MLS Real Salt Lake

RSL Match Preview & Game Notes: Real Salt Lake at Vancouver

Published on October 5, 2011 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Real Salt Lake News Release


SANDY, Utah (Wednesday, October 5, 2011) - Real Salt Lake (15-10-6, 51 pts.; 3rd in West) seeks a return to its winning ways tomorrow, Thursday, October 6 against Vancouver Whitecaps FC (4-16-10, 22 pts.; 9th in West) in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The contest was originally set to be played back on July 16, but was postponed due to rain and unplayable conditions at Whitecaps FC's former home of Empire Field. Kickoff at Vancouver's newly-renovated home, BC Place, is set for 7:30 p.m. MT for a contest that will be televised live on KMYU 2.2 (Comcast 22 / Dish Network 12) and can be heard live on ESPN700 Sports Radio (English) and Juan 1600-AM (Spanish).

In addition, RSL fanatics are invited to join up to view the game at any of the Official ESPN 700 Watch Parties for Real Salt Lake, taking place at all six 'Bout Time Pub & Grub locations across the Salt Lake valley.

How to Follow Real Salt Lake @ Vancouver Whitecaps FC

- TV: KMYU 2.2 (Comcast 22 / Dish Network 12) & MLS Direct Kick package (subscription required)

- Radio: ESPN700 Sports Radio (pre-game show starts at 6:30 p.m.) (English); Juan 1600-AM (Spanish)

- Online: Live updates via Official RSL Twitter Feed (@RealSaltLake) and MLS MatchCenter on RealSaltLake.com; live streaming video available feed via MLS MatchDay Live at MLSsoccer.com (subscription required)

RSL "Game Note" of the Match: "Canadian Conundrum" vs. "Charge on Plastic"

Thursday's first-ever away game against Vancouver at BC Place brings into direct conflict two quirky facts from Real Salt Lake's seven-year history: a turnaround from a previously atrocious history on artificial playing surfaces, as well as the team seeking its first-ever victory on Canadian soil. Real Salt Lake is "Oh-for-Canada" since Toronto FC joined MLS in 2007, posting a 0-3-3 record at the Reds' home of BMO Field - which featured a FieldTurf playing surface up until 2010.

While RSL's all-time mark on artificial turf of 3-12-8 is less than sparkling, the Utah side has seemingly removed the dread of playing on plastic, having won three of its last four matches on non-natural pitches. RSL's recent run of success on turf began just over a year ago on Oct. 2, 2010, with a 2-1 result over New England at Gillette Stadium and spilled into the 2011 campaign with a 2-0 win at the Revolution on April 9 and a 2-1 triumph over Seattle Sounders FC at CenturyLink Field on Sept. 10, the winning streak sidetracked only by a 0-1 defeat at the Portland Timbers back on April 30. While Real Salt Lake had to wait nearly six seasons for its first-ever road win on a plastic surface, another triumph in Seattle during that stretch - RSL's MLS Cup 2009 championship shootout victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy at then Qwest Field - officially went into the record books as a draw.

RSL History v. Vancouver Whitecaps FC

With Vancouver Whitecaps FC in its first year as a part of Major League Soccer, the Claret-and-Cobalt and Whitecaps FC have met only once in the teams' history, coming back on June 4 at Rio Tinto Stadium ... The first-ever meeting between the two sides resulted in a dominating 2-0 win for RSL thanks to strikes from Jean Alexandre and Fabian Espíndola, for Alexandre his goal in the 32nd minute was the first of his MLS career ... The two sides were set to meet again on July 16, this time in Vancouver, but due to rain the game was postponed as the temporary natural grass pitch laid down at Empire Field was ruled unplayable ...

Check out the Real Salt Lake Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Major League Soccer Stories from October 5, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central