Real Salt Lake is going to head north to BC Place to take on the Vancouver Whitecaps in Matchday One.
Real Salt Lake is getting set to start yet another season, and the Claret and Cobalt will be heading to BC Place in Canada to face the Vancouver Whitecaps in their 2026 season opener. Last year, the Whitecaps bested RSL in both matches, 2-1 in British Columbia and 3-2 in Utah. The Claret and Cobalt are looking to start the year strong, but it won’t be easy, as Vancouver is the reigning Western Conference Champion. The Whitecaps defeated San Diego FC 3-1 in California and made it to the MLS Cup Final before getting beat by Inter Miami by the same score.
Real Salt Lake has the doubters against them yet again. The highest that RSL is expected to finish is eigth, and the Claret and Cobalt aren’t expected to do much this year. This is what RSL fans have sadly become accustomed to. The Claret and Cobalt have made some waves, as they have the most consecutive playoff appearences with five. RSL is getting better, butthey are still being underestimated. They will need to come out strong in Matchday One and set the tone.
Of course, this won’t be easy. Thomas Müller and Brian White are excellent strikers, and Yohei Takaoka is a phenomnal goalkeeper. Still, this is soccer, and anything can happen. One goal can change the entire match, and RSL will need to stay strong, and not give the ball away cheaply. If RSL can score early, they can get themselves momentum, and take the Whitecaps crowd out of the match. RSL has a strong attack, but the defense is shaky. This is the first MLS match of the season, however, so expect some glitches and mistakes.
Real Salt Lake has a rough start to the season, with four out of their first five matches against 2025 playoff teams. RSL does have one favorable matchup during that stretch, which is Atlanta United FC. Nontheless, the Whitecaps will be a tough team for RSL to start against, and they will have to stay smart and not get cute with possession. RSL can make a Matchday One Statment, or they can get thrashed. It will be a tough test, and the Claret aned Cobalt have their work cut out for them on Saturday.
Keys to the Match: Real Salt Lake at Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
- Don’t get lazy with possession: RSL will need to be careful passing and possessing the ball. The Whitecaps are an excellent counterattacking team, and will take any chance at springing the other way for an easy goal.
- Score early, and stay aggresive: RSL is heading into a tough enviorment on Saturday. They will need to score early and dictate the match in order to silence the home crowd.
- Stay strong defensivley: Vancouver is a great attacking team. RSL must stay strong and not let easy shots be taken. They must be touch-tight on marking, and cover their space cleanly.
Real Salt Lake and Vancouver are set to play a great match on Saturday. These two sides are familiar with 2-1 scorelines, and it will be fun to see them play it out. The Whitecaps are the favorite, and RSL will be going into their house, but in the end, it will come down to whoever posseses the ball better, dictates tempo, and defends better. This is RSL’s to lose, and it will come down to the little things. This is a new season, and I can’t wait to get it started.
Real Salt Lake will be at Vancouver Whitecaps FC Saturday, Feburary 21st, at 5:30 PM MST. That match will be broadcast on Apple TV+.
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