TORONTO, ONTARIO - The stage is set.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC face long-time rival Toronto FC for soccer supremacy in the Great White North on Tuesday evening, when the two sides battle in the first leg of the Amway Canadian Championship final series. Make sure to catch the game live on TSN1/4.
The scene shifts next week to Vancouver for the second and decisive leg. Get your tickets here and be there as history is made in BC Place.
FIRST LEG KICKOFF: 4:30 p.m. PT | TV: TSN1/4 | RADIO: TSN 1410
Here are three storylines for the clash at BMO Field.
PURGING OLD HEARTBREAKS
The coast-to-coast rivalry goes a long way back, with the 'Caps having played Toronto based teams 80 times in their history.
While Vancouver won the most recent meeting between the two clubs, 4-3 at BMO Field on May 14, Toronto FC hold the all-time edge at 7W-5L-7D.
The two sides have met in the tournament final twice, and the 'Caps settled for second both times, most previously in 2012.
This is a different Whitecaps FC team, however, with many players proving they have championship mettle in last season's historic run.
CRUCIAL AWAY GOALS
Head coach Carl Robinson's side starts on the road, and they get a crack at tallying all-important away goals to get on the front foot.
Uruguayan duo Nicolas Mezquida and Octavio Rivero enter the match having scored in their previous two and three starts, respectively.
Mezquida looks to continue his hot streak after his blazing direct free kick score versus New England Revolution on Saturday has him in the running for MLS Goal of the Week.
Also added to the roster after being unavailable for the semifinal series are Christian Bolaños and Blas Pérez, who have six goals between them this year. Kendall Waston also joins the team to provide support in the back.
THE CHALLENGERS
Toronto FC, owners of four Voyageurs Cup, are headlined by diminutive reigning MLS Most Valuable Player Sebastian Giovinco, aptly nicknamed the Atomic Ant for his ability to detonate on defenders.
Ontario native Will Johnson is the midfield engine in Michael Bradley's absence (international duty) and should be well-known to 'Caps fans, after spending the last three seasons with Cascadia rival Portland Timbers.
Whitecaps FC face Steven Beitashour for just the second time today after dealing the right back to Toronto FC last December for a second-round draft pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. Beitashour spent two full seasons in Vancouver, recording eight assists in 58 appearances across all competitions for the ‘Caps.
Head coach Greg Vanney orchestrates Toronto FC from the sideline.
Tune in to TSN 1/4 tonight as the age-old debate continues - who is better, Vancouver or Toronto?
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
