On Tuesday night, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Montreal Impact battle in the second leg of their semifinal Canadian Championship clash at Stade Saputo (4:30 p.m. PT on TSN and TSN 1410). The annual tournament showcases our country’s three MLS sides, as well as FC Edmonton of the NASL, and the Ottawa Fury FC of the USL.
The tournament is also a great opportunity for our top clubs to display our nation’s top players, especially with the new Canadian content rule in place, requiring each side to place three Canadians in the starting XI.
For Whitecaps FC, this is an advantage as the side owns some of Canada’s top players. Russell Teibert, the tournament leader in starts, games played, and minutes logged says the Canadian Championship is as meaningful as ever.
“I’ve played in this tournament for a while now and I’ve gone through the ups and downs of being able to hoist the trophy and having this trophy slip through our hands and feeling heartbreak, and feeling pain not only for our team but our fans as well. Being a Canadian, it amplifies the feelings because this is a Canadian trophy and it’s the pride of being the best team in Canada. We’ve done it on one occasion, the trophy seemed to elude us for years and years, and it was incredible to lift it a couple years back. Last year, we had tremendous heartbreak and we have all those emotions in the back of our mind so this year we’re out to set that right, to set the record straight to show we are the best team in Canada.”
For Newmarket, Ontario native Marcel de Jong, it’s about giving the fans what they want, giving them the joy of winning, and bringing the championship back to the west coast.
“It’s pride to have that title behind Vancouver, it’s nice for the fans to say we supported the best club and won the tournament, but I think pride and honour is the main thing for everybody in this club.”
The Canadian Championship also provides a platform for younger Canadians like Ben McKendry, and Marco Bustos to fight for minutes and take advantage of the unique opportunity to earn a starting spot on the big stage. For Bustos, having drawn in the lineup on two other occasions has taught him to make the most of playing time.
“The first two were difficult games - they were both away, and I took on the learning experience from that. Whenever I get my chance I just need to show more, and show what I’m all about and enjoy the time I have on the field.”
Furthermore, this tournament is a constant reminder of how far soccer has come at the highest level in our country. Now in its 10th year of competition, the CC has attracted new fans, while following has continued to increase.
Ben McKendry was born and raised in Vancouver and remembers sitting in the stands at Swangard Stadium with his parents, watching the ‘Caps do battle. Now cemented in MLS, the ‘Caps can showcase their product to young aspiring soccer players at the highest level, in Vancouver’s largest stadium allowing kids to dream big.
“It’s a big deal for Canada, soccer has grown so much in this country so it means a lot to the young kids watching these games to see what the top level looks like for Canadian players. As a Canadian I take a lot of pride in this tournament.”
The Canadian Championship provides young aspiring soccer players in our country the hope that one day, they too could be on the pitch representing an MLS side in our country’s own competition.
If you’re one of those young aspiring soccer players, Russell Teibert has a final message for you.
“Strive to be better than I am, strive for greatness, being a professional soccer player doesn’t come easy, any profession doesn’t come easy. You have to be passionate about what you do and that’s the only way you’re going to get better. For young kids, whenever you’re playing, whenever you have the ball at your feet, whether it’s at recess, at home in your backyard, or at practice with your team, it’s important to love what you’re doing. Being a Canadian, I would say if you get the chance work hard and work smart.”
