Article Author:
Reuters
After topping the Western Conference playoff line, the Vancouver Whitecaps are looking to stay there by picking up a rare road win at Real Salt Lake on Saturday night.
The Whitecaps (9-11-6, 33 points) beat the Colorado Rapids 2-1 at home on Wednesday night, where he dominated the West's standings over the opening hour.
Ryan Gold scored his fifth goal of the season and his sixth of the season before halftime, while Vancouver scored his one in the 76th minute when Colorado's Gyasi his Zardez scored. He added his third goal on numerous occasions before being forced to hold on. Zardez headed into the left post in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
"I think we played 70 minutes of great football," said Vancouver head coach Vanni Sartini. "In the end, of course, they threw a lot of numbers (forward) and played a very tough game in the first 70 minutes in terms of pressing all the balls. The only thing missing was the third goal.
The win was Vancouver's seventh at home and their 10th point in 13 home games. However, the Whitecaps have only won two games away this season, hampering their playoff ambitions.
Fifth-placed Real Salt Lake (10-8-7, 37 points) saw goals from Sergio Cordova and Andrew Brody help him secure a 2-1 win away to the Seattle Sounders on Sunday night. I got it. However, they have lost in his two games here after starting the year undefeated in his first ten games at home.
His two losses at home each have their own caveats.
On July 23, in his 0-1 loss to FC Dallas, Salt Lake created chances to take the lead but could not equalize. They then lost him 4–1 to Los Angeles FC on August 6th. Los Angeles FC dominated all season, pulling away in the Supporters' Shield race and chasing the best points record in MLS history.
RSL goalkeeper Zac MacMath finds a common theme in these losses.
"I think we conceded in his first 15 minutes against Dallas. Same with LAFC," McMath said. “It's a better way to control the game, especially if we can get through the first 15-20 minutes at home, and if we can make the game on our terms.”
– Field. Level Media
