Two teams who had had decidedly different starts to the 2016 season will meet Saturday night at Rio Tinto Stadium when Real Salt Lake hosts Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
For the Claret-and-Cobalt, the first five matches have shown a team on the rise, offensive bursts helping a strong start while a stingy defense has kept RSL unbeaten.
Meanwhile Vancouver entered the season with much promise, but has yet to deliver as the offense has sputtered with no goals in the last 247 minutes – with no goals from the run of play in the last 450 minutes. A 4-0 road loss to D.C. United last week put an exclamation point on that slow start, but RSL is expecting Whitecaps FC to come out fighting to turn their offensive fortunes. As with RSL though, the offense starts with gaining possession.
“It will be a hard-fought game. I think they’re in a tough spot with their results lately so I’m sure they’re going to be coming in trying to shore up the defense,” Real Salt Lake midfielder Kyle Beckerman said. “It will take some sharpness from us to get some goals.”
Vancouver has been stricken early by injuries and suspensions, already using 20 starters through the first six matches. Only Jordan Harvey, the veteran left back, has started all six matches thus far this year. A talented team, Vancouver finished second in the Western Conference with 53 points last year. With some consistency to the lineup, Head Coach Carl Robinson will undoubtedly get his team on track.
It’s up to RSL and Head Coach Jeff Cassar to ensure that the Whitecaps resurgence waits another week.
“He’s had a lot of different lineups up there, so we’re not sure who they’re going to start. We have to prepare for all of them, but I’m guessing they’re going to focus on defending,” Cassar said. “They have a very good goalkeeper, a very good backline and having (Matias) Laba back from suspension is really going to help them out.”
On the other hand, RSL will be looking to continue its unbeaten start to the season and extend its two-game winning streak. Things are buzzing in the Salt Lake locker room as Salt Lake looks to end a six-match winless streak against Vancouver dating back to 2013.
“We had a great week of training. Everyone’s really focused,” Cassar said. “We know this is going to be a difficult game and we’re going to have to be at our best. But we’re excited for the opportunity.”
Real Salt Lake scored two goals in each of its first four matches this season, but took a stout defensive effort to keep the unbeaten streak alive last week against the Colorado Rapids. The club is hardly resting on its laurels because of the results thus far.
“It’s the same stuff. We’re working hard every week. The group is together,” Beckerman said. “We all know we need to improve. We need to keep getting better and finding results while we’re figuring out our best form. It’s a good spot to be in. The vibe is good and we want to keep it going.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. MT. Tickets are available here.
