MONTREAL, QUE – Vancouver Whitecaps FC open the 2018 Canadian Championship on Wednesday, facing longtime rival Montreal Impact in the first leg of the semifinal at Stade Saputo.

The match, which kicks off at 4:30 p.m. PT, will be streamed live on CanadaSoccer.com.

KICKOFF: 4:30 p.m. PT|  STREAM: CanadaSoccer.com  | RADIO: TSN 1040

Whitecaps FC will host the decisive second leg of the semifinal next Wednesday, July 25 at BC Place (7 p.m. PT – tickets still available). The team that scores more goals over the two legs will advance to the tournament final against Toronto FC or Ottawa Fury FC, with away goals serving as the tiebreaker.

This year’s Canadian Championship is the largest edition of the competition to date with six participating clubs, including Oakville Blue Devils and AS Blainville who kicked off the tournament in the first qualifying round last month.  

The winner of the Canadian Championship claims the Voyageurs Cup as the top club in Canada and qualifies for the CONCACAF Champions League.

STORYLINES

Eyes on the prize: The ‘Caps are looking to capture their second Voyageurs Cup after defeating Montreal in the 2015 Canadian Championship Final. Toronto has won the last two tournaments.

Trusty Rusty: Russell Teibert, the all-time Canadian Championship appearances leader, will be looking to feature in the competition for the 20th time.

Canadian content: Five Canadians have appeared for Whitecaps FC in MLS this season, accounting for 46 starts and 3,922 minutes played. Each team is required to start three Canadians in Canadian Championship play.

Eyeing debuts: An additional three young Canadians are looking to make their first-team debuts in Simon Colyn, Sean Melvin, and David Norman Jr – all Whitecaps FC Residency products who joined the club’s MLS roster this season.  

PREVIOUS RESULTS (MLS PLAY)

Vancouver Whitecaps FC: 3-1 loss at D.C. United
Montreal Impact: 2-0 win vs. San Jose Earthquakes

LEADING GOALSCORERS (MLS PLAY)

Vancouver Whitecaps FC: Kei Kamara (8 goals)
Montreal Impact: Ignacio Piatti (10 goals)

QUOTABLE

"I remember the emotion of winning it a couple of years back. It's a trophy we want to go out and win this year as well. It's a good opportunity for a lot of young players to get some time on the field that haven't been, and some seasoned pros that haven't been getting a lot of time. It's a great opportunity for all of us, but first and foremost it's a championship. It's the Canadian Championship and you want all rights to call yourself the best team in Canada." - Russell Teibert