SANDY, UTAH – Vancouver Whitecaps FC face a tough road test tonight when they visit undefeated Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium.
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Here are three storylines for the Western Conference tussle at the RioT.
RE-ESTABLISHING DOMINANCE
The 'Caps have encountered a bit of a dry spell as of late, failing to find the net in the last two weeks.
The good news is Whitecaps FC have done quite well against Salt Lake in recent history, having won their last four matchups, including a three-match season series sweep last year. In addition, the 'Caps are undefeated in their last six meetings with the Royals.
However, Salt Lake appear to be much improved this year, bouncing back from missing out on the playoffs in 2015 to finding themselves tied for second in the conference through five weeks.
BACK IN THE FOLD
MatÃas Laba is expected to be back in the lineup after serving a one-match suspension for receiving a straight red card against LA Galaxy two weeks ago.
The Argentinian defensive midfielder is a key player on the Whitecaps FC spine, patrolling the middle. He leads MLS in tackles with 394 since joining the league in 2013.
His presence is a welcome addition to a team that has been stung by the injury bug lately. Pedro Morales (left hip flexor strain), Christian Bolaños (left quad contusion) and Nicolas Mezquida (right knee sprain) and striker Octavio Rivero (right hip flexor strain) all missed last week's match. The four saw pitch time this week at training, but Morales was not a full participant.
With a number of players' health status in doubt, it will be up to the rest to step up. Marco Bustos, who made his first MLS start last week, is ready to fill in if called upon.
ALL-STAR GOALKEEPERS
If you fancy top class goalkeeping, they you're in for a treat.
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<b>THE GREAT DANE: David Ousted establishes a new career-high against DC</b> |
2015 MLS All-Stars David Ousted and Nick Rimando are expected to man their respective nets.
Ousted has two clean sheets to his name through six matches, and set a new Whitecaps FC MLS record with nine saves in last week's loss to D.C. United.
On the other end, Rimando is coming off a clean sheet of his own, making five saves in ther 1-0 win over Colorado Rapids.
With two stud goalkeepers on each end, which team's attackers will be able to break through? Tune in on TSN1 to find out.
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