In 2007, it took Toronto FC 23 minutes and 13 seconds its fifth MLS game before it could register a goal. It took the Vancouver Whitecaps only 15.Designated Player Eric Hassli got the party started at a sold-out Empire Field (22,592), slamming home a half volley — endearing himself as a new folk hero on the Vancouver sports scene, as the Whitecaps stormed past an overwhelmed Toronto FC 4-2 in the all-Canadian curtain-raiser for both clubs.

Jay Nolly will start his first game in MLS since 2007, when he goes between the sticks for the Vancouver Whitecaps for Saturday’s season opener against Toronto FC.Like a lot of players on expansion clubs — no matter what the league — Nolly told media Friday at Empire Field that the Whitecaps can exceed the low expectations placed upon them by the pundits. After all, in MLS, there is a history of expansion teams walking into a league with a low salary cap and high roster turnovers and winning. Chicago won it all in an expansion season. The Seattle Sounders have been to the playoffs each of their first two years in the league, and have two U.S. Open Cups.Nolly believes the Whitecaps will benefit from consistency.“We’ve brought, 10, 11, 15 guys from last year along,” said Nolly.

ussell Teibert and his teammates on the Canadian U-20 will look to the recent success of our U-17 program for inspiration.Teibert will leave the Vancouver Whitecaps Sunday, the day after they open the MLS season against Toronto FC, to head to Florida for the national U-20 camp. The Canadian team will then head to Guatemala for the CONCACAF qualifiers for the U-20 World Cup.

Russell Teibert’s signing wasn’t a surprise. But his designation as a Generation Adidas prospect does represent a historic moment for Canadian soccer fans.Both Toronto FC and the Whitecaps signed trialists on Thursday, filling out their rosters ahead of the MLS opener. But Teibert was the biggest news of the lot.

The Vancouver Whitecaps are taking a page out of the Winnipeg Jets’ book.The Whitecaps are urging their fans to turn Empire Stadium into a sea of white seats for Saturday’s MLS opener against Toronto FC, similar to the “Whiteout” campaigns the Jets ran during their playoff runs before the NHL franchise moved to Phoenix. The Coyotes have also tried the Whiteout campaign, but it’s hard to pull off with all those pesky empty seats messing up your plans.

Last week’s preseason brawl between Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City has resulted in some supplemental justice from MLS.RSL defender Jamison Olave got a US$250 fine for Tweeting about his displeasure for the match official after last Wednesday’s game was abandoned in the second half because of the fisticuffs.That’s right. The fighting and fouling hasn’t earned anyone a suspension or fine as of yet — but Tweeting about a referee losing control of the game… well

Brian Sylvestre is from Hollywood, Fla. But, in the eyes of the Vancouver Whitecaps, he’s a homegrown star in waiting.Sylvestre was one of three signings made official by the Whitecaps on Tuesday, as the club fills out its roster ahead of Saturday’s season opener against Toronto FC.

It’s become obligatory for every sports journalist to provide season previews for the league he or she covers. It’s automatic, and a great space killer!In that vein, The 11 presents its “waited until the last possible second before the regular season” season preview! Why the wait? Because it’s hard to figure out the East. The West? Wow, a lot of power and depth there. As for the East? Last season, New York and Columbus and six other mediocre to bad to awful clubs were in the conference. New York and Columbus left them all in the dust.

He’s only 29. He doesn’t have a history of chronic injuries. But Montreal Impact fullback Adam Braz called time on his playing career Monday.The Impact announced that Braz, who spent seven seasons and played more than 10,000 minutes with the club, will move into team management. And the club admitted when Braz informed the front office of the decision, there were stunned faces all around.

But, Antoniuk was in Cincinnati Saturday, helping the Sockers defend their crown, as they beat Mexico’s Guerreros de La Raza de Guadalajara 10-6 in the PASL final. Antoniuk scored in the victory.