Regardless of the final result in the Olympic match Monday between Canada and the United States women's soccer teams, one thing was certain, the Canadian women inspired both men and women across Canada.

It's happened before, the 2002 FIFA U-19 Women World Cup was hosted in Canada and during that tournament the national pride was tremendous. Fans followed the Canadian team through to the final match against the U.S., held in Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium in front of more than 47,000 people.

The U.S. won that match 1-0 after sudden death extra time.

This time around, it was the Olympic games in London. Canada and the U.S. going back and forth in a highly entertaining match with some questionable refereeing and a super human effort from Canadian captain Christine Sinclair.

It was a hot topic on Twitter, blogs, forums and around the water cooler. It had people talking that wouldn't normally even watch the sport or even be interested.

In the end, Canada lost the match 4-3 in extra time and will play Friday for the bronze medal. It was a heartbreaking and disappointing finish, but it certainly captured the hearts and imagination of Canadians everywhere. By giving everything they had, the Canadian women truly won.

WHITECAPS FC HAVE PLAYOFFS IN SIGHT

Starting Saturday, Vancouver Whitecaps FC begin a very important August, facing Real Salt Lake - a team they are chasing in the Major League Soccer Western Conference standings. With 11 matches remaining, the 'Caps have a chance to solidify their playoff intentions.

Vancouver will face two of the top three teams in the west in RSL and Seattle. Beating the better teams in MLS will not only give the squad confidence, but also make it more difficult for the teams chasing them to make up ground.

While the 'Caps will play two of the league's best, they also play two of the worst. FC Dallas and Portland will also face Vancouver as opponents this month. Vancouver beat FC Dallas once already this season and will play them twice more down the final stretch including the midweek match Aug. 15. Portland meanwhile, has seemingly been a thorn in the side of the 'Caps, never being able to beat them in three meetings in the two teams brief MLS history.

While it is nice to fantasize about home playoff games and winning the Western Conference, it's more important for the 'Caps to just make the playoffs in 2012 and become the first Canadian team to ever make the MLS playoffs.