Gerry Dobson

Toronto versus Montreal.

Yes, there's a rivalry.

Toronto versus Vancouver?

Yes, that's a rivalry too.

Montreal versus Vancouver?

But when we’re talking about Canadian soccer, that's the real rivalry. Recent history dictates it.

Consider what's happened in the last year. Vancouver beat Montreal twice in the Nutrilite Championship, yet had to watch as an Impact reserve side folded up handing the title to Toronto with the Whitecaps watching in the wings.

Montreal then defeated Vancouver in a league match three days later. They beat them twice more in the season and rubbed salt into the wound by winning both legs of the championship final. That’s five straight wins for Montreal over Vancouver. It’s safe to say they began to dislike each other in a serious way as the 2009 season unfolded. Heading into their first Nutrilite tilt at Swangard Stadium Wednesday night the nastiness was palpable. Whitecaps head coach Teitur Thordarson will never forget what happened last year, while Montreal coach Marc Dos Santos delights in being the bad guy.

After the 1-1 draw at Swangard Stadium the Impact will feel hard done by for a change, as the Marlon James dive which led to a free kick, which in turn led to the penalty resulting in the equalizer for the Whitecaps has them fuming. Red cards to Adam Braz and Reda Agourram didn't help. Vancouver will say what goes around comes around.

And now finally comes word that the Impact are to join MLS.

Let the fun begin.