Toronto FC goalkeeper Joe Bendik makes a saveDARRYL DYCK/The Canadian Press
Toronto FC will give goalie Joe Bendik his first start of the season as the Vancouver Whitecaps come to town for the Amway Canadian Championship.
Manager Ryan Nelsen has confirmed Brazilian No. 1 Julio Cesar will be rested for Wednesday's first leg of the semifinal.
That opens the door for Bendik, who started 33 games for Toronto last season.
Midfielder Jonathan Osorio and defender Bradley Orr are doubtful through injury but Nelsen expects England striker Jermain Defoe and his other big guns to start. Toronto has an MLS bye this weekend.
Vancouver coach Carl Robinson plans to give Canadian youth a chance, with starts for 17-year-old goalkeeper Marco Carducci and 20-year-old midfielder Bryce Alderson.
Midfielder Russell Teibert, a 21-year-old who already has 46 MLS appearances under his belt, will also start for Vancouver, which has an MLS date this weekend in Columbus.
FC Edmonton hosts defending champion Montreal Impact in the first leg of the other semifinal Wednesday.
Edmonton advanced by dispatching Ottawa Fury FC 3-1 on aggregate in a battle of North American Soccer League teams.