In a battle between two teams looking to solidify their spots in the Western Conference playoff race, it was the Vancouver Whitecaps who came up with the result they needed.
Two goals scored over a six-minute span were enough for victory as the Whitecaps downed Real Salt Lake, 2-1, in front of 20,083 fans at BC Place on Saturday night.
After an even first half that saw neither team gain an advantage on the scoreboard, in the 58th minute Salt Lake's Will Johnson attempted a clearance that bounced off teammate Chris Wingert's back and fell right to Camilo. The Brazilian took his chance well and put Vancouver up by a goal. Just six minutes later, Camilo found an open Dane Richards, who pulled off a curling shot that beat Nick Rimando to double the Whitecaps' lead.
Late in stoppage time, Nat Borchers headed in a Paulo Junior cross to pull one back for RSL, but it wouldn't be enough as Vancouver held on to win 2-1.
With the three points, the Whitecaps drew level in the Western Conference standings with the Seattle Sounders, and moved within five points of Salt Lake for second place.
Here are the match highlights:
What did you think of the match? Impressed with new Whitecaps defender Andy O'Brien? Starting to wonder if Real Salt Lake can really challenge for a title?
Share your thoughts below.
Not sure RSL has it in them this year for a title run. They have essentially the same core starters from their 09 Cup title, but the league is better, and those players are only getting older. It’s time they made a few moves to bring in some game changers.