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The Vancouver Whitecaps secured a 2-0 victory over Toronto FC last night in a match which started with a visual representation of the purpose and determination players on both sides possessed in a game which had significant implications for entrance into the CONCACAF Champions League.

Numerous early chances fell for both sides but neither team managed to convert attempts into goals until the half hour mark passed, with Ansu Toure putting Vancouver 1-0 up.

The second half started as the first began, with both teams doing everything but hitting the back of the net. Vancouver had to wait until the closing stages of the match before doubling their advantage, with Toure proving the difference once again.

Toronto head coach, Chris Cummins, was humble following his team's defeat, stating that "the better team won on the night, no doubt about it", although his subsequent assertion that he has been left questioning the "hunger, desire [and] passion" of his players seems somewhat harsh. Toronto will now need to win by at least four goals later in June when they line up in Montreal.

In European soccer news, it came as no great surprise to Chelsea fans in London when Carlo Ancelotti was named new boss of the Premier League giants, following the reluctant departure of Guus Hiddink. The latter must now refocus his attentions on the plight of the Russian national team after securing FA Cup victory for the Blues against Everton last weekend.

Viewed by many as something of a poisoned chalice, the Chelsea hotseat has now been filled by a manager experienced in securing the prize desired so desperately by Roman Abramovich. Since arriving in west London, Abramovich has not been afraid to make public his dream of bringing the Champions League trophy to Stamford Bridge (Chelsea are currently available to back in the winner's market at odds of [9.4]) and failure to do so has ended the managerial reigns of those who preceded Ancelotti, who now becomes the fifth manager to take charge of superstars such as Frank Lampard and John Terry in just twenty-one months.

Whilst Abramovich will no doubt be elated at securing the services of the man who won the Champions League twice with AC Milan, in 2003 and 2007, Chelsea fans have been left feeling anxious over their team's potential to recapture domestic dominance in the form of the Premier League title next season.

Whilst Ancelotti may have been King of Europe twice before, he failed to usurp bitter rivals Inter Milan from the lofty heights of Serie A on a basis regular enough to instil confidence in fans of the London club that they will be able to reign supreme over Manchester United in the near future. Chelsea, who have also signed a deal to keep Michael Ballack at the club for another year, are currently odds of [4.0] to secure the title that their fans, if not their owner, are crying out for.

Elsewhere in English soccer, Manchester City have sealed the first shock transfer of the summer, after completing the signing of England midfielder, Gareth Barry, from Aston Villa. The midfielder has been widely linked with Liverpool over the past year and his decision to join a club without real Champions League potential has caused many to pour scorn over Barry's apparent decision to prioritise income over ambition.

Although Manchester City are currently available at odds of [32.0] to back in the Premier League 2009/2010 winner's market, whilst Aston Villa are available to back at [220.0], this does not paint an accurate portrayal of their chances next season. Villa were real contenders to break into the top four of the league for a large part of this season, whilst Manchester City, despite signing Robinho following a significant cash injection, struggled to make any real impression on the domestic soccer scene.

Elsewhere in Europe, rumours that Real Madrid are close to snapping up Kaka from Ancelotti's old club, AC Milan, are refusing to die down. If rumours are to be believed, the Spanish club may end up paying around £56 million for the Brazilian star, who signed for the Italian side back in 2003.