The Vancouver Whitecaps made an impression at the MLS is Back Tournament last month when their depleted but resilient squad advanced out of the group stage and came within a whisker of a spot in the quarterfinals.
Among those who took notice was Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney.
“I thought they did a nice job. They have a clear identity,” Vanney said Monday. “I think they’re starting to build a culture there, the guys are buying in.
“I think they showed in some moments, some real resiliency. They stuck together.”
Toronto and Vancouver will meet Tuesday night at BMO Field to kick off a run of nine games between Major League Soccer’s three Canadian clubs.