Who will be the 1st Canadian team to make the MLS playoffs?

[Robert]

Not only do I think that the Vancouver Whitecaps will be the first Canadian team to make the MLS playoffs next season, but I am convinced that the real reason we're raising the roof on BC Place is so that people in Toronto will get a better view of the MLS Cup when Vancouver captures the trophy in its first season.

[RS]

I like cheese.

[yomurphy1]

Easy there, the Whitecaps look promising for next year but you'll have to back it up on the field.

[jonovision]

^ True. Toronto may be rebuilding again, but if they get the right people in charge of the operation, they should really be in a similar position to Vancouver, with the obvious advantage of one or two marquee MLS players already in the squad. My honest guess is that both teams finish in the pos 8-12 range in the league next season (18-team league, right?) Far too soon to say which will finish higher.

[Unnamed Trialist]

The Whitecaps have their organization and mentality as a plus for them. But also some downsides.

I personally think that Teitur is not going to do a good job. I would not keep hardly anyone from the current team, though I know that you can stick with Nolly, Nash and a bit of youth. But most of the rest has to go. I am not sure they are really where they should be when thinking about competiting in MLS.

If it does not work the first year in Vancouver, or even most of the second, for sure the Caps will react faster and more effectively than TFC front office has. Which does keep me optimistic for the mid-term.

[Robert]

^ True. Toronto may be rebuilding again, but if they get the right people in charge of the operation, they should really be in a similar position to Vancouver, with the obvious advantage of one or two marquee MLS players already in the squad. My honest guess is that both teams finish in the pos 8-12 range in the league next season (18-team league, right?) Far too soon to say which will finish higher.

With 6 out of this year's 8 play-off spots going to teams from the Western Conference I would predict a higher finish for the Whitecaps. Traditionally, Vancouver has a better team than Seattle, so it will be interesting to see how they fare in this year's play-off.

[buckley17]

I have all the respect in the world for the Whitecaps organization, but something tells me Toronto is going to make it next season and the Caps will in their 2nd season in the MLS.