TORONTO — In a bold display of national pride, fans at BMO Field did not hold back during Toronto FC's highly anticipated home opener against the Chicago Fire on Saturday. As 'The Star-Spangled Banner' played, a palpable wave of booing echoed through the stadium, showcasing the crowd's collective dissatisfaction with the United States.

The booing transitioned quickly into a spirited rendition of 'O Canada,' leaving no doubt about the fans' loyalty to their home nation. This incident is part of a growing trend among Canadian soccer fans, who have voiced their discontent towards U.S. policies, particularly under former President Donald Trump's administration. The recent tariffs and controversial political rhetoric have sparked conversations about Canada’s identity, with some jokingly suggesting that the country might as well be the 51st state.

This is not an isolated event; fans also booed the U.S. anthem earlier this month at B.C. Place Stadium during a match featuring the Los Angeles Galaxy against Vancouver Whitecaps. The sentiment among Canadian supporters is clear and reflects a deeper underlying tension that extends beyond soccer.

Ahead of the match, Chicago Fire coach Gregg Berhalter, previously the U.S. national team head coach, expressed his thoughts on the potential for anthem booing. 'We'll be prepared to play, to compete in a soccer game,' Berhalter said. 'That reaction doesn't have anything to do with the soccer game. It’s about outside factors that we can't control.'

Midfielder Jonathan Dean echoed Berhalter's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of respect on the field regardless of the pre-game atmosphere. 'We focus on our game and the opponent,' he stated.

Adding a twist of irony to the situation, Toronto FC's coach Robin Fraser, a Jamaican-born former U.S. international, reminisced about the profound connection fans have to the Canadian anthem. 'It's that moment when the crowd would take over the singing; it gives you goosebumps,' Fraser remarked, reflecting on the pride shared among Toronto's supporters.

The atmosphere at BMO Field was electric, with fans eagerly investing in their team's performance on the pitch. As soccer continues to grow in popularity across North America, these nationalistic displays hint at an evolving dynamic in sports culture that intertwines patriotism with team spirit.

As the Toronto FC kicked off their season, the reaction to the anthems served as a powerful reminder of how sports can be a reflection of larger societal issues, resonating far beyond the game itself. What does this mean for future matches? One thing is for certain: soccer in Canada is much more than just a game; it's an expression of national pride.