RSL's Ned Grabavoy takes flying leap. (Reuters Pictures)
What started out as a promising night for Real Salt Lake in Vancouver ended on a pretty sour note. The two sides largely displayed the same type of entertaining, and sometimes physical match play that took place a couple of weeks back in Salt Lake. The only difference was the last laugh went to Vanoucver tonight at BC Place.
RSL started the match rather sharply, looking in good form through much of the first half. The Caps fired the opening salvo of the match though, with Camilo forcing an outstanding save from Nick Rimando in minute 14. Nick stood firm and it looked to fire up the club.
The Claret and Cobalt finally looked to go to the lead in the 25th minute. Alvaro Saborio rose and met a header inside the six on a Javier Morales cross. The shot beat the Vancouver 'keeper but bounced off the post and dribbled away, eventually cleared by the 'Caps defense.
It was in the second half that the Whitecaps did their damage, and the first goal was practically gifted by RSL, who did not have lady luck on their side in this one. Will Johnson attempted a low clearance, but it was a bit too low, and smacked into Chris Wingert's back. The ball fell kindly to Camilo, who smashed the game's first goal into the low corner to make it 1-0 to the Whitecaps.
It wasn't long before the 'Caps seemingly put the game to bed either. Camilo was again the catalyst in minute 64, as he picked out Dane Richards who was sitting just outside the box. Richards smacked a gorgeous shot into the top corner of the goal to make it 2-0 to Vancouver with 25 minutes to go.
RSL did manage to get one back, but ended up being way too little, way too late. In the second minute of stoppage time Nat Borchers got his head to a cross from Paulo Jr. and put it in the back of the net to make it 2-1. However it would be the last chance of the night and the Whitecaps hung on for a crucial three points at home.
Notes: Vancouver captain Jay DeMerit had a collision of heads in the first half with 'keeper Brad Knighton. He was subbed off, suffering an apparent concussion on the play. I know that we all wish him the best, he's a great player and a class guy. For RSL Jamison Olave missed his second straight match after his injury during CCL play. My man of the match for RSL goes to Kwame Watson-Siriboe, who had a great game at the back filling in for the aforementioned Olave. True man of the match honors have to go to Camilo though, as he gave RSL fits all night.
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