From one standpoint, today's Vancouver Whitecaps - Toronto FC clash (3:30 p.m. Pacific, TSN) is a unique development. It's Vancouver's first match at the MLS level, and in that way, it's the culmination of years of planning from the franchise and anticipation from fans. It's also the first time two Canadian teams have ever played each other in MLS (of course, Toronto FC and the Whitecaps have faced off in the Voyageurs Cup before), and that's a significant step for soccer in this country. The atmosphere at Empire Field should be incredible, and it should be a fitting way to kick off a new era in Canadian socccer. Regardless of the on-pitch outcome, just the fact that this game is taking place is a victory for soccer fans in this country, both those clad in Vancouver's blue and white and those who wear Toronto's red.[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
However, all the special circumstances don't mitigate the fact that this remains an MLS match like any other in the standings. Yes, it's only one of 34 for each club, and three points don't look all that large at this point in the year, but all points are worth the end in the final standings. Toronto fans certainly know about that after TFC's repeated close encounters with the playoffs, and Vancouver fans seem likely to also realize the value of each and every point, with many outlets picking the Whitecaps to finish <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/soccer/03/12/mls.predictions2011/">at or near</a> <a href="http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/steve_davis/03/13/2011.power.ranking/index.html">the bottom</a> of the league table this season. These are two clubs that are likely to need every point they can grab this year, and that adds a new level to this match that goes beyond mere pageantry.
Neither side appears to have a significant on-pitch advantage from this perspective. Toronto certainly should be able to field a lineup with more MLS experience, and one that's probably superior on paper, but that might just be negated by the atmosphere and Vancouver's fans. Moreover, this is a special game for the Whitecaps' players, and there should be plenty of motivation to deliver a strong performance in their MLS debut. It also might help that there's so much potential flux in the Whitecaps' roster; as Ben Massey's <a href="http://www.canadiansoccernews.com/content.php?1379-The-Traditional-Ten-Whitecaps-Questions-Ahead-of-Saturday-s-Debut">breakdown</a> shows, there are still a lot of questions about this team and where its players fit. That adds to the pressure on each of them, as any non-performers aren't likely to last long in the first team. When you add that all up, it should bode for an entertaining match that's likely to be close, and one that could stand on its own as a quality game without the particular circumstances around it. It's the debut atmosphere that should make this particularly special and memorable, but it's important to keep in mind that whatever eventual result is obtained may be just as important for these teams' seasons.