Toronto FC's Federico Bernardeschi and Vancouver Whitecaps' Andres Cubas battle for possession during the first half of an MLS match in Vancouver, B.C., on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Photo by Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press.
The Vancouver Whitecaps are ready for an exciting match as they aim to secure their third consecutive Canadian Championship title against Toronto FC. This clash holds special significance for midfielder Ali Ahmed, who grew up a fan of Toronto FC and once trained with their academy. Now, he faces his childhood team as a rival. For Ahmed, this match carries a little extra weight, making it more than just another game. "Playing against your boyhood club is extra special," he shared.
Vancouver, having won the Voyagers Cup in both 2022 and 2023, is determined to add another victory to their record. Only one other team, Toronto FC, has managed to achieve a similar feat, winning the championship four times between 2009-2012 and three times from 2016-2018. However, Toronto FC is equally focused on winning, regardless of the opponent. According to head coach John Herdman, "It’s just a cup final...we want to lift some silverware for this club."
The rivalry between the two teams adds intensity to the championship, with Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini embracing the competitive spirit that soccer rivalries bring. "It’s beautiful to have a rivalry," Sartini said, appreciating the way sports allow for healthy competition and passion. He believes the Canadian Championship is an ideal platform to showcase such rivalries.
Vancouver earned their spot in the final by defeating Pacific FC with a 2-0 aggregate win in the semifinals, while Toronto FC narrowly edged Forge FC on away goals. Interestingly, both Vancouver and Toronto find themselves in similar situations: they both have relatively new coaches and are fighting for Major League Soccer (MLS) playoff positions.
Sartini acknowledged that Toronto FC's current form could make them a formidable opponent, expecting them to give their all in this crucial match. "I think they will come giving 120 percent," he said, highlighting the need for Vancouver to be at their best to claim victory. The final is expected to be a competitive and open game, with both teams eager to showcase their talents.
Both teams are coming into the final after recent MLS losses. Toronto FC lost 2-0 to the Colorado Rapids, while the Whitecaps suffered a 4-2 defeat to the LA Galaxy, ending their five-game unbeaten streak. Currently, Vancouver sits in seventh place in the Western Conference, while Toronto occupies eighth in the East. The two sides last met in April, where the Whitecaps delivered a 4-0 blow to Toronto FC.
Toronto FC head coach John Herdman acknowledged that their last match in Vancouver was a humbling experience. However, he believes that since then, the team has developed more chemistry and hunger. Captain Jonathan Osorio echoed these sentiments, noting that both teams have evolved since that April game, and the upcoming final will be a different challenge for both sides.
The highly anticipated final promises to be an exciting match, with both teams fighting not only for the championship trophy but also for pride and the chance to make history.
