<b>KEY PLAYERS :</b>
ATTACKING
If the Caps are to make any noise in the playoffs then they must get <b>Darren Mattocks</b> as close to the form he showed in the middle part of the season as possible. They need his pace and finishing against the Galaxy, so a solid showing against RSL will give some confidence to the rookie.
In any other year <b>Alvaro Saborio</b> would be in prime position to capture the Golden Boot in the MLS but he will have to settle for second due to Wondo’s amazing year. The Costa Rican striker has had his best season in MLS with 17 goals and is a handful for opposing defenders in the final third.
[PRBREAK][/PRBREAK]
DEFENCE
Since arriving in MLS and starting games on a regular basis, <b>Andy O’Brien</b> has provided the backline with a calm and stability. There were few goals allowed early in the season before he was signed, but now it seems to be more by design.
He may not get the accolades of his fellow central defenders but <b>Nat Borchers</b> is one of the best in MLS having been named 'defender of the year' three times. The normally reliable player has dealt with a few injuries at the beginning of the season but looks to finally be in form going into the playoffs.
<b>WHO'S ON FORM :</b>
After having a terrific game against Chivas, <b>Dane Richards</b> went on to scoring for Jamaica and helping them advance to the final stage of World Cup Qualifying. It may have been a mistake to put him on the bench against Portland as when he came on it provided a spark in his teammates.
While he doesn’t have the stats of his striking partner <b>Fabian Espindola</b> is a very dangerous player for the Utah club. He is a perfect complement to Saborio up top as he is a playmaker as well as a finisher, with three goals and three assists in his last four starts.
<b>2012 RECORD :</b>
Vancouver:
11W-9D-13L
5th in Western Conference
Last Match: 1-0 Loss vs Portland Timbers
Real Salt Lake:
17W-5D-11L
3rd in Western Conference
Last Match: 0-0 Draw vs Seattle Sounders
<b>PROJECTED LINE-UPS :</b>
<b>INJURIES/MISSING :</b>
Vancouver:
None
Real Salt Lake:
Out: GK Lalo Fernandez (wrist)
Questionable: DF Chris Schuler (quad), MF Ned Grabavoy (quad)
Probable: DF Kwame Watson-Siriboe (R leg strain), DF Jamison Olave (L quad strain), DF Tony Beltran (R knee soreness)
<b>GAME ANALYSIS :</b>
Vancouver Whitecaps enter their last match of the regular season having booked a spot in the playoffs but shaken due to the result against Portland. They have a chance to regain some confidence when they travel to Utah to face Real Salt Lake. In their previous two matches this season the teams have split their meetings, with each side winning their home games.
While I do see them going into the game with a similar look, there may be some changes in the eleven, but Brad Knighton should see the start. The backline will look the same with Lee Young-Pyo, Andy O’Brien, Jay DeMerit and Jordan Harvey on the last line of defence for the Whitecaps.
It does get a little murky as you move to the midfield as Alain Rochat may be rested due to the knock he received in the last game forcing him out. It may force Rennie to use Gershon Koffie as the holding midfielder with Barry Robson playing more of an attacking role, but Jun Marques Davidson may also see a return to the position he played for most of the season.
The wings may go to more of a traditional type with Darren Richards and Russell Teibert both getting a call. The striking duo might also change if Mattocks is healthy enough to take place of Camilo and line up next to Kenny Miller.
It won’t be easy to gain any traction against RSL as Rio Tinto is a tough enough place to play, but Real are looking to enter the post season on a hot streak, winning four of their last six games. They are also looking to secure the second spot in the Western Conference and are currently tied with Seattle. A win will be vital for them.
For the Caps it is mostly about gaining confidence and momentum going into the playoffs as the first team in Canada to accomplish that feat in MLS. The team is also looking to secure the top seed in next year’s Voyageurs Cup which is currently tied between themselves and Montreal, although the Impact hold that crucial tiebreaking edge.
Vancouver have been virtually written off by everyone before the playoffs begin. Whilst that can help a team by removing any pressure, the Caps badly need a creative performance in Salt Lake that at least gives the squad a measure of confidence and gives them some self belief back before they face the gauntlet in LA.
Whether they have this ability to turn things around on the other hand is still the big question, the answer to which will shape people's overall perception of this season's Caps and may go a long way to determining how next season's squad will look.
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