Javier Morales is questionable for Saturday’s match
Real Salt Lake will face a tough test to its unbeaten streak on Saturday night when the team plays host to the Vancouver Whitecaps.
The Whitecaps started off the 2015 season brightly, taking many by surprise, and currently lead the Western Conference on 13 points. Vancouver’s own unbeaten streak came to an end last week with a 1-0 loss at San Jose, and coach Carl Robinson will be looking to get his side back to winning ways at Rio Tinto Stadium.
Vancouver certainly won’t be intimidated by the surroundings, having earned a pair of draws at the Riot last season. However, the Caps will be without midfield Pedro Morales, whose suspension was upheld despite an appeal this week; the playmaker, who leads his side in assists this season, was sent off against the Earthquakes.
Even without Morales, Real will have its hands full defensively. Striker Octavio Rivero has five goals thus far in 2015, and the likes of Darren Mattocks and Nicolas Mezquida have troubled RSL in the past. Real’s defense has been steadily improving each game, with Jamison Olave having somewhat of a renaissance this season as a partner to Chris Schuler in the center; Elias Vasquez had a strong debut last week against Kansas City, and left back Demar Phillips could return to the starting lineup this week after recovering from injury.
Elsewhere, RSL’s injury news is somewhat mixed. Although Kyle Beckerman came off with a suspected thigh injury in the USA-Mexico friendly on Wednesday, the midfielder fully participated in training on Friday and is expected to start. However, Javier Morales, who has been a key component of the team’s success this season, has had groin trouble and coach Jeff Cassar considers him questionable for Saturday’s match.
Sebastian Jaime’s recovery from a tibia fracture has been going well, and the striker has trained this week. However, Cassar told The Salt Lake Tribune that he doesn’t think Jaime is quite ready yet. In light of the injury situation, Luis Gil may start up front again in the 4-3-3, with Luke Mulholland starting in the midfield. Jordan Allen, who was rewarded for his excellent start to the season with a call-up to the US U-20 squad, is also a possibility up front, although he seems more likely to come off the bench.
