Match Coverage
What we’re watching in Real Salt Lake vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
It’s the final day of the 2024 regular season and RSL host Captain Dami and the Whitecaps
It’s the final day of the 2024 regular season and Real Salt lake host (former) Captain Dami and the Whitecaps. On this MLS Decision Day, both teams have secured a playoff berth, yet still have a compelling reason to fight for a win.
Something to fight for
Real Salt Lake have had a good season, even if their form has cooled slightly in recent months. They not only secured a playoff spot, but they cannot finish lower than 4th place (their current spot). A top four finish ensures they get homefield advantage in the home-away-home format (should all 3 games be needed). They have a chance to finish above Seattle (leave on points but ahead on tiebreakers) and earn a place in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup. A return to Champions League Cup would be a big accomplishment for RSL and bring more meaningful games next season.
There’s a huge reason for Vancouver to fight for a win. They’re in 8th place, which means they have to play in a wild card game in order to advance in the playoffs. These are single elimination games and most teams would be happy to avoid them. A win for the Whitecaps against RSL could lift them into 7th, and thus avoid the wildcard games. If they lose against Real and Portland win their game (currently in 8th and facing the Sounders in Seattle), then the Timbers will jump the Whitecaps and have homefield advantage in the wildcard game.
Chicho
RSL’s talismanic striker Chicho Arango hasn’t scored since July 6. He’s been level with Álvaro Saborío’s single season goal scoring record since then (17 goals in a season). Earlier this season it seemed inevitable that he would crush that record, and was on pace to score 30 goals. He had a mysterious suspension and an injury since the start of July, but he’s simply not producing the way he can and has for RSL and tonight is his last chance to break Saba’s record. His long dip in form has hurt the team and a return to scoring ways going into the playoffs would be a huge boost for the team.
The Captain returns
Damir Kreilach is rounding out his first season with the Whitecaps. It was a surprise move when he left RSL for another MLS club in the offseason. His minutes have been limited, and he’s only played 465 minutes this season. That number is significantly lower than any year he had with RSL, outside of 2022 when he missed most of the season through a back injury. He’s primarily been a sub, though he began the year mostly as a starter. What he brings to this game is unclear, but his reception by RSL after having been such a leader for Real should a warn welcome.
Player availability
Out: Kevin Bonilla (knee injury suffered 2/14/24 v TOR), Pablo Ruiz (knee injury suffered 3/5/24 in training) Questionable: Bode Hidalgo (thigh injury suffered 9/21/24 v POR) Suspended: Brayan Vera (red card issued 10/02/24 v MIN; returns Playoff Leg Two)
