The Story So Far — October 22nd Vancouver Whitecaps make pro forma history… | Counter Attack | Blogs

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Just when I thought Canadian soccer had let me out, it pulls me back in.

To make some short notes about the Vancouver Whitecaps qualifying for the 2012 Major League Soccer post-season. I’m in the Massey camp on this one. It is historic, sure, in that it’s a first in a league that has existed for 16 years. But as a Canadian with more than his fair share of sympathy to the BC soccer scene, it’s hard to fist-pump.

For one, Vancouver squandered their big chance against Portland to celebrate the playoffs in front of their home crowd, losing 1-0 and praying Seattle were in a battling move (they needed their friends in Washington to beat FC Dallas and did, 3-1). Their less-than-convincing display, losing the Cascadia Cup to Portland, reflects, as Ben pointed out last night, that “Being the first Canadian MLS team to make the playoffs is a tribute to Toronto’s historic incompetence, not anything to do with the Whitecaps (or the Impact).”

Particularly as 55% of teams within the Western Conference qualify for the post-season as a matter of course. And the Montreal Impact are currently on the same points total and are already well out of any post-season contention, seven points behind the also eliminated Columbus Crew. What matters now is whether Vancouver are a post-season team. And there’s the rub; if the Whitecaps lose against the LA Galaxy on as many predicting they will, will this retain its “historic moment”-ness?

But then again, it’s a one-off, and this is football, which means Van City has as good a chance as any to progress to the Conference semis. But the final word here is that the “race to playoffs” for Canadian clubs was only ever meaningful because Toronto FC is a terrible, terrible soccer team. So don’t party yet, friends in the West. Give it the next three matches, if we get to that stage.

Canada

Vancouver Whitecaps manager Martin Rennie willing to help the Canadian Soccer Association.

England

Roberto Di Matteo confirms John Terry will see European action.

“Eradicating racism in football will take time” – Mark Hughes

Emmanuel Adebayor apparently ready to quit Tottenham.

Rio Ferdinand free from punishment/fine after ‘Kick it Out’ saga.

Robin van Persie claims there’s more to come from his partnership with Wayne Rooney.

“Rio Ferdinand has right to protest over ‘Kick it Out’ ” – Clarke Carlisle (PFA Chairman)

Wenger worried about Arsneal’s league position and Chelsea’s 10-point lead.

Leeds United fan charged over attack on goalkeeper Chris Kirkland.

Andre Villas-Boas waiting on news about Moussa Dembele injury.

Martin O’Neill upset with Sunderland fans after Steven Taylor chants.