This is the match soccer fans from across Canada have waited to see for two years.

Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps have faced off before — six times, to be exact, over the past three years as part of the Canadian club championship.

But this time, it will be different. Much different.

When the teams take to the field at Vancouver's Empire Field, they will do so as equals.

Since being granted an expansion franchise in 2009, Vancouver has toiled in North American soccer's second tier, but Saturday's match marks the Whitecaps' debut in Major League Soccer.

The big time.

Toronto is an old hand when it comes to MLS. The Reds became the league's first Canadian franchise in 2007, but after four years they have some company.

And the Whitecaps can't wait to take on their Canadian counterparts for the first time while being on the same footing.

"They were expected to beat us the last couple of years but now it's an even playing field. We're in the same league … so it's up to us to prove we deserve to be here," said Whitecaps goalkeeper Jay Nolly.

Whitecaps midfielder Terry Dunfield, a native of Vancouver, doesn't think the team could have asked for a better opponent to make their MLS bow against than Toronto FC.

"The players here have played in big games and they will take those experiences into what is a Canadian derby game," stated Dunfield. "It's great to have a rivalry like this, and we'll be pumped up in front of 23,000 fans. It's going to be a special day."

Even Dwayne De Rosario, TFC's captain and all-time leading scorer, is excited for Vancouver and how their entrance in MLS will help to elevate the game of soccer in Canada

"It's going to be an exciting day for the [city of] Vancouver. I know they're going to come out and show their support for Canadian soccer," said De Rosario, a native of Scarborough, Ont.

Vancouver is, of course, not your average expansion franchise.

The Whitecaps made their debut in 1974 as part of the now defunct North American Soccer League. After the NASL folded in 1984, the Whitecaps continued on in a number of lower-tiered leagues.

They enter MLS under coach Teitur Thordarson, who has been in charge the past three seasons, and several players who played with the club during their USL-1 League days.

Still, that hasn't stopped some pundits from predicting the Whitecaps will fall into the same trappings of normal expansion franchises and struggle for success in their inaugural MLS season.

"I think it's unfair to say [that]," claimed De Rosario.

"I know some are predicting Vancouver to be a last-placed team but we know they're going to be very difficult to play against. We've played against them [before] … and it's going to be a tough game [on Saturday]. By no means are they going to be a pushover."

The game is also a homecoming of sorts for TFC's Adrian Cann.

Prior to joining the Reds at the start of last season, the Canadian defender was a member of Whitecaps for three years, helping the team win a USL-1 League championship in 2006.

Cann is looking forward to facing his old club, especially with both teams now in MLS.

"It brings excitement to both cities. Torontonians love the rivalry, so do people from Vancouver. I spent some time here, three years in Vancouver, and coming back here I want to make a good impression," said Cann, who was voted team MVP last season.

As for the game-plan, Nolly believes the Whitecaps have to continue to play the attacking brand of soccer they have become known for under coach Thordarson.

But he also believes Vancouver has to contain De Rosario, TFC's leading scorer last year with 15 goals.

"They have some guys who are game changers. De Rosario can score from anywhere. Adrian Cann on set pieces - we have to be aware of him. They are a very dangerous team and they're not going to be as nervous coming in here," said Nolly.