While there were no blizzard conditions this time, Vancouver fell 2-1 to Real Salt Lake in Sandy, Utah, as the Whitecaps’ attacking efficiency gained no traction against a disciplined RSL side.
Manager Carl Robinson kept the core of his defense intact from last week’s clash against Columbus Crew SC but mixed things up in the midfield as Alphonso Davies and Efrain Juarez were back in the starting XI, replacing Jordon Mutch and Russell Teibert. Nico Mezquida also got the start in his 100th appearance for Vancouver, joining Kei Kamara up top.
The Caps departed from their smash-and-grab strategy, actually holding more of the possession throughout the first 15 minutes, liberally using the press to force turnovers.