It was about as one-sided as an Alberta election. And, really, why did MLS even need to have an MVP vote in 2012?

“That’s what made it so frustrating,” said Makubuya. “If we were losing, why not give us a chance to play? But it is a business, and that is how it goes. But it was tough on a lot of us.”

Payne is definitely a man who thinks of sports teams on a grand scale, that they are more than wins and losses. He believes clubs should carry mystique, that they should stand for something.

“This famous stadium brings back a lot of memories,” said Miller, thinking back to the many World Cup qualifiers he played for Canada on the old grass at Commonwealth, as well as that famous 1-1 draw with Brazil back in 1994. “Edmonton was our home at the time,” said Miller. “We were very passionate about playing here.”

Yallop steered the Earthquakes, who missed the playoffs the season before, to the Supporters’ Shield, which goes to the team with the league’s best regular-season record. With that first-overall finish comes an automatic berth in the CONCACAF Champions League.

MLS Commissioner Don Garber has given Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment President Tom Anselmi his vote of confidence.

By standing pat on its collection of DPs, Toronto FC’s front office has, in fact, decided to play craps.

Ex-Toronto FC prospects Keith Makubuya, Tristan Jackman and Cristian Nunez are among the latest additions made to the roster for FC Edmonton’s free-agent combine.

So, Bernardez won the coach/GM vote handily, and he won the player vote. Yet, he’s not the Defender of the Year.

Canadian Silviu Petrescu has been named MLS Referee of the Year.