RSL to face Vancouver side struggling through high-profile injuries

So far in 2016, the Whitecaps have struggled with consistency and have yet to live up to the lofty standards set last season. Vancouver finished second in the competitive Western Conference last season, going 16-5-13 and handing RSL three losses, 1-0, 2-1, and 4-0.

Salt Lake will be looking to continue their great run of form this season, and take advantage of the reeling Whitecaps. Here are the injuries that the 'Caps are dealing with coming into the game Saturday.

Defender Christian Dean is out with a left foot injury, and is out for at least another couple months while he recovers from surgery. The Whitecaps don't have to worry too much about Dean's absence with Tim Parker playing very well so far and Pa-Modou Kah also available.

In the midfield, attacking mid Pedro Morales is still hampered by injuries. After recovering from a groin strain, he suffered a strained hip and will not be playing against RSL.

The 'Caps may settle for a different formation without their maestro, but if Nicolas Mezquida is healthy he could fill the role. Mezquida is dealing with a right knee sprain and didn't play last week. Off-season acquisition winger Christian Bolaños is also questionable for Saturday with a left quad contusion.

Luckily for Vancouver, the majority of their team depth is in midfield. Center midfielders Matías Laba, Russell Teibert, Andrew Jacobson, and wingers Cristian Techera and Kekutah Manneh should be able to pick up the slack from the injured veterans.

Up top, striker Pedro Morales is listed as questionable for the game. Should he be kept out, new forwards Masato Kudo and Blas Perez would be great options. Both have yet to score for the 'Caps in 2016 but are itching to open their accounts.

Because of Vancouver's depth and last year's sweep of RSL, Cassar and company won't underestimate the 'Caps ability to be dangerous. This should be a classic Western Conference match up.