Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Real Salt Lake Prediction, Preview, and Odds - 7/7/21
Real Salt Lake has only picked up one win in its last eight games. Fortunately for them, that win came against Vancouver—who they will face on Wednesday night. The Whitecaps gave up an own goal in stoppage time against Dallas in their last match and have not won a match since May 8. They are four points back of Real Salt Lake at the bottom of the Western Conference.
Defense is keeping Real Salt Lake competitive
Real Salt Lake has really struggled this season, only winning three matches. It has only notched one win in its last eight matches, which came in a 3-1 decision against Vancouver on June 18. It played to a 1-1 draw against Houston in its following match before losing to LAFC in a 1-0 final on Saturday. LAFC picked up its first road victory of the season with the win. Real Salt Lake, which has been better at home than on the road, had a 14-9 advantage in shots. It also had a 4-1 advantage in shots on goal, but LAFC scored on its one shot.
Real Salt Lake is now in ninth place in the Western Conference and is outside of the playoff race. It has needed Rubio Rubin and Damir Kreilach to win matches this season, but they have not had much success lately. There will be a tough path ahead of them, as six of their final seven matches come against teams above them in the Western Conference. Real Salt Lake has 13 shots on target over its last two games, but it only has one goal to show for it. It has had 58% possession twice, but it has been unable to convert that into wins.
Vancouver is getting closer to a victory
Vancouver comes into this match on a seven-game winless streak, which has it positioned at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. The Whitecaps are coming off back-to-back 2-2 draws against Seattle and Dallas. They were leading 2-1 in the final minute of injury time on Sunday before giving up an own goal from center back Ranko Veselinovic. It marked the second straight match where it has blown a second-half lead. Vancouver has now allowed a stoppage time goal four times this year. It has been outshot in five of its last seven games and only has nine total points from 11 matches.
The Whitecaps have won their only two matches in Salt Lake City, which is where they are playing temporarily this season. They are now going to play their next three matches in Salt Lake City. Goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau made a season-high six saves against Dallas and will be playing with Canada for the Gold Cup. Teammate Lucas Cavallini will be joining him, which means they will miss this match. Crepeau has been the star of the team this season, so his absence is going to be very impactful.
Spread (RSL +130)
Vancouver just can’t seem to snap its long losing streak—I don’t trust them to snap that streak in this match. The Whitecaps are going to be at a huge disadvantage without their star goalie on the pitch, as he has been the only one keeping them in a lot of their matches. Real Salt Lake has been very good statistically over its last few matches, but some tough luck has not resulted in the outcomes that they want. This is a chance to gain some momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
Total (Over 2.5)
There are multiple factors pointing me towards value on the over in this match. The most obvious one is the absence of Crepeau, who has been keeping his team in the match lately. Without him on the field, I expect the Whitecaps to give up some goals. The other factor pointing me towards the over is Real Salt Lake’s stats of late. It has been registering a lot of shots on target, but just has not been able to convert. This discrepancy has led to a total that is lower than it should be.
