Ryan Johnston

Follow TFC and the Champions League with Twitter. I will update from training, on match day and whenever news breaks.

The Canadian soccer genie lamp has produced the third - and likely final - wish: a professional soccer franchise in Montreal.

On Friday the Impact will make the jump and complete what promises to be a solid triumvirate of competitive, established Canadian teams who already possess the foundation for rivalry.

And if current coach Marc Dos Santos keeps the club's top job and continues to patrol the touchline as coach, the Nutrilite Canadian Championship will finally be fair.

But in all seriousness, the introduction of Montreal as the 19th franchise may bring about considerable change in the way the league operates. The manageable 16-18 teams -- split in to a pair of divisions - will be upset by an odd-number and may (read: should) prompt MLS to institute the global one table system.

The playoffs can stay; although if one global system is adopted why not recognize the league winner for a great season and reward those finishing just below with additional CONCACAF invites?

Logistics prevent a relegation system, but the legacy of winning the league would be a welcome addition.

And what about retaining the Impact brand?

All in the details

Manchester United in Toronto this summer is good news. But thanks to Real Madrid it falls short of great.

Prior engagements made it impossible for BMO Field to host the world's third richest club, as speeding Indy cars on Lakeshore is definitely on United's list of criteria that ensures a change of venue.

So Rogers Centre it is. As for United playing Toronto FC at the less-than-ideal venue, there was never a chance. Commissioner Don Garber has shown himself to be an expert at spreading the wealth, and Philadelphia is next in line to get some. But if precedent means anything Vancouver is next and when Montreal makes the move it will likely get its obligatory date with a European giant.