MLS Cup rematch between Toronto and Seattle sees ratings dip in Canada

TORONTO — The MLS Cup final Saturday between Toronto FC and the Seattle Sounders drew an average of 1.3 million Canadians according to TSN, down 13.3 per cent from last year’s championship game.

TSN said in a release that the audience peaked at two million viewers when Victor Vazquez sealed Toronto FC’s 2-0 win with a late goal in stoppage time.

The network said in a release after the 2016 MLS Cup final, also between Toronto and Seattle, that an audience of 1.5 million Canadians took in that game, with a peak of 2.7 million when Sounders defender Roman Torres scored the game-winning penalty kick. TSN cited data from audience measurement company Numeris in both releases.

Saturday’s game had a 4 p.m. ET start, while the 2016 championship was shown in prime time with an 8 p.m. ET kickoff.

While numbers for the final were down, TSN said that MLS viewership in Canada overall was up 25 per cent in 2017 over last season.

sweet sounds

Nanaimo woman tries to coax trapped killer calf out of tidal lagoon with her violin

2h ago

grow local

'People can literally get their hands dirty:' Earth Day event to highlight Nanaimo food security

4h ago

murder trial

Closing arguments scheduled in trial of Nanaimo woman accused of dismembering ex boyfriend

18h ago

The Canadian Press