Why TFC's thrilling win isn't a score for Canadian soccer yet

There is no doubt that the 5-2 win for Toronto FC over the Montreal was one of the greatest games in MLS history.

It had just about everything that you could ask for in an Eastern Conference Final: physical flashpoints, goals, end-to-end- drama, controversial moments, extra time and a dramatic finish that had Toronto FC coming from behind several times to qualify as the first Canadian team in MLS Cup Final history.

But was it a great night for Canadian soccer as a whole? There is the potential for that to be the case, but it’s much too early to tell.

The men’s game in this country needs a galvanizing moment to turn heads, get people excited about soccer in Canada and dream that futures can be made playing the game right here. While the men’s national team heads into the unknown once again looking for direction, maybe – just maybe – this instant classic game involving two Canadian club teams made up largely of foreign players will be that moment.

“This is what builds the youth,” said Tosaint Ricketts, one of four Canadian players to see the field on Wednesday and scorer of TFC’s fifth goal of the evening. “They’re seeing this success. They’re seeing what hard work pays off. This will inspire them to push harder, work harder and make it to this level as well, and higher.”

The women’s game in Canada was pushed to new heights after winning the Olympic bronze medal at the London Olympics in 2012, setting in motion new expectations for a country known more for its presence on the ice than the pitch. That success proved paramount for their development, as the CWNST successfully defended its London third-place finish with another bronze at Rio this past summer.

On Wednesday night at BMO Field, just two of the starting 22 players from the two clubs were Canadian, despite the match featuring the country’s two biggest cities. Notwithstanding, academies from Canadian MLS clubs are starting to churn out first-team players more frequently, and nights like Wednesday could go a long way in inspiring their personal development even further.

“This game will, both for MLS and Canadian soccer, really motivate and bring people into this sport,” said TFC head coach Greg Vanney. “For me the most exciting playoff event that I have ever been a part of and one that I have seen. I will probably have more thoughts on that later, but it was just an amazing match.”

Major League Soccer is easily a winner for this encounter as the league was showcased like never before in Canada and the drama likely caught some attention down south.

But whether this is truly a great night for Canadian soccer will only be known down the line if we see more young Canadian players suiting up for Canadian club teams, continuing to find success locally and eventually on the national stage.

At the very least, Wednesday’s thrilling final will surely go down as a great night in Toronto sports history, a memorable moment for MLS, and a disappointing end to a good season for Montreal.