“Devastating”: 20 fans describe Toronto FC’s MLS Final loss in one word

“Devastating”: 20 fans describe Toronto FC’s MLS Final loss in one word

Penalty kicks are a cruel way to end any soccer game: after 120 minutes, two exhausted teams surrender their fates to what essentially amounts to a series of coin tosses. They’re an extra harsh decider if you’re Toronto FC, playing on home turf in your first-ever MLS Final after not just a long season, but nine straight years of disappointment.

Make that 10. Despite owning the pitch and registering all the match’s best chances at goal—see: the Seattle Sounders keeper’s spectacular fingertip save—TFC lost five to four in penalties. Sportscasters and supporters can and will say plenty about the match. We asked shell-shocked fans something simpler: describe the MLS Final in one word.

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Adam Moore

23, student
“Disappointing.”

 

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Mike Wright

25, Factory Worker
“Emotional.”

 

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Susana Pinto

22, Legal Receptionist
“Incredible.”

 

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Mike Samotowka

40, Music Teacher
“Exciting.”

 

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Neal Clement

53, Medical Technologist
“Excruciating.”

 

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Rick Cote

33, Business Analyst
“Tough.”

 

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Gary Fraga

33, Realtor
“Heartbreaking.”

 

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Craig England

38, Architect
“Devastating.”

 

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Victoria Fagundes

24, Early Childhood Educator
“Nail-biting.”

 

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Brett Bouldt

29, Longshoreman
“Finally.”

 

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Goran Sudetic

35, Architect
“Speechless.”

 

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Jon MacCall

57, Software Engineer
“Meh.”

 

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Arsen Kelesoglu

20, Student
“Passionate.”

 

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Lyndon Hooper

50, Ontario Soccer Association
“Teaser.”

 

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Rachael Lyons

26, Veterinary Assistant
“Epic.”

 

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Ryan MacDonald

39, 911 Dispatcher
“Exciting.”

 

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Pete Block

44, Telecom Tech
“Sorrow.”

 

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Rylee Block

16, Student
“Disappointing.”

 

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Marc Rice

29, Chef
“Thank you.”

 

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Sonia Munoz

23, BMO Field Employee
“Proud.”

Correction

December 12, 2016

An earlier version of this post misidentified Gary Fraga as Fred Fraga.