland Timbers.) Would make sense why Portland's rep doesn't care about the shield this year and the normal benefits that come along with placing first. They got their ticket to CCL and they have won the shield numerous times before. NYRB have no chance and they have won it 4 times, so you know where they would stand.

They announced that already. The league is keeping the same rewards for the first overall team that would have been there if the Shield was presented. That includes some bonus cash which I am assuming TFC would qualify for if they got first place but there is also the CCL spot which TFC would not be able to get because they are not a US team. It would go to the next highest US team. MLS is Back tourney CCL spot was being given in place of the US Open Cup winner's spot.

[OgtheDim]

Great read of all this from a Save the Crew leader


https://twitter.com/Morgan_Hughes/status/1318165182556868610

Long thread

[pfk]

Hopefully next year, MLS will just take over and award the first place team with something (besides home-field advantage) and get distance themselves from the ISG. What a joke.

[rydermike]

https://twitter.com/Morgan_Hughes/status/1318236240425197568


Looks like they agreed to take a vote and discuss it, but not be bound by the vote

[tfcfans]

Great read of all this from a Save the Crew leader


https://twitter.com/Morgan_Hughes/status/1318165182556868610

Long thread

Very well written - anything from Sons of Ben (Philadelphia)? I figure if anyone else would be really upset about this it would be their supporters as this would be the first major trophy they could win and frankly if they win tonight, and beat us on Saturday, they would be in the lead with three games to go as they would have a better Goal Difference than us (I hope I am jinxing all of that of course) - just curious what their official position is on all of this - I would assume it would be like Columbus and ours.....

[rydermike]

https://twitter.com/SupporterShield/status/1318239509268602880

But they blocked replies to the tweet

[Smokecell]

They are going to have a vote but have said that they will not be bound to it. Translation: they are fairly confident that the minority of groups are angry about the decision and a vote will give them a free PR spin to say it was democratic in the end. OR they are not bound to the reversal vote. This “foundation” is a joke.

[Bushmancan]

reality is - this would be a TFC supporters initiative. So I would only count on them to chip in for this - and we would only chip in IF TFC were to win. Season isn't over - so i wouldn't put anything in stone .

With that being said - you should bank on a budget of $800 - $1000 max. I don't see much more being raised. Anything above that would be gravy.

If someone knows how to start a go fund me... I will throw in the first $250 to get it started, screw the SS Foundation (the NYRB and Portland Timber in particular) and lets give it to our team regardless. I so hope we win, we give Vanney and Team the Manhole cover they want, emblazoned with a Maple Leaf.

EDITED

[Red CB Toronto]

If someone knows how to start a go fund me... I will throw in the first $250 to get it started, fuck the ISC council (the NYRB and Portland Timber in particular) and lets give it to our team regardless. I so hope we win, we give Vanney and Team the Manhole cover they want, emblazoned with a Maple Leaf.

It appears the ISC is a separate from the SS Foundation. The ISC has 50 SG's as members from MLS, USL, NWSL, NPSL and now the CPL.

https://www.officialisc.com/current-members

It's the foundation that has this petty little 5 person board that has done this.

http://http://supportersshield.org


Mission Statement

Since its inception in 1996, MLS has seen many changes, both on the pitch and off, as it has grown into the league we know today. However, the one constant has always been the support of fans. Whether by the handful in cavernous, decrepit buildings, or by the tens of thousands in gleaming new soccer specific stadia, we the fans have supported our local teams through it all. It is we the supporters who are the rightful curators of MLS’s history, as we’ve lived it game by game, minute by minute, song by song, mile by mile.Although MLS Cup is the de facto piece of silverware for which every team strives, The Supporters’ Shield is a tangible manifestation of the fans’ passion and commitment. The Supporters’ Shield represents all ninety minutes of every game, every year, and every emotion felt by the fans who strive to lift their teams with their collective voice. More than anything, The Supporters’ Shield belongs to supporters.
We believe that all fans of MLS, the communal heartbeat of the league, deserve ownership of a trophy independent from corporate interests and truly representative of the commitment and passion that each fan brings to each game, each year. The Independent Supporters Council, via the Supporters’ Shield Foundation, is proud to have been able to help make this a reality.

[Bushmancan]

Changed...tx

[tfcfans]

On a side note - can NE please not lose at home to Philly on a stupid own goal please .....spoke too soon, now it’s 2-0.....the whole thing might be coming down to Saturday in Philly where they are undefeated (a loss and we are no longer in first, and we start to need help as we will be down at least 6 in goal differential), all with our less than healthy lineup.....just had the tying goal called back on a very close offside call; that might be a huge call in the big scheme of things....Saturday will be another huge test of the mettle of this group....

[rydermike]

Watch this group wait until the weekend to decide and see if we win or lose vs the union. If we win, they'll say no shield, if we lose they'll say shield,sincd union will be in first.

[OgtheDim]

Watch this group wait until the weekend to decide and see if we win or lose vs the union. If we win, they'll say no shield, if we lose they'll say shield,sincd union will be in first.


Nah, this is not an "anti-TFC" thing.

This is an "anti-thinking beyond my own bubble so there is no way you lot can be enjoying yourselves because I am not" thing

[PizzaEatingYeti]

Watch this group wait until the weekend to decide and see if we win or lose vs the union. If we win, they'll say no shield, if we lose they'll say shield,sincd union will be in first.

Yeah, I was thinking the same, lol.

[OgtheDim]

....

But I hate, hate, hate the coercion. They don’t really want to be here. These are optional activities. At least the guys who have to work in essential services know that the world needs them.



Ensco, I always enjoy your takes on things and appreciate this post being made.

I'd like to discuss this particular line.

I am a declared essential worker, a hiring manager who is spending a good chunk of his time looking at resumes to fill a number of positions. The economy right now is almost complete bust or boom - there is no in between.


The only industries that have jobs right now are transportation, food, banking, pharmaceuticals & government services (and much of the banking & government services sectors are on a freeze).

The amount of industries that are at this moment dormant is staggering.

I am seeing staff from auto sales, law offices, doctors offices, airline, manufacturing, retail, accountant offices, construction, telecommunications, resource industries.

These are people all trying to put money in the bank account to survive.


If teams were not playing, the amount of people laid off for those would be far beyond the players - we've already seen it with the BMO field staff & ticket reps.

This season isn't coercion - its what all of us in essential are doing - trying to do something to survive. Because without it, the players and staff right up to the top exec level would not have jobs.

Yes, these are optional activities. And from what I hear, the losses involved for MLS are huge - but if they don't stay open, there won't be no post covid games.

[rydermike]

Nah, this is not an "anti-TFC" thing.

This is an "anti-thinking beyond my own bubble so there is no way you lot can be enjoying yourselves because I am not" thing

I did mean that as a joke (although 10% of me actually believes it). But yes, it's a completely selfish act by the group in the "if I can't have it, neither can you" mentality


Does anyone know which five team supporters those people are from?

[ensco]

Ensco, I always enjoy your takes on things and appreciate this post being made.

I'd like to discuss this particular line.

I am a declared essential worker, a hiring manager who is spending a good chunk of his time looking at resumes to fill a number of positions. The economy right now is almost complete bust or boom - there is no in between.


The only industries that have jobs right now are transportation, food, banking, pharmaceuticals & government services (and much of the banking & government services sectors are on a freeze).

The amount of industries that are at this moment dormant is staggering.

I am seeing staff from auto sales, law offices, doctors offices, airline, manufacturing, retail, accountant offices, construction, telecommunications, resource industries.

These are people all trying to put money in the bank account to survive.


If teams were not playing, the amount of people laid off for those would be far beyond the players - we've already seen it with the BMO field staff & ticket reps.

This season isn't coercion - its what all of us in essential are doing - trying to do something to survive. Because without it, the players and staff right up to the top exec level would not have jobs.

Yes, these are optional activities. And from what I hear, the losses involved for MLS are huge - but if they don't stay open, there won't be no post covid games.

I agree with all of this.

My problem is an MLS specific one. The league did not have pandemic language, the players were going to be paid whether the league played or not. That was obviously not sustainable, but the way the league solved for it was brutal.

Truth is, nobody cared. Like, literally nobody. But I cared. (The players will remember. There will be a war over this someday. A yearlong strike/lockout or something. You mark my words.)

Now the part I do get is, if you are going to make them play, then they should be allowed to play for something. I definitely have a couple of hundred bucks for this trophy campaign, I'll make the first transfer.

Thanks for your kind words Og, you and a number of others here are doing a nice job.

[rydermike]

Just pretend it's Vanney not Chris Evans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7eiI2td_04&ab_channel=BackyardBoys1125 RIP Chadwick

[OgtheDim]

The latest tweets from the CBus #SavetheCrew guy about the process for this are, to be blunt...damning.

People on the supporter shield group saying they have been thinking about this for months but unwilling to take an ISC vote as necessary.

[Bushmancan]

The latest tweets from the CBus #SavetheCrew guy about the process for this are, to be blunt...damning.

People on the supporter shield group saying they have been thinking about this for months but unwilling to take an ISC vote as necessary.

Regardless of what happens, if we win this... we need to make sure TFC have something to raise. Maybe our own supporters groups could come together and spearhead it. Nothing wrong with RPB leading the way. What do we need to do to execute the back up plan. Lets not wait for the others to leads us, lets pull the TFC supporters together.

[Blindside16]

The latest tweets from the CBus #SavetheCrew guy about the process for this are, to be blunt...damning.

People on the supporter shield group saying they have been thinking about this for months but unwilling to take an ISC vote as necessary.


I just went back through his recent tweets and it is very damning. It seems to be coming out little by little that this was obviously a decision made by a select few for whatever their personal reasons are. I hope this serves as a catalyst for more transparency and change within the SSF.

[MightyDM]

I'm pretty annoyed by this decision. I've heard no good reason to support this.

And considering I designed the shield, I'm personally saddened that it won't get handed out. I always get a kick out of seeing it lifted by the players. Even more so when TFC is the team to do so!

Great job on the shield. And on the cuff links....

[MightyDM]

Why don’t we (RPB) organize a vote amongst supporters groups, and take the advocacy position that the vote has to be yes because the 5 did not engage supporters groups on a critics decision about the SUPPORTERS shield.

Or more aggressively, announce that we, the RPB, in partnership with the Krew, will award the Supporters Shield given the illegitimate stance of the Fake Five.

I am completely serious. Will match Enscos contribution for the cost of the new shield.

Let’s not sit by. Worth even awarding to Seattle. Although that will not happen. Otherwise supporters are totally cut out and the game is totally corporate.

[Bushmancan]

Why don’t we (RPB) organize a vote amongst supporters groups, and take the advocacy position that the vote has to be yes because the 5 did not engage supporters groups on a critics decision about the SUPPORTERS shield.

Or more aggressively, announce that we, the RPB, in partnership with the Krew, will award the Supporters Shield given the illegitimate stance of the Fake Five.

I am completely serious. Will match Enscos contribution for the cost of the new shield.

Let’s not sit by. Worth even awarding to Seattle. Although that will not happen. Otherwise supporters are totally cut out and the game is totally corporate.


So across our RPB thread, that’s almost $1,000 dollars already vouched for without blinking an eye. I would be shocked if SSH don’t back down, they really have no choice. They have already lost legitimacy with supporters and probably the league.

Regardless, my money is still in even if we work with the club and make it a legacy TFC thing (not really sure what that would look like) Man I really need to go for a beer with everyone and shoot the shit, but alas that’s 2021 for me. All for One.

[Canary10]

The irony of all this is that in the SSF's effort to maintain the legitimacy of the Supporters Shield by not awarding it during a questionable season, they have lost the legitimacy of the Supporters Shield.

[Bushmancan]

The irony of all this is that in the SSF's effort to maintain the legitimacy of the Supporters Shield by not awarding it during a questionable season, they have lost the legitimacy of the Supporters Shield.

Exactly

[Joe Kool]

Why don’t we (RPB) organize a vote amongst supporters groups, and take the advocacy position that the vote has to be yes because the 5 did not engage supporters groups on a critics decision about the SUPPORTERS shield.

Or more aggressively, announce that we, the RPB, in partnership with the Krew, will award the Supporters Shield given the illegitimate stance of the Fake Five.

I am completely serious. Will match Enscos contribution for the cost of the new shield.

Let’s not sit by. Worth even awarding to Seattle. Although that will not happen. Otherwise supporters are totally cut out and the game is totally corporate.

I have seen a number of comments from more than just Crew and TFC supporters asking about where they can donate if it is going to happen. I think there is far more support for it than against it amongst MLS fans even from teams that have no shot at it this year but just think it is wrong to not award the winner with something.

[NDIrish]

If there is an actual interest in procuring a man hole cover my father (and fellow Reds supporter - we are both SSHs) just happens to be in the business and would donate one. It could be coated red and would have the marking "Danger" on it and the year 2020. It wouldn't be fancy, but it could be a place holder and a specially designed one coated red for the trophy case would take about 3 months. FYI A manhole cover (maintenance hole cover) is roughly 170 pounds.

[OgtheDim]

The reach of the TFC supporters never ceases to amaze me....

[Canary10]

Exactly

It's quite the accomplishment when you think about it.

[MightyDM]

It's quite the accomplishment when you think about it.

Damning

[MightyDM]

If there is an actual interest in procuring a man hole cover my father (and fellow Reds supporter - we are both SSHs) just happens to be in the business and would donate one. It could be coated red and would have the marking "Danger" on it and the year 2020. It wouldn't be fancy, but it could be a place holder and a specially designed one coated red for the trophy case would take about 3 months. FYI A manhole cover (maintenance hole cover) is roughly 170 pounds.

I love this. Can we do it? Who speaks for RPB? Flatpicker or Oldtimer?

[MightyDM]

If there is an actual interest in procuring a man hole cover my father (and fellow Reds supporter - we are both SSHs) just happens to be in the business and would donate one. It could be coated red and would have the marking "Danger" on it and the year 2020. It wouldn't be fancy, but it could be a place holder and a specially designed one coated red for the trophy case would take about 3 months. FYI A manhole cover (maintenance hole cover) is roughly 170 pounds.

Or could we organize the Toronto supporters groups to say if TFC wins it they will have a trophy, mentioning that we have the mould... If so we need to act before Saturday while it is timely.

[flatpicker]

I love this. Can we do it? Who speaks for RPB? Flatpicker or Oldtimer?

I don’t speak for the group, lol. I’m just a guy who used to have a lot more time on my hands.

[Bushmancan]

I don’t speak for the group, lol. I’m just a guy who used to have a lot more time on my hands.


Happy to participate in any way, will jump on a Zoom or whatever... no matter what the team should get something from all the supporters.

[PaceyWinger]

Happy to participate in any way, will jump on a Zoom or whatever... no matter what the team should get something from all the supporters.

that would be pretty special

[OgtheDim]

https://twitter.com/RedPatchBoys/status/1319438578863296512

[Smokecell]

Something about chickens and eggs. There’s a game this weekend - let’s focus on winning that first and foremost.

[OgtheDim]

Yes, I want us to win this thing.

More importantly, I want SOMEBODY to win this thing. Whoever does will have fully earned it.

[Initial B]

I love this. Can we do it? Who speaks for RPB? Flatpicker or Oldtimer?
Isn't ChrisFizik the current President? Maybe ask him first?

[Auzzy]

https://twitter.com/RedPatchBoys/status/1319438578863296512

Dewey Defeats Truman?

[James17930]

Also, wouldn't it good to wait to see if the ISG or whomever it is backtracks on their decision? The Shield still might end up getting awarded (unless there's some new updates I haven't heard yet).

[NDIrish]

If there is an actual interest in procuring a man hole cover my father (and fellow Reds supporter - we are both SSHs) just happens to be in the business and would donate one. It could be coated red and would have the marking "Danger" on it and the year 2020. It wouldn't be fancy, but it could be a place holder and a specially designed one coated red for the trophy case would take about 3 months. FYI A manhole cover (maintenance hole cover) is roughly 170 pounds.


The rough and ready man hole cover is easy. Just needs to be coated red and my father keeps asking me where he needs to send it.

But we both agreed to have the discussion Sunday morning.

But, as I said, ready when you are.

To think, a year ago today I was in NYC - on the journey to Seattle. Times have changed, but we are still supporters, and i still feel the anticipation of a big match!

Go Reds! (Is it Saturday night yet!)

[rydermike]

TFC's magic number to win the "Shield" - 10 points (we currently have 41 points - 4 games left)

Philadelphia - 10 (currently 38 points, max of 50 - 4 games left)
Columbus - 9 (currently 34 points, max of 49 - 5 games left)
Seattle - 7 (currently 32 points, max of 47 -5 games left)
Orlando - 7 (currently 32 points, max of 47 - 5 games left)
Portland - 4 (currently 32 points, max of 44 - 4 games left)
Sporting KC - 5 (currently 30 points, max of 45 - 5 games left)
and Colorado - 9 (currently 19 points, max of 49 - "10 games" left)


A couple of huge matchups are
TFC-Philly this weekend
Columbus-Philly next weekend

[tfcfans]

Reports on ESPN says the Shield is back on.....

[NDIrish]

Reports on ESPN says the Shield is back on.....
You just beat me to it: https://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/4215640/sources-top-mls-club-will-get-supporters-shield-fan-group-backtracks

The man hole cover remains an option regardless - although it will be harder to physically lift.

[MightyDM]

You just beat me to it: <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/4215640/sources-top-mls-club-will-get-supporters-shield-fan-group-backtracks" target="_blank">https://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/4215640/sources-top-mls-club-will-get-supporters-shield-fan-group-backtracks</a><br>
<br>
The man hole cover remains an option regardless - although it will be harder to physically lift.. I am happy to send an etransfer to your dad to defray any costs; I think we should do this regardless; Club would love it

[FootBallAZ]

im down for something new- like who wins the shield lift that and toss it and lift the new one.
shouldnt have personal connection or saltiness in deciding a trophy for the league.

should teach them a lesson going forward and create a new board maybe consisting of supporters from each team

[benito]

This is positive news!

[Initial B]

Yup, here it is:
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/10/23/supporters-shield-be-awarded-2020-following-reversal-decision

[Smokecell]

I suspect this has less to do with members' input (they didn't care for it in the first place) and more to do with the real threat of having the shield replaced by MLS next year.

Those 5 individuals are still goofs in my eyes either way.

[rydermike]

I suspect this has less to do with members' input (they didn't care for it in the first place) and more to do with the real threat of having the shield replaced by MLS next year.

This. 100%

[Auzzy]

You just beat me to it: https://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/story/4215640/sources-top-mls-club-will-get-supporters-shield-fan-group-backtracks

The man hole cover remains an option regardless - although it will be harder to physically lift.

I think the manhole cover would be fun to do regardless, as a thank-you to the team for slogging through the season. The Supporters Shield won’t cost us anything (if TFC wins it) and I think many would be willing to pitch in for something special, me included.

[jabbronies]

I suspect this has less to do with members' input (they didn't care for it in the first place) and more to do with the real threat of having the shield replaced by MLS next year.

Those 5 individuals are still goofs in my eyes either way.


Damage is done -

Don't be surprised when the league develops a new trophy for the league winner presented by the league.
Supporters shield will still exist as a token trophy presented by the fans

[Bushmancan]

I think the manhole cover would be fun to do regardless, as a thank-you to the team for slogging through the season. The Supporters Shield won’t cost us anything (if TFC wins it) and I think many would be willing to pitch in for something special, me included.

I am in...

[OgtheDim]

I suspect this has less to do with members' input (they didn't care for it in the first place) ..

Those 5 individuals are still goofs in my eyes either way.


The chair of this group spent a good chunk of the day throwing shade at Toronto & Columbus fans - the sort of shade a 9 year old might do.

[Bushmancan]

The chair of this group spent a good chunk of the day throwing shade at Toronto & Columbus fans - the sort of shade a 9 year old might do.

Hahaha. He is a NYRB fan. Says everything, suck it up buttercup.

[rydermike]

The chair of this group spent a good chunk of the day throwing shade at Toronto & Columbus fans - the sort of shade a 9 year old might do.

On twitter? Anyone have a link?

[OgtheDim]

Search out Duane Rollins feed

[Red CB Toronto]

Reds applaud Supporters' Shield Foundation reversal of much-reviled decision
https://torontosun.com/sports/soccer/mls/toronto-fc/reds-applaud-supporters-shield-foundation-reversal-of-much-reviled-decision

[Auzzy]

Yup, here it is:
https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2020/10/23/supporters-shield-be-awarded-2020-following-reversal-decision

The comments under that article are... something else.

[MikeForbes]

Imagine being a fan of a team that is the equivalent of an A ball baseball club for their energy drink over lords.

[NDIrish]

I think the manhole cover would be fun to do regardless, as a thank-you to the team for slogging through the season. The Supporters Shield won’t cost us anything (if TFC wins it) and I think many would be willing to pitch in for something special, me included.

We think it would be fun too. No contributions other than connections and collaboration.

Will talk more in the coming days/weeks.

Go Reds!