Toronto FC began the post-Kevin Payne era with a resonating 4-0 loss to the host Portland Timbers. Yes, Whitecaps supporters will be unhappy to see a Cascadia and conference rival pick up maximum points and also pad the vital goals-for column. But, if this game was any indication of how Toronto FC will play out the string, the Whitecaps have to be hopeful that they can maximize their draft position in 2014.

But, the Whitecaps later found out they would become the first Canadian franchise to qualify for the playoffs after all, as FC Dallas couldn't capitalize on the Whitecaps slip-up, losing 3-1 to Seattle.

"How many teams in MLS can have five starters out and put on a performance like that?" Mariner asked. "When you ask players to come in after months of layoffs… if you factor those things in, with Portland having most of their guns firing and us coming out with 2-2, I'm reasonably happy with what's going on."

Vancouver acquired Nguyen through a weighted lottery. As the last-place team in the league in 2011, Vancouver had the best odds to get him. But coach Martin Rennie and the rest of the team brass understood that, if they won the rights to Nguyen, they would not be able to participate in another weighted lottery in 2012. Once you get a guy, you are out.

"When you come back and make it 2-2, it's very good but honestly you have to win the game because we've lost two points,” TFC head coach Aron Winter said after the match.