The contrast was just too great, too utterly convincing, to ignore.
In the same stadium where the Toronto Argonauts drew tiny crowds all season, the same BMO Field that was supposed to save the CFL in this city, Toronto FC attracted a capacity audience on Sunday night for a raucous, thrilling playoff game against New York City FC and in doing so made a statement.
This was the moment TFC clearly became No. 4 in this sports town, passing the Argos, the oldest franchise in the city.
Passion has vanquished history.
Those who follow the Reds will have a giggle at this statement, believing they left the CFL in their dust long ago, and they may be right.