If sibling rivalries had $2.6 million to throw around...

This afternoon, the Vancouver Whitecaps announced that they had signed Jay DeMerit. DeMerit is Vancouver's first MLS signing, and the level of quality in the first signing has only ramped up the intensity that is even older than MLS.

In the 1970s a rivalry started, the likes of which American sports had never seen. The Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers and Vancouver Whitecaps were all playing in the North American Soccer League, and the Pacific Northwest was home to a three-way rivalry known as the Cascadia Derby. Next season, the Cascadia Derby will make its presence known in the top level of competition in American soccer.

There has been some controversy surrounding the Derby as of late, with the front offices from each team choosing to limit away supporters to a mere 150 seats, but this difficulty has brought the supporters of all three teams together and proven just how much this rivalry means to the PNW and to American soccer as a whole.

In the last two seasons, the Sounders have set records for attendance and become the first MLS team to successfully defend the US Open Cup championship. Now Vancouver has signed a player with experience in the English Premier League, as well as 23 appearances with the US Men's National Team. The level of talent and competition is rising in MLS and specifically in the PNW. The anticipation is palpable in the Pacific Northwest. I, for one, am eager for the season to begin. I've got season tickets, and I'm ready to get rowdy when Vancouver and Portland come to town.