Over 21 years, the ‘Caps have had a mixed history with their Quebec rivals, Montreal Impact. In the two decades of action between the two clubs, there have been 57 matches, 102 goals, numerous red cards, and thousands upon thousands of fans taking in each match.
Next Wednesday, the action jumps to a whole other level as the Voyageurs Cup and the title of Canadian Champions are on the line at BC Place.
TICKETS: ticketmaster.ca/whitecapsfc
In the two clubs’ rich history, the Impact hold the edge with a record of 29W-17L-11D. However recent history has sided with Whitecaps FC, including Montreal's first ever MLS match, a 2-0 victory for Vancouver last year.
WATCH: 'Caps spoil Montreal's MLS debut
In the Amway Canadian Championship (ACC), the ‘Caps hold the advantage. Over nine meetings in the Canadian Championship, the Blue and White have the slight edge at 3W-2L-4D, and in fact, the 'Caps are currently on a run of seven matches unbeaten against their Eastern rivals in ACC play.
How the two clubs came to dislike one another:
The teams built an intense rivalry from the years both sides were in the United Soccer Leagues First Division (USL-1). In 2006, the 'Caps defeated the Impact 2-0 in the semifinals of the USL-1 playoffs after extra-time was needed in the second leg in Montreal. The 'Caps went on to win the USL title that year.
In 2008, history repeated itself when the Blue and White yet again defeated the Impact in the semifinals to advance to the USL-1 finals. The first leg saw the Impact win 1-0 and 'Caps goalkeeper Jay Nolly receive a red card, but Vancouver turned the tide in the second leg with a 2-0 win at Swangard Stadium and a shutout from backup goalkeeper Tyler Baldock - playing his first minutes of the season. The 'Caps would again capture the USL championship hardware in the final.
The Impact turned the tables in 2009, defeating Whitecaps FC in the two-leg USL Championship final after the 'Caps received red cards in both legs.
WATCH: 2009 1st leg highlights
WATCH: 2009 2nd leg highlights
However, perhaps the most crucial cause for the teams' growing rivalry is the 2009 Canadian Championship.
In the final match of the tournament, Whitecaps FC were all but guaranteed their first ever Canadian Championship - which was a three-team round robin format at the time. The 'Caps downed Toronto FC 2-0 in their final match, leaving TFC in need of a win by at least four goals in the final match of the tournament against the already-eliminated Impact.
Heading into the match, it was expected that this was an impossible task for the Reds, but yet, the impossible happened. Things started well as the Impact went up 1-0 against Toronto FC, and at that point the 'Caps had a five goal cushion. But Montreal put in little effort the rest of the way as the Reds soared back and scored six unanswered goals to win the match and claim their first Canadian Championship, leaving the 'Caps heartbroken.
WATCH: Montreal fall 6-1 to hand Toronto FC Canadian Championship title
Whitecaps FC vs. Montreal
It is not just the Impact who the 'Caps have had a history with, as two other Montreal clubs faced the Blue and White over the past 30 years.
Looking back to Canadian Soccer League (CSL) action, Vancouver and Montreal Supra met 16 times from 1988-92, with Vancouver dominating the series 7W-2L-7D. In the old North American Soccer League (NASL), the ‘Caps and Montreal Manic played six times from 1981-83 with Vancouver leading the series 4W-2L.
Combined, all-time between Vancouver and Montreal in professional outdoor soccer, Montreal leads the series with a record of 32W-28L-18D.
Although Montreal holds the advantage in all-time play, come next week Martin Rennie’s side will be looking to accomplish something they've never done: claim the Voyageurs Cup as Canadian Champions.
Be there to witness Canadian soccer history.
