Ciman In Place For Only 2nd-ever Career Title

Understandably, it’s a difficult dilemma for some Impact fans.

Not so difficult for others of course, who simply cannot contemplate a Toronto FC victory under any circumstance.

But there’s been enough noise on social media since last night at this end of ‘The 20’, to suggest a begrudging respect for TFC’s achievement in reaching a third MLS Cup Final in four years. Not only that, some have expressed congratulations to former Impact centre-back Laurent Ciman, traded by Montreal before the 2017 season begun, and who has performed a key role for TFC in this post-season.

While it may not be so difficult for Quebec fans to acknowledge Toronto’s resurgent resilience, for most in this province The Reds will always be, ‘The Clowns’ and it’s safe to say, despite the positives another TFC MLS-Cup victory may bring for Canadian soccer, there are many who will passionately cheer on Seattle Sounders come November 10.

That’s how rivalries work.

But there’s another element to this one, with a significant lobby of Impact fans still disappointed at the manner of their former Belgian central defender’s exit from Montreal. No-one needs reminding that Laurent Ciman was a hugely popular player during three seasons at Stade Saputo, even if the promise of the first was not subsequently maintained.
Despite winning full international honours and being included in World Cup and European Championship finals squads for Belgium, and an appearance at the 2008 Olympic Games, Ciman has won only one title throughout his career, the Belgian Cup in 2011 ... and he never set foot on the field that day!

Now 34, Ciman was a non-playing substitute as his former club Standard Liege defeated Westerlo 2-0 in Brussels.

Photo by William Van Hecke/Corbis via Getty Images

And so, MLS-Cup 2019 now gives ‘The General’ probably his best and final chance of adorning the achievements from his lengthy career with a winners’ medal, earned while playing an on-field role.

I wonder how many Impact fans will be swayed towards the red side for once by Ciman’s prospects on the big day, or perhaps the fact it’s a Canadian team over an American one?

Please let us know in our poll, or better still, let’s have your comments in the section provided.

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