Change is in the air north of the border, where a fourth team and a new format make for some intriguing action in the 2011 Nutrilite Canadian Championship, which kicks off Wednesday evening.
With the addition of NASL side FC Edmonton, the championships have moved from a three-team, round-robin format to a four-team, knockout stage-style tournament. What hasn't changed is that the winner qualifies for the 2011-2012 CONCACAF Champions League.
Two-time defending champion Toronto FC will look to make it a three-peat and is matched up with newcomer Edmonton in the two-legged, aggregate-goal semifinals. MLS expansion side Vancouver Whitecaps and MLS expansion side-to-be Montreal Impact square off in the other semifinal. The winners meet in a two-legged final for the Voyageurs Cup.
Here is the schedule for the 2011 Canadian Championship:
2011 NUTRILITE CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
Semifinals First Leg (April 27)
FC Edmonton vs. Toronto FC, 8 p.m. at Commonwealth Stadium
Montreal Impact vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, 8 p.m., at Stade Saputo
Semifinals Second Leg (May 4)
Toronto FC vs. FC Edmonton, 8 p.m., at BMO Field
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Montreal Impact, 11 p.m. at Empire Field
Finals First Leg (May 18)
Toronto/Edmonton vs. Vancouver/Montreal, TBA
Finals Second Leg (May 25)
Toronto/Edmonton vs. Vancouver/Montreal, TBA
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Who do you see winning the Canadian Championship? Do you see Toronto FC winning for a third straight year? How do you think Edmonton will fare?
Share your thoughts below.