Real Salt Lake’s Playoff Ambitions Could Rely Heavily On Upcoming Result Against Vancouver
Oct 9, 2020, 3:01 PM
Justin Meram of Real Salt Lake attacks down the left wing during Vancouvers 2-1 victory at Rio Tinto Stadium. Photo courtesy: Real Salt Lake
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – With just seven matches remaining in the regular season time is running out for Real Salt Lake as they attempt to climb back into the playoff hunt.
Currently, RSL sits two spots outside the playoff cutline but the race for the Western Conference playoffs is still well and truly alive for RSL as they only find themselves one point shy from being included.
We're going to keep fighting.
For each other, for the badge, for you.
Stick with us. Believe. pic.twitter.com/v0uVJBNKfY
— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) October 9, 2020
The next fixture on the schedule for RSL occurs this upcoming Saturday evening with an away trip to Vancouver Whitecaps. A venue that has not been kind to the Claret and Cobalt. RSL has only ever won two matches when playing on the road against Vancouver, which is compared to the Whitecaps eight victories when RSL visits them.
This match will have a different feel than most away trips to Vancouver, however, as the Whitecaps are currently playing all of their home games in Portland at Providence Park, home of the Timbers, due to COVID-19 protocol set by the league.
Much like BC Place, the Whitecaps normal home stadium in Vancouver, Providence Park is a turf pitch. Which adds a level of difficulty for RSL who are used to playing on the luscious grass of Rio Tinto Stadium.
The match on Saturday will mark the second time that Vancouver has hosted a game at Providence Park, with the first encounter coming against Portland that resulted in a 1-0 defeat on September 27th.
Get To Know Vancouver
The Whitecaps are a team that is at their most dangerous when the other team has the ball, according to RSL manager Freddy Juarez.
“They are at their best when we have possession,” Juarez said. “Meaning if we lose the ball expect it to go vertical quickly.”
Vancouver is a team that looks to catch opposing teams off guard on the counter-attack. The two goals in which the Whitecaps scored against RSL earlier in the year both came from counter-attacks after RSL lost possession of the football in the midfield. The Whitecaps won the game 2-1 despite only having two shots on target.
🔴🙅
Érik will be available for selection Saturday vs. RSL #VWFC
— Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) October 9, 2020
Both goals against RSL on September 19th also came from wide areas and crosses into the area. When Vancouver regains possession they attack down the flanks and look to find teammates running into the area.
Key Players
Vancouver has a number of players that can cause opposing teams havoc. Fredy Montero, Cristian Dajome and Lucas Cavallini are the three most likely candidates to put scoreboard pressure on RSL come Saturday evening.
Montero leads the team with three goals while also having three assists next to his name.
Dajome has also scored on three occasions utilizing his speed to get in and behind defenders.
Cavallini is the Whitecaps most recent designated player acquisition signing a three-year deal prior to the 2020 season. He joined the Whitecaps following a two-year stint with Puebla in Liga MX where he scored 16 goals from 50 appearances. Since joining the Whitecaps he has scored two goals in 11 matches.
Tune into the game this Saturday by visiting sports.ksl.com or by downloading the KSL TV app!
