May 16, 2011 MLS--Whitecaps Bring Undefeated Record vs. Toronto In NCC (from MLSsoccer.com)

  
Whitecaps bring undefeated record vs. Toronto in NCC
Vancouver have solid history as finals set to kick off Wednesday 
May 16, 2011 
Brandon Timko 
MLSsoccer.com 
 
It’s been a tough slate of games for Vancouver Whitecaps FC lately, but when they host Toronto FC in the first leg of the Nutrilite Canadian 
Championship finals at Empire Field on Wednesday (10 pm ET, Rogers Sportsnet in Canada), they’ll be taken back to their fondest memory so far this 
season: a 4-2 opening-day victory in their inaugural MLS match.
 
However, that isn't the only reason for ‘Caps fans to be optimistic ahead of this important match. Prior to their MLS debut this season, the Whitecaps 
maintained an undefeated record in three previous home matches against TFC in the NCC. Below, we take a look at each:
 
JULY 9, 2008: VANCOUVER 2, TORONTO 2
 
The set-up
 
After losing their first two tournament matches against the Montreal Impact, the ‘Caps responded with a clutch 1-0 win in Toronto to stay alive 
in their final game at home to TFC, albeit with slim odds. Toronto, meanwhile, needed a win at Swangard Stadium to ease the pressure of their 
tournament finale at home to Montreal.
 
The match
 
In need of a three-goal victory, Vancouver got off to a strong start as Eduardo Sebrango put the home side up 1-0 just before the break. Toronto, 
though, responded in the second half with goals from Maurice Edu and Rohan Ricketts to put the Reds up 2-1, effectively ending Vancouver’s hopes.
 
With little but pride left to play for, Teitur Thordarson’s men fought back for a 2-2 draw as Sebrango netted a second in the 87th minute. As it turns 
out, this first encounter was the closest Toronto have come to getting a win on the road against the ‘Caps.
 
The aftermath
 
The result meant that Montreal needed only a draw in the finale at BMO Field, which they obtained to capture the first-ever Nutrilite Canadian 
Championship.
 
June 2, 2009: VANCOUVER 2, TORONTO 0
 
The set-up
 
Toronto looked the early favorites to capture national glory after beating Vancouver 1-0 in the tournament opener — courtesy of a goal from current 
Whitecaps FC player Kevin Harmse. However, the ‘Caps reeled off consecutive wins over Montreal to put their tournament fate back in their own hands. 
Or so they thought.
 
The match
 
Needing no less than a win to give themselves a shot, Thordarson’s men came out determined to get a result at Swangard Stadium. Two goals from 
Ansu Toure, including the first set up by a cross from current Whitecaps FC player Wes Knight, gave the ‘Caps a thrilling 2-0 win.
 
The aftermath
 
The victory meant that TFC had to beat Montreal on the road by at least four goals to earn the title, an unlikely event.
 
But unfortunately for Vancouver, the Reds did just that, throttling the Impact 6-1 at Stade Saputo with the ‘Caps in attendance, watching their 
continental dreams shatter. There will be no such drama this year, as Vancouver and Toronto duke it out head-to-head to determine the winner 
of the Voyageurs Cup.
 
May 19, 2010: VANCOUVER 0, TORONTO 0
 
The set-up
 
Still stinging from having the Canadian crown swiped away from them at the last second the previous spring, the ‘Caps looked to get off to a better 
start in the third edition of the tournament. Toronto came into the match with six points from two wins against Montreal, while Vancouver had only 
a single point in a draw with the Impact.
 
The match
 
In the end, neither team could put the ball in the net as Jay Nolly earned his second of four clean sheets — out of six tournament games against 
TFC overall — in a scoreless draw.
 
The aftermath
 
Vancouver went on to draw all four of their tournament matches, with TFC’s two wins against Montreal proving the difference as they captured their 
second consecutive national title. However, the ‘Caps did maintain their undefeated home record against TFC that day, which they extended to four 
games (2-0-2) with the season-opening win this year.

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