VANCOUVER - Major League Soccer is coming to Vancouver in 2011.
The city was awarded the second Canadian MLS franchise at a news conference Wednesday.
"Our goal is to become one of the world's best soccer leagues," said MLS commissioner Don Garber. "The addition of Vancouver will help us get to that point."
The other Canadian franchise is Toronto FC, who joined the MLS in 2007.
The Vancouver Whitecaps currently play in the United Soccer Leagues first division. There was no immediate word on whether the MLS franchise will keep the Whitecaps name.
Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment executive vice president and COO Tom Anselmi says the Toronto club is looking forward to the rivalry.
"We're thrilled," he told CP24.com. "We absolutely love the fact that there'll be another Canadian team and obviously another rivalry."
Anselmi says the players enjoyed the rivalry they had with the Whitecaps during the Nutrilite Canadian Championship last year.
He says that he's not too worried about the Whitecaps trying to lure away Canadian players from Toronto FC.
"That won't make any difference," he says. "There's rules that govern player movement in the league."
Vancouver was one of four remaining groups hoping to be awarded one of two MLS franchises for the 2011 season. Ottawa, Portland and St. Louis also applied. The MLS is expected to award the second franchise at a later date.
Current Whitecaps owner Greg Kerfoot is heading the Vancouver ownership group. NBA star Steve Nash is also involved along with San Francisco Giants co-owner Jeff Mallett and Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Luczo.
The Vancouver MLS team will play at BC Place. The stadium will undergo approximately $365 million in improvements before the club takes to the field. The venue will have a 20,000-seat soccer-specific configuration.
"British Columbians are excited about hosting a Major League Soccer team in a newly renovated BC Place Stadium beginning in 2011," said B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell. "The Vancouver Whitecaps have been a part of our province's history for more than three decades. As an MLS team, the Whitecaps organization will carry on that incredible tradition, as well as generate economic benefits of up to $25 million each season."
Vancouver Whitecaps FC will continue to field a USL-1 team during the 2009 and 2010 seasons.
MLS began play in 1996 as an eight-team league. Seattle is the 15th franchise with Philadelphia in the on-deck circle for 2010.
"The city of Vancouver and the Whitecaps have a rich and storied soccer history, which includes long-standing rivalries with Toronto and Seattle," said Whitecaps president Bob Lenarduzzi. "The successful bid for a Major League Soccer franchise offers a whole new level of opportunity for our organization, and by extension, for our city and our province."
