Reigning USL-1 champions Vancouver Whitecaps have found themselves a goal down in the 2009 version of the final.

Following their 3-2 defeat to Montreal Impact in the first leg of the final, the Whitecaps will need to bounce back in the return leg and will be required to do it without captain Martin Nash.

Nash was issued a straight red for a challenge on Roberto Brown but the Whitecaps feel the decision was far too harsh.

"It seems harsh," said Whitecaps goalkeeper Jay Nolly. "Obviously, he went after the player. I think the player made a meal of it. He barely got clipped. It was a tough decision for (the referee) to make.

"I felt like there were a lot of fouls that were left open and that's what happens sometimes."

Coach Teitur Thordarson echoed Nolly's sentiments.

"I've seen it many times. I think the tackle is not a good one, definitely not," said Thordarson.

"It's not good. I think he was trying to get Martin off at that point and that is not sportsmanship. I want my players to stay to the rules. Be tough and hard but do not be unfair and do not try to get players off. I do not like that."

Should Vancouver come away with the victory in the second leg, it would be the club's second USL First Division Championship in as many years and third title in the last four years.