EDMONTON AB., (May 1, 2012)  – FC Edmonton looks to bounce back after a loss to Minnesota Stars FC in its home opener on April 22. Wednesday they face offr against West Coast rivals Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the opening game of the Amway Canadian Championship. Kickoff time is set for 8:00pm MST at Commonwealth Stadium. 

The Amway Canadian Championship is an annual tournament for all professional Canadian teams to play for a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League. Toronto FC has earned the right to this spot for the last three years, and have done well – most recently making it to the semi-finals where they were knocked out by Santos Laguna.

The Whitecaps should feel hard done by for not winning the tournament and for being the runners-up for the last three years. In 2009, the Whitecaps had all but won the tournament, when the Montreal Impact lost 6-1 to TFC which saw the Toronto side win the Voyagers Cup on goal difference.

FC Edmonton’s first year in the tournament had them play against TFC and the first game saw Eddies midfielder Shaun Saiko receive a red card 20 minutes into the match.

“It was disappointing getting sent off so early in the game because I let my team down and put them in a difficult position,” Saiko said. “This year I’m excited to get another chance to get our team a win against a tough opponent. It’s going to be lots of fun.”

The Whitecaps have started strong in the MLS Western Conference, picking up four wins and two ties out of eight matches. Former Philadelphia Union front man Sebastian Le Toux leads the Whitecaps with three goals to his name so far this season and his attacking partner Eric Hassli leads the club with two assists.

To watch the game live, tune in to Rogers Sportsnet anywhere in Canada.