Whitecaps need a win to close the gap

Vancouver Whitecaps FC need points to climb the standings of the 2010 Nutrilite Canadian Championship. With the championship returning to Vancouver, there is no better place to claim three points and close the gap on leader Toronto FC.



“It is a game from which we have to get something,” said Whitecaps head coach Teitur Thordarsson.



Vancouver Whitecaps FC host Toronto FC this Wednesday 19 May at Swangard Stadium in Vancouver. The match kicks off at 19.30 local time. The match will be broadcast on Rogers Sportsnet East and Rogers Sportsnet West at 23.00 ET / 20.00 PT. The match will also be streamed online via www.Sportsnet.ca and www.CanadaSoccer.com, the official website of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship.



“We came off a very good performance over the weekend and we will definitely be prepared for Wednesday,” said Thordarsson.



In the two previous years of the Nutrilite Canadian Championship, Vancouver Whitecaps FC hold the edge with two wins, one draw and one loss. Just last year, the Whitecaps won 2:0 over Toronto FC at Swangard Stadium on 2 June 2010.



This year, Toronto FC holds the championship lead with a perfect six points after two matches. It could clinch the 2010 championship with a victory on Wednesday night. A Vancouver win or draw will keep the race alive between Toronto and Vancouver.



While Vancouver gets to host the 19 May match on Match Day 4 at Swangard Stadium, Toronto FC will get to host the return match on Match Day 6 at BMO Field on 2 June.



The Nutrilite Canadian Championship runs six consecutive Wednesday nights from 28 April to 2 June. The three teams – Impact Montréal, Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC – play four games each, two at home and two on the road. The national champion qualifies for 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League.