first since the CSL four-peat in the early 1990s, gave the club a higher profile. Second Canada hosting the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup was significant for building media credibility and soccer infrastructure across the country with stadiums built in Toronto (National Soccer Stadium), approved in Montreal (Saputo Stadium opened in 2008), and partially approved in Vancouver (Whitecaps Waterfront Stadium approved by City of Vancouver pending resolution of Port of Metro Vancouver land transfer). Third the start of play and off-field success of Toronto FC encouraged speculation that Vancouver would pursue a Division 1 MLS franchise. Fourth one of the two local rivals of the Whitecaps, the Seattle Sounders, over the course of 2007 had more and more credible rumors of being announced as a 2009 MLS expansion side; this was announced November 13, 2007. Fifth David Beckham signed for the Los Angeles Galaxy giving soccer significant and sustained North American media attention as well as national legitimacy. Sixth helped by connections to the LA Galaxy coaching staff, there was ongoing speculation in the local newspapers about a LA Galaxy-Whitecaps friendly almost from when the David Beckham signing was announced. On April 17 Whitecaps announced the friendly against David Beckham and the LA Galaxy for October 3 at 60,000 seat BC Place Stadium. Despite marketing impacts from an August injury, he played, and it was a 0–0 draw played in front of 48,172 spectators. Seventh the Whitecaps started a club for local business leaders to advise and advocate for the team called Kickstarters. The 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup impacted the Whitecaps' season with a six-game road trip from June 22 to July 7 kicked off a lull in form where the team went 1-7-5 (W-D-L) and didn't recover until a six-game home stand beginning in mid August. However, as well as media exposure, the U-20 World Cup also spurred $300,000 upgrades to Swangard Stadium including 1,500 individual seats with backs and 36 VIP seats replacing a section of the grandstand's bleachers, better stadium lighting, and better access and egress within the stadium. The upgrades in seating and access/egress reduced Swangard Stadium's capacity from 5,722 to 5,288. Schedule and results Tables Pre-season The preseason schedule was announced March 14, 2007 along with a four-week training camp at Simon Fraser University. USL-1 Results by round Post-season Voyageurs Cup Voyageur Cup standings Prior to 2008, from when it has been awarded to