Building cross-country rivalry's vital if 3-way round-robin is to work
An intense rivalry that interests fans nationally is something that has been missing during Toronto FC's two-year life in Major League Soccer.
Captain Jim Brennan hopes that changes tonight when Canada's only MLS team plays the Montreal Impact of the United Soccer Leagues.
"There's no way I want to go there [tonight] and lose," said Brennan.
It's the first in a series of CONCACAF Champions League qualification games that also include the USL's Vancouver Whitecaps.
The winner of a round robin between the three will represent Canada in the 24-team league featuring the best North American teams.
Toronto FC will need to focus on the game first and the rivalry second at Montreal's new Stade Saputo. The Impact's chances at an upset have been bolstered because Toronto will be without a full lineup.
