MLS Commissioner Don Garber says Toronto FC are setting the benchmark for all present and future franchises. "Toronto has set the stage," he said in a conference call Tuesday. "Toronto FC fans have proven to the MLS family that you can create a dynamic, exciting environment in your stadium for a home game. It's what soccer ought to be. We didn't necessarily have that in many of our stadiums, and Toronto is writing the book."

Toronto capped its season ticket sales at 16,000 again this season at BMO Field, leaving 14,000 on a waiting list. The franchise has become a model for expansion teams to follow, having developed a loyal army of fans that has been known to travel in the hundreds to away games.

"I've heard stories from people in Columbus that their supporter's group, which continues to grow, was really berthed out of the fact Toronto fans came into their stadium and really almost dominated them during the opening game last year," Garber said. "We're very proud of the stage that they've set."