VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - Oct. 22, 2012) - BMO Financial Group today congratulated Vancouver Whitecaps FC on becoming the first Canadian team to reach the Major League Soccer playoffs. The team secured its postseason berth thanks to a strong regular season record, which currently sits at 42 points with one regular season game left to play.

As the Bank of Soccer in Canada and founding sponsor of Vancouver Whitecaps FC, BMO is proud of the team's success.

"Congratulations to the Whitecaps on this historic achievement, not only for the team, but for Canadian soccer," said Joanne Gassman, Senior Vice President, BC, BMO Bank of Montreal. "On behalf of BMO, we wish the team the best of luck as they head into the playoffs."

About BMO and Soccer

BMO supports soccer across Canada from youth players in local neighbourhoods and communities all the way up to the professional level. Our deep commitment to 'The Beautiful Game' is evident from the beginning of the curve with our grassroots sponsorship of more than 900 youth teams nationally. The relationship continues with support of Canada's men's and women's national teams, our professional teams (Toronto FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Montreal Impact) and our soccer venue title sponsorship (BMO Field).

Publication Contributing Sources

• Market Wire