While Seattle Sounders FC and Toronto FC compete on the pitch today, a competition may also be going on in the stands.

Despite the Reds’ on-field record of 16-30-16 since joining Major League Soccer in 2007, their fans have been the consensus choice as most passionate in MLS.

That is, until now when that title is being challenged by supporters of the expansion Sounders.

“Toronto and Sounders FC have two incredibly passionate fan bases and supporters groups,” said Dan Courtemanche, MLS vice president of marketing and communications. “Sounders are only a couple of games old, but from what we’ve seen so far it’s been incredible. Those comments have been echoed throughout the United States and in Canada, and it’s an environment we’d like to replicate in all of our venues. Seattle’s really set the standard – Seattle in the United States, and Toronto up in Canada – when it comes to an environment for an MLS game.”

But while Seattle has sold out two games, Toronto has sold out every home game in its first two seasons. And BMO Field will be jammed again today for the Reds’ home opener.

That caused Sounders coach Sigi Schmid to say that his team’s first road game may also be the most challenging it will face.

“(Qwest Field has) proven to be a hard place to play, (but) Toronto and BMO Field has been proven the toughest place to play,” he said. “The crowd is there, it’s going to be sold out, weather (could be a factor). It’s something we’re looking forward to. It’s going to be a great challenge for us.”

Toronto fans – including support groups Red Patch Boys, U-Sector, Tribal Rhythm Nation, and North End Elite – could be singing, chanting and cheering a particular fever pitch after MLS commissioner Don Garber told a Canadian reporter last week that Seattle’s fans will challenge Toronto’s as best in MLS.

“Yes, I believe they will,” Garber said. “But the fans of Toronto have set the stage. Their fans are incredibly passionate. Toronto FC fans have proven to the MLS family that you can create a dynamic, exciting environment in your stadium for a home game. It’s what soccer ought to be. We didn’t necessarily have that in many of our stadiums, and Toronto is writing the book.”

However, an ugly page was scrawled last weekend as violence broke out after an estimated 1,500 Toronto supporters followed their team to its match in Columbus.

After the Reds and Crew played to a 1-1 draw, supporters of the two sides confronted each other at stadium exits and in the parking lot. Police rushed in, a scuffle developed, and five people were arrested, including one Toronto man.

“We certainly believe this past weekend was an isolated incident with a small number of what we would call misguided individuals,” Courtemanche said. “... It’s a few bad apples that certainly ruin the experience for a larger group, and also the perception of what goes on. Up in Toronto, they’ve said that if they find out that any of those individuals who were part of what occurred in Columbus are season-ticket holders, then they’ll lose their season tickets and be banned from BMO Field for life. ... It’s not something that Major League Soccer or any of our 15 member clubs will tolerate.”

In Seattle, the sellout crowds have seemed more celebratory than confrontational. They’ve imported the world soccer traditions of singing and chanting and waving scarves, but not the hooliganism.

“Our fans have been really well-behaved,” general manager Adrian Hanauer said. “It’s great: energy, passion. But it is a game out there, so we don’t want anybody getting hurt or any serious disruption. ... I think some of our fans are passionate soccer fans: They don’t want to be ejected from the game; they want to be there and enjoy it.”

There could be much to enjoy today as division leads are at stake for both sides. The Sounders are even with Chivas USA in the West with a 2-0-0 record. The Reds are in three-way tie in the East and will take a 1-0-1 record into the match.

Don Ruiz, 253-597-8808

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