Toronto FC defender Josh Williams stands alone in supporting the Indians

TORONTO – Josh Williams stands pretty much alone in the Toronto FC dressing room when it comes to the Blue Jays and the American League Championship Series.

The 28-year-old defender grew up about 30 minutes from Cleveland and is a serious Indians fan. The Indians host Toronto on Friday in Game 1 of the ALCS.

“I was joking with my friends that Cleveland’s the hottest city in the world right now for professional sports. We’re coming off a championship (with the NBA Cavaliers) so everyone’s feeling good,” he said.

“And then the Browns kind of level us off there, bring us back to reality. But both baseball teams are rolling. It’s been fun baseball to watch.”

“I’ll be supporting both sides,” he added diplomatically.

The Jays fans among the Toronto FC players have already quietened down defender Drew Moor, a Dallas native and Texas Rangers fan.

Williams recalls seeing some good Cleveland teams growing up, pointing to the Indians teams in the late ’90s.

The defender is used to being on the wrong side of Toronto rivalries. Williams and fullback Justin Morrow, a Cleveland native who is more of a hoops fans than a baseball aficionado, heard all about it when the Raptors were facing the Cavaliers in the NBA Eastern Conference final. The Cavs had the last laugh then.