BY: CONNIE ZIMMER

I felt a shiver of excitement as I made my way with two other TFC road warriors through the tunnel that leads to the pitch of Estadio Nacional in Tegucigalpa Honduras. The goose bumps rose in awe as we took our first steps into the stadium for the game that would decide if TFC continues on our Champions League journey.

As a supporter of TFC and travel junkie, I have found that my two passions are a perfect fit. To experience how other cultures celebrate the beautiful game is fascinating to me. Each country is unique and I always come home with a greater appreciation for the game.

My most recent adventure was a 28 day road trip that included 7 football games in 3 countries starting in Philadelphia with a 2-1 TFC lose to the Union. We had a couple hundred supporters visiting the new PPL stadium which is a wonder in a sea of despair called Chester PA.

Making my way to Costa Rica I went to a league game and a CONCACAF Champions league game. I went to the Herediano vs Puntarenas game with my Costa Rican family and the game was viewed from the supporters section in a torrential downpour. The game was delayed for an hour half way through but the rain didn’t stop us from drumming and chanting our team (Herediano) to a 2-0 victory.

Brujas (CR) vs. Joe Public (T&T) CCL game in Heredia was my third game on this road trip. CR had less than 1000 people in attendance. It was an entertaining 2-2 draw. We sat beside 4 Joe Public traveling supporters who proudly waved their Trinidad and Tobago flag the whole game. Sadly, I couldn’t convince the Joe Public executive sitting behind me to trade his awesome JP tie for my TFC scarf.

Next I flew to meet my road warrior amigos in Tegucigalpa Honduras for the big TFC CCL game. It was the best football road trip experience I have ever had to date. We snuck into the TFC entrance with the players when they got off the bus and were escorted to a private box and watched the game with some TFC staff. They let us hang our banners and chant our support while we watched the 2-2 hard fought draw that won us a place in the next round. The smoke and chanting from the supporters in the stadium were awesome and this is an experience that will live with me forever. My road warrior companion, Tom, left the stadium having traded his jersey, scarf and TFC coat with Motagua supporters.

We made our way to the Marathon (HON) vs. Tauro (PAN) in San Pedro Sula at Estadio Olimpico It was interesting to watch the the game as an observer with no affiliations.

I then tripped around Honduras for a bit before making my way home through New York for the USA vs. Brazil game My first game with 80 thousand fans in attendance and a friendly at that! I finished my road trip by hooking up with TFC Supporters for the Red Bulls vs. TFC game.

It was a month of awesome football. It will be hard to top this footie roadtrip but I sure will have fun trying

Next stop, Cruz Azul vs. TFC in Mexico City!

TORONTO TIL I DIE!!!!