Scouting Report: RSL vs. VWFC

Real Salt Lake will take on the Vancouver Whitecaps FC Saturday night at Providence Park in what is very likely to be a fairly empty stadium, considering that it is the home field of the Portland Timbers. So let’s take a look at VWFC and see how they will likely lineup against RSL.

On the back line, perhaps the big news since the last match, is that an independent review panel rescinded the red card suspension that Erik Godoy received in the last match as he failed to exit the pitch in a timely manner. So, he will be eligible to play in the match. He has started 3 of the last 4 matches and will most likely start against RSL. Jake Nerwinski will get his 100 cap for VWFC at right back.

In midfield and wing, Leonard Owusu and Russell Teibert will return from injury and will be available for selection. Look for Janio Bikel, Michael Baldisimo and Christian Dajome to be vying for the other starting spots.

Lucas Cavallini will be back after their suspension and will compete with Fredy Montero and Tosaint Ricketts for the forward position.

The Whitecaps are in fierce competition for one of the last playoff spots, and RSL is one of the teams that they are competing directly against. Both teams really need a win, and with it being a ‘home’ game look for VWFC to push for a full 3 points. The Whitecaps do not boast a lot of firepower and have two players, Fredy Montero, and Cristian Dajome who both have a lowly 3 goals on the season.

VWFC has been favoring a 4-4-2 lineup and will most likely stick with this for the match against RSL. With them losing their last 4 matches, they will look to return to the form that allowed them to walk out of Rio Tinto Stadium with a 2-1 victory on Sept. 19. While it was not a great game for Vancouver and there was a total of 7 yellows and a red card in the match, VWFC desperately needs the three points.