TORONTO

Forty-five minutes after last week’s goalless draw with Sporting Kansas City, Jonathan Osorio emerged from TFC’s dressing room.

There’s a back entrance — away from the ritzy “Tunnel Club” — in close proximity to where TFC players’ family and friends gather pre- and post-game to congratulate or console their loved ones.

It’s where Osorio — visibly frustrated — met with a group that appeared to include his parents and younger brothers. He hung his head in frustration after squandering an open look hours earlier — one he probably should have finished to give the Reds a win in their home opener.

But he didn’t.

Then Osorio opened up on social media following an otherwise good performance. He more or less apologized for missing the likely game-winner.

Toronto's hometown boy didn’t need to, of course. But anyone who knows Osorio recognizes him as one of most humble — and certainly passionate — Canadians in the game.

He wants to win and win in front of the city he’s from. He mentions getting better individually in the same breath he talks about winning an MLS Cup.

“I feel a lot of things maybe more than other players on our team,” Osorio told the Toronto Sun. “It means more to me because I’m from Toronto.”

His passion, at times, is a detriment. Osorio wants to do well for himself and his family and this city every time he’s in action. Perhaps he dwells on things too much.

“I have my own family telling me (to have more fun),” Osorio said.

“It’s just part of me growing up and experiencing these things and learning to deal with it.

“Sometimes I care so much I forget to enjoy the moments and the fact I’m able to play professionally. I play my best when I’m having fun.”

And when Canadian supporters are behind him.

Toronto’s fickle fan base is all over the place when it comes to guys like Osorio and Tosaint Ricketts.

Canadians who should get the benefit of the doubt become scapegoats when they have bad moments. We too often devour our own in Toronto.

“It’s great to play at home and every player will tell you their dream is to play for the hometown club,” Osorio said. “It’s the best feeling. But along with that comes pressure.

“It’s crazy. If I played on another team — and had a bad performance — I could go home and not face my family or the people I care about or their opinions. If I have a bad game here, I have to face my family and see them and see a disappointed face. They’re walking with me out of the game and the fans are looking at my family because of my performance.”

He added he wouldn’t trade his first four seasons at BMO Field for anything.

Osorio often talks about proving people wrong in his pursuit of becoming a bigger player.

Truth be told, if Osorio was American, MLS pundits would be drooling all over him — like they have for lesser players across MLS. It’s more difficult for 24-year-old Canadians like Osorio to make a name for themselves in MLS.

It’s why Toronto FC fans should get behind players like Osorio and Ricketts and Ashtone Morgan — guys who are playing in a league dominated by Americans. Osorio shouldn’t need to apologize to supporters after matches.

The equity and credibility he’s built at BMO Field over five years should be enough.

“I always want bragging rights,” Osorio added. “I want my city to have that bragging rights.”