Singin' in the rain: Toronto FC, history, and a delightful downpour
"I walk down the lane, with a happy refrain. Just singin', singin' in the rain" - Gene Kelly in the 1952 classic 'Singin' in the Rain'
Nothing was going to scupper this historic night for Toronto FC and its fans.
Not an early Dominic Oduro goal. Not the questionable officiating - which, in fairness, did a disservice to both sides. Not talisman Sebastian Giovinco cramping up in the nascent stages of extra time, limping off after an uncharacteristically quiet performance - by his MVP-calibre standards.
And not the rain. Especially not the rain.
If anything, the deluge, which started shortly after the opening whistle and lasted long after the Reds booked their first-ever MLS Cup final berth with a wild 5-2 victory over rival Montreal, only added to what was a picturesque moment in Toronto FC history. The best entry - until next week, supporters desperately hope - in the club's formerly harrowing biography.
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The players celebrating on the soaked BMO Field pitch, and the nearly 36,000 fans who braved the elements to witness the 120-minute, seven-goal slugfest in person, did a mighty fine Gene Kelly impersonation on this night.
"I'm singing in the rain, just singing in the rain. What a glorious feelin', I'm happy again."
Nearly a decade of frightening, embarrassing incompetence throughout every level of the club, long gave TFC supporters little reason for joy.
But Wednesday night, as captain Michael Bradley led his teammates over to celebrate with the various supporters groups, those past failures drifted away.
Fitting, then, that the skies had opened up. Almost as if to wash them from memory; rinsing away the signing of Mista; the revolving door on the bench that produced so many calamitous hirings; the Dwayne De Rosario saga that resulted in his departure; the soul-crushing, last-second losses.
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None of that matters now. Not forgotten, of course - those wretched moments will always be a part of Toronto FC's history - but they're no longer the defining stories.
"This club, the supporters have been waiting a long time for a moment like this and they deserve it," Jonathan Osorio said after the match.
He should know.
Born in nearby Brampton, the skillful midfielder was attending TFC matches from the beginning, as a 14-year-old, watching alongside those who were now sharing in celebration of this unforgettable accomplishment.
"They stuck around. It's just amazing, through everything."
They got their reward. There's plenty to be happy about.
"I'm laughing at clouds, so dark up above. The sun's in my heart, and I'm ready for love."
There was certainly an abundance of love to go around Wednesday night at BMO Field.
Love for the unheralded members of a squad so often viewed only through the lens of its three superstars: Nick Hagglund (series equalizer) and Benoit Cheyrou (series winner) scored what are, as of now, the two biggest goals in TFC history.
Not quite the names you'd expect.
There was love for general manager Tim Bezbatchenko and the entire front office: Armando Cooper was once again influential in midfield, scoring a goal and continuing to allow Bradley to sit in a deeper position that suits his skills far better than the free, roaming role that he has adopted in the past. Tosaint Ricketts, meanwhile, was once again a factor coming off the bench, even before he slid in and bumbled home the insurance marker in extra time.
Both men were midseason additions.
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And there was a special place in everyone's heart for Jozy Altidore. The American striker, who earned Man of the Match honors, was, simply put, a monster.
The first player in MLS history to score in five consecutive games during a single postseason after his 45th-minute glancing header, he was an unstoppable force of nature who bullied the Impact backline for 120 minutes. He won aerial balls, dribbled past defenders, and, when all else failed, ran right through opponents.
It was a performance to cherish.
"Let the stormy clouds chase, everyone from the place. Come on with the rain, I've a smile on my face."
"Dancin' in the rain ... I'm happy again. I'm singin' and dancin' in the rain."
Wednesday night, both players and fans alike were singing in the rain.
Come Dec. 10, when Toronto FC hosts Seattle in the MLS Cup final, they could very well be dancing in the snow.