VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Major League Soccer is coming to Vancouver in 2011.

The city was awarded the franchise Wednesday. This will be the second Canadian team in the league after Toronto FC.

The Vancouver Whitecaps currently play in the United Soccer League. There's no immediate word on whether the MLS team will be called the Whitecaps.

Whitecaps owner Greg Kerfoot leads the Vancouver ownership group. NBA star Steve Nash is also involved along with San Francisco Giants co-owner Jeff Mallett and Boston Celtics co-owner Steve Luczo.

Vancouver was one of four remaining groups vying for a franchise for 2011. Ottawa, Portland and St. Louis also applied. The MLS is expected to award a second franchise at a later date.