Americans and Canadians culture Q&A Thread.

[Buzz Rules]

I’m going with no, because until this second, I had no idea about any of this. Yes, we have national pride, but not when it comes to soccer. Yes, I’m just speaking for myself, but, I watch national sports channels 3-4 times a week and haven’t heard it mentioned. At all.

Supposedly, TSN/TVA Sports are promoting it heavily? CF Montreal’s social media keeps posting pictures of the city supporting the team. I’m hoping for an NY win tomorrow but I think ratings are going to bad in the USA since NFL is on at the same time. I thought Canadians may tune in for the reasons shown in the above video. You would know best. Thanks for the response @prairie_girl.

 

[ronandannette]

Just speaking for myself as well, the answer is no. Sorry Buzz - I've said it before - soccer is just too boring; I can't do it. Cut the field size by 2/3rds and the length of game by at least half, then maybe we'll talk. But sure, I'm with them in spirit. Go CF Montreal! Woot!!

 

[Aladora]

After hearing on the thread that some Canadians like to bandwagon on Canadian teams when they reach playoffs/finals, I’m curious. If CF Montreal beat NYCFC tomorrow and then Philly next week to make MLS Cup (North America’s soccer Super Bowl), do you think casuals may tune in when they normally wouldn’t? I’m not talking about people caring about the sport or whether Canadians will follow the league. But as previously mentioned, when the Toronto Blue Jays were in the playoffs, some Canadians on this thread had a rooting interest when they wouldn’t before. So, Canadian non soccer fans do you think more than most normally would, will follow CF Montreal’s journey to the final (if they make it that far)? So @prairie_girl, @Frozen Canuck, @NAB, @Aladora, @ronandannette, @declansdad, @Disneylover99, and @SirDuff, do you think many Canadians will tune into CF Montreal playoff matches just because? Thanks for humoring my one slightly soccer related question today. I hope everyone is having a great weekend.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1583503380135018496

Honestly, with a gun to my head I don’t think I could have told you what CF Montreal was, so I am going to have to go with no.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Just speaking for myself as well, the answer is no. Sorry Buzz - I've said it before - soccer is just too boring; I can't do it. Cut the field size by 2/3rds and the length of game by at least half, then maybe we'll talk. But sure, I'm with them in spirit. Go CF Montreal! Woot!!

I still hold out hope that some of you will have a different perspective on the sport post WC 2022. But if not no worries.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Honestly, with a gun to my head I don’t think I could have told you what CF Montreal was, so I am going to have to go with no.

It was originally known as Montreal Impact. They rebranded to Club de Football Montreal. Just an FYI.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/CF_Montréal

But this is interesting. TSN not promoting this game is baffling to me. I wonder if TSN radio hasn’t promoted the game either? Are there any other sports games on in Canada tomorrow at 1pm ET? I wonder if their focus is on another sports event at the same time.

 

[Frozen Canuck]

After hearing on the thread that some Canadians like to bandwagon on Canadian teams when they reach playoffs/finals, I’m curious. If CF Montreal beat NYCFC tomorrow and then Philly next week to make MLS Cup (North America’s soccer Super Bowl), do you think casuals may tune in when they normally wouldn’t?

Say what??? It sounds like you are just making things up. now and smashing words together...

I'm curious. If MC Hammer beat INXS tomorrow and then Phil Collins next week to make the MTV Music Awards (North America's music competition), do you think casuals may tune in when they normally wouldn't?

That's what you sound like. If you are into the MTV Music Awards, then you potentially watch the MTV Music Awards. If you have zero interest in pop music, then the chances of you being interested in tuning in regardless of who is up for an award, is likely zero.

I’m going with no, because until this second, I had no idea about any of this. Yes, we have national pride, but not when it comes to soccer. Yes, I’m just speaking for myself, but, I watch national sports channels 3-4 times a week and haven’t heard it mentioned. At all.

I'm with you (as usual...ha!). I have never heard of any of this stuff either.

 

[ronandannette]

Say what??? It sounds like you are just making things up. now and smashing words together...

I'm curious. If MC Hammer beat INXS tomorrow and then Phil Collins next week to make the MTV Music Awards (North America's music competition), do you think casuals may tune in when they normally wouldn't?

That's what you sound like. If you are into the MTV Music Awards, then you potentially watch the MTV Music Awards. If you have zero interest in pop music, then the chances of you being interested in tuning in regardless of who is up for an award, is likely zero.

I'm with you (as usual...ha!). I have never heard of any of this stuff either.

Yeah, spoken like a true "casual".

 

[Buzz Rules]

Say what??? It sounds like you are just making things up. now and smashing words together...

I'm curious. If MC Hammer beat INXS tomorrow and then Phil Collins next week to make the MTV Music Awards (North America's music competition), do you think casuals may tune in when they normally wouldn't?

That's what you sound like. If you are into the MTV Music Awards, then you potentially watch the MTV Music Awards. If you have zero interest in pop music, then the chances of you being interested in tuning in regardless of who is up for an award, is likely zero.

I'm with you (as usual...ha!). I have never heard of any of this stuff either.

What part is confusing? What am I making up? I thought some of MLS was common knowledge since TSN seems to broadcast all the Canadian team games. Even if you don’t follow the league, it follows the format of all our joint leagues to a point.

NYCFC plays CF Montreal tomorrow at 1pm ET in a semifinal of the MLS’s Eastern Conference.

My statement above was referencing how when a single Canadian team in a USA league goes far in the playoffs, it seems many Canadians will bandwagon onto that’s team fan base during the playoffs (ex. Toronto Blue Jays). MLS Cup is the highest domestic league trophy that MLS teams can win (higher then the Supporters Shield). If Montreal beats NYCFC tomorrow (which I pray doesn’t happen since I root for NYCFC), then Montreal will face the Philadelphia Union in the Eastern Conference final (the winner goes to the MLS Cup). The MLS Cup is nicknamed the Super Bowl of American soccer. I don’t know what you thought I made up @Frozen Canuck?

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/MLS_Cup

 

[Buzz Rules]

Yeah, spoken like a true "casual".

I’m sorry if I made it confusing.

 

[Frozen Canuck]

What part is confusing? What am I making up? I thought some of MLS was common knowledge since TSN seems to broadcast all the Canadian team games. Even if you don’t follow the league, it follows the format of all our joint leagues to a point.

No, Buzz, I know you didn't make anything up.

It may not sound like gibberish to you, but I have NO IDEA what you are talking about...CF Montreal? NYCFC? MLS Cup? I was trying to prove a point by inserting other words for the ones you used, to show how nonsensical the idea was. How invested do you get when an American is up for the Nobel Peace Prize in Literature? The Vina Del Mar Awards? Board Game of the Year Awards? Do you suddenly get excited for something you had no idea existed, but once it is mentioned, tune in to see your country's participant through to the end?

Many of us have said we have little or no interest at all in sports, especially soccer. The Blue Jays are different, because they are all we've got. When they are doing well, we all hear about it on the news/radio. We still aren't tuning in to the games they play, if we weren't already watching them to begin with. If the Blue Jays happened to win anything, do you know when I would hear about it? The next morning on the radio. Would I be happy for them? Sure. Congrats Blue Jays! Now, pass the coffee creamer.

Soccer players in the Olympics, the World Cup, the MLS Cup, or any other soccer cup, could all commit to playing in tutus and make chocolate bars rain down from the sky with each goal, and you know what? I wouldn't be there to see it...not even on TV. There is no level of soccer that Canada could reach, that would convince me to grab the remote and start watching.

If Canada happens to win anything in this MLS Cup, and I learn about it the next morning on the radio, then I promise you Buzz, I will think inside my head, "Congrats, CF Montreal, whoever you are! Now pass the coffee creamer."

 

[Buzz Rules]

No, Buzz, I know you didn't make anything up.

It may not sound like gibberish to you, but I have NO IDEA what you are talking about...CF Montreal? NYCFC? MLS Cup? I was trying to prove a point by inserting other words for the ones you used, to show how nonsensical the idea was. How invested do you get when an American is up for the Nobel Peace Prize in Literature? The Vina Del Mar Awards? Board Game of the Year Awards? Do you suddenly get excited for something you had no idea existed, but once it is mentioned, tune in to see your country's participant through to the end?

Many of us have said we have little or no interest at all in sports, especially soccer. The Blue Jays are different, because they are all we've got. When they are doing well, we all hear about it on the news/radio. We still aren't tuning in to the games they play, if we weren't already watching them to begin with. If the Blue Jays happened to win anything, do you know when I would hear about it? The next morning on the radio. Would I be happy for them? Sure. Congrats Blue Jays! Now, pass the coffee creamer.

Soccer players in the Olympics, the World Cup, the MLS Cup, or any other soccer cup, could all commit to playing in tutus and make chocolate bars rain down from the sky with each goal, and you know what? I wouldn't be there to see it...not even on TV. There is no level of soccer that Canada could reach, that would convince me to grab the remote and start watching.

If Canada happens to win anything in this MLS Cup, and I learn about it the next morning on the radio, then I promise you Buzz, I will think inside my head, "Congrats, CF Montreal, whoever you are! Now pass the coffee creamer."

Thanks for the honest response.

Maybe some on this board learned something new then? Well maybe this will help if anyone does watch the WC in November (since many of your national team players are from Canada’s 3 MLS teams). Now you know what CF Montreal is. As a side note I hope to one day go to CF Montreal’s stadium as an away fan. One thing I have thought about is that because I’m a Gen Y, most people my age know what MLS Cup is even if they don’t follow soccer. I think that may be different in general for older generations. Just an observation.

 

[Frozen Canuck]

One thing I have thought about is that because I’m a Gen Y, most people my age know what MLS Cup is even if they don’t follow soccer. I think that may be different in general for older generations. Just an observation.

What are you basing this on? I don't believe this at all. I am currently polling my millennials to see whether they have ever heard of it before. The first one said, "No." I am still waiting on the second one to respond. She is where you might get lucky, as she has actually been to a Blue Jays game before, so we consider her the sports fan of the whole entire family.

I am from that "older generation" you referenced, so will likely be heading to bed soon, but I will let you know what she responds tomorrow morning.

 

[Buzz Rules]

What are you basing this on? I don't believe this at all. I am currently polling my millennials to see whether they have ever heard of it before. The first one said, "No." I am still waiting on the second one to respond. She is where you might get lucky, as she has actually been to a Blue Jays game before, so we consider her the sports fan of the whole entire family.

I am from that "older generation" you referenced, so will likely be heading to bed soon, but I will let you know what she responds tomorrow morning.

I’m basing this on two things. Firstly, my friends/family know what it is (some of whom are not fans of the sport). I live in an area where MLS teams are known. MLS is mentioned on the local news and in our local and state papers. My team does well consistently in the league which may be a reason why most people in the region know what NYCFC is. Secondly, soccer is one of the most followed sports for Generations X, Y, and Z. There are many polls to support this. Many also may look down on MLS but also acknowledge its existence. If a state does not have an MLS team, I could see then why some don’t know about MLS Cup.

 

[Buzz Rules]

What are you basing this on? I don't believe this at all. I am currently polling my millennials to see whether they have ever heard of it before. The first one said, "No." I am still waiting on the second one to respond. She is where you might get lucky, as she has actually been to a Blue Jays game before, so we consider her the sports fan of the whole entire family.

I am from that "older generation" you referenced, so will likely be heading to bed soon, but I will let you know what she responds tomorrow morning.

She might be happy to know the Yankees might be eliminated tomorrow. I’m going to have a rough sports day tomorrow. NY Giants and NYCFC play at the same time as do the NY Rangers and Yankees (well close enough in time anyway).

 

[Buzz Rules]

Honestly, with a gun to my head I don’t think I could have told you what CF Montreal was, so I am going to have to go with no.

Well to be fair, your local team would be either the Vancouver Whitecaps (MLS) or Pacific Football Club (CPL).

 

[prairie_girl]

Oh, Buzz,

never change lol

 

[Buzz Rules]

Oh, Buzz,

never change lol

 

[Buzz Rules]

Oh, Buzz,

never change lol

I’m actually a little under the weather at the moment, so I wish I could change that though.

 

[Buzz Rules]

Just speaking for myself as well, the answer is no. Sorry Buzz - I've said it before - soccer is just too boring; I can't do it. Cut the field size by 2/3rds and the length of game by at least half, then maybe we'll talk. But sure, I'm with them in spirit. Go CF Montreal! Woot!!

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Futsal

 

[Frozen Canuck]

I’m basing this on two things. Firstly, my friends/family know what it is (some of whom are not fans of the sport).

I’m basing this on two things. Firstly, my friends/family know what it is (some of whom are not fans of the sport). I live in an area where MLS teams are known. MLS is mentioned on the local news and in our local and state papers.

But your logic has once inherent flaw...initially, you claimed that MOST GEN Y people have heard of the MLS Cup based on the fact that they are younger??? You have since gone on to say that you believe that most Gen Y have heard of it because a) they are friends and family of yours. Let me ask you, do you speak even half as much about soccer around friends and family as you do on this Canadian thread? If so, OF COURSE most, or even 100 percent of the people in your orbit have heard about it, but that is as much of a limited (and very biased set of results) sampling as mine is, interviewing my two kids, who I know don't follow soccer at all. It doesn't matter if your friends and family aren't interested in soccer. We have told you that we aren't interested in soccer countless times, but the soccer talk keeps coming at us. If you had told me yesterday morning when I woke up, that I would spend the next day discussing the soccer MLS Cup, I would have laughed all of the way back to Moose Jaw, yet here we are...

Which brings us to b), you live in an area where this level of soccer is mentioned often on the news. Again, if I spoke to people in Saskatoon and asked them if they had heard of the Huskies (the university sports team) you could potentially have most of the respondents say that they had. The team is mentioned on the local news stations all of the time and there are banners and other items displayed everywhere. However, stop someone on the street in Cape Breton, and they likely have not and likely don't care to hear about Huskies football. I thought that at one point you had mentioned that you were in New England (I could be misremembering in my old age). Well, I'm in New England as well. I have still never heard of the MLS Cup. If people are out there shouting it from the rooftops, it isn't reaching my ears. In fact, I would go so far as to say if you picked a broadcast area and then did a survey, you would have more people (within their broadcast area) say that they have heard of the Huskies, than the millennials in whatever broadcast area you choose will say they have heard of the MLS Cup.

You keep falling into this trap of making overly-generalized statements, and speaking for entire large groups of people, based solely on your very limited experiences and exposure. That's not how this works.