Very different times, early years of Leweike. He stated publicly that TFC would be the easiest MLSE franchise to win with first and could have the greatest initial impact.
Even our parade would not be as big today as it was then. The Raptors have made sure of that and the city expects winners. Would not want to be a Maple Leafs player right now.
The most disappointing thing about the CBA and further MLS expansion is that the league has virtually acknowledged that it will be a second tier league, unless they make some really hard decisions, which they are not prepared to. Having an under 23 DP as a optional benefit is kewl... making it mandatory is stupid.
The TFC experience still can and will be excellent but dragging 30 teams around in a non pro/rel environment is doomed to mediocracy for many.
I would still trade off the RPBs and fan experience of TFC over the atmosphere of the platinums and reds of the Maple Leafs.
TFC can continue to dominate MLS and for those that live football, will be really enjoyable.
I look at Piatti as a really good gamble. If he pans out it will be insane, if it doesn’t we still have a couple of more outliers that have the potential to pan out.
I just want us to continue to look for the Marquis player and set the bar higher for all of MLS. Let the other teams hate us for success, that will be the best result.