May 2, 2008
WHAT ATMOSPHERE
Red Bulls love BMO Field

Toronto -- If the Red Bulls had their way, they would play in the environment of BMO Field every week.

On Thursday night, 19,816 spectators crammed BMO Field to watch the Red Bulls play Toronto F.C. to a 1-1 draw.

"II will probably speak on behalf of all my players but we probably wish we could play in an environment like this week

in and week out," Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio said. "As we talked (in) the pre-game talk, most of the players just thrive on the challenge of playing in front of 20,000. There was great feeling.

"I think my players performed very well today in front of a lot of people, and took the challenge and did very well today."

The fans are right on top of the field, which adds to the atmosphere. For visiting teams, however, there is a downside. When the Red Bulls were about to attempt corner kicks, Toronto fans hurled red and white toilet paper onto the field.

"This is the best place to play," Red Bulls goalkeeper Jon Conway said. "The fans are great. They're loud, they chant, they're unbelievable. I don't mind them throwing stuff on the field as long as it's not projectiles that can hurt me. I don't mind it all, I think it's great -- you just don't want to see anybody get injured with a water bottle or anything -- but the fans are the reason why I love playing here."