THE MIRACLE OF BURNABY: TSS Rovers stun Valour FC in magical CanChamp night (RECAP + HL)

A new chapter in the history books of the Canadian Championship was written on hallowed Canadian soccer ground.

Playing under the lights of Swangard Stadium, a modest ground dripping with history of its own, Burnaby's semi-pro League1 B.C. outfit TSS Rovers triumphed over Canadian Premier League side Valour FC 3-1 to advance to the quarter-finals of the Battle of the North.

It's a feat that no semi-pro team has ever accomplished in this competition before.

A pair of goals by former CPL-er Matteo Polisi, captaining the champions of L1BC, sandwiched around an Ivan Mejia second, proved the difference on the night, despite an Anthony Novak penalty threatening – or, perhaps, merely teasing – the idea of a comeback late in this hard-fought fight.

Yet, when the final whistle blew, it was head coach Will Cromack's underdogs who celebrated a miracle story, a dream come true, as Canada men's national team manager John Herdman watched on (and likely cheered on, too).

Cup competitions that pit teams from different leagues across the world are special because of nights like this. The magic of the cup is a phenomenon experienced around the world of football.

It's why those associated with the Canadian Premier League celebrate the result, too.

Yes, Valour FC will now lick their wounds. But, as Kristian Jack put it:

This is what football looks like all over the world but took far too long to happen in Canada. Now its here we must protect & celebrate it. A tier system where upsets can happen. League1 v CPL, CPL v MLS. Proper leagues. Not minor. Pillars for 🇨🇦⚽️ to grow pic.twitter.com/KZz36hgQAC

— Kristian Jack (@KristianJack) April 20, 2023

Protect it, nurture it, and celebrate it.

Congratulations to TSS Rovers – authors of a Canadian Championship legend.

Here are your match highlights: