RSL come up short in a 2-1 heartbreaker to Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Real Salt Lake fell in a last-minute 2-1 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Saturday, June 4, at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada. RSL remains tied for second place in the Western Conference with Austin FC, having 25 points apiece. The loss puts RSL at 7-4-4 on the season. 

The Match

The Whitecaps attacked first in the fourth minute. Midfielder Sebastian Berhalter took a direct shot into the top right corner, however, RSL goalkeeper Zac MacMath made the save. 21 minutes later, after back-and-forth action, the Whitecaps came back to RSL’s doorstep taking two shots. However, both missed just outside. 

RSL midfielder Maikel Chang missed a shot just high. Aaron Herrera followed, picked up a foul in between both Vancouver attempts. In the 31st minute, the Whitecaps scored with defender Ranko Veselinovic finding the center of the goal inside the box to go up 1-0.

RSL was unable to respond to the goal. The rest of the half went uneventful, minus a yellow card by Whitecaps Déiber Caicedo in the 38th.

RSL began the second half strong, with forward Sergio Córdova attempting a header into the goal from inside the box in the 52nd minute. They were stopped by Whitecaps goalkeeper Cody Cropper making the save. RSL midfielder Justin Meram immediately followed with the equalizer to tie the game 1-1 by pounding the bottom left corner of the box. 

RSL kept up the pressure, taking five unanswered shots in the following 27 minutes despite picking up two yellow cards, but all shots were missed. Whitecap Marcus Godinho attempted a header in the 82nd minute, but MacMath made the clutch save.

In the 90th+1st minute Whitecaps substitute Luis Martins drew a penalty, conceded by Herrera. He attempted a penalty kick, but missed his attempt. The penalty gave Herrera his second yellow card, ejecting him from the game. In the 90th+3rd minute Whitecaps substitute Ryan Gauld picked up a penalty. This lead to him finding the top right corner to win the game 2-1 for the Whitecaps.

RSL lost the match despite out possessing the Whitecaps 59% to 41%. They also took more shots (10 to six), and dominated in other categories. The loss snaps a three-game win streak for RSL and puts them at a 2-4-3 record on the road.

What’s Next

RSL will now return home to Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah to take on the San Jose Quakes on Saturday, June 18, at 7:30 p.m. MT. The match can be streamed on ESPN+.

Photo courtesy of Canadian Press