Match Summary
Vancouver Whitecaps defeated Real Salt Lake 2:1. The match was played in Major League Soccer 2025. Goals were scored by J. Nelson 20′, T. Blackmon 70′, D. Luna 90′ (pen.). 4 yellow cards were shown. Vancouver Whitecaps had 55% possession while Real Salt Lake held 45%. Vancouver Whitecaps had 23 shots (7 on target) compared to 11 (3 on target) for Real Salt Lake. Expected goals: Vancouver Whitecaps 3.07 — Real Salt Lake 1.56. Vancouver Whitecaps made 5 substitutions, Real Salt Lake made 5. VAR was involved: Penalty cancelled (Zavier Gozo 59′), Penalty confirmed (Justen Glad 90′).
Match Events
Key match events between Vancouver Whitecaps and Real Salt Lake — 3 goals and 4 cards recorded during the match.
Penalty
Match Statistics
Vancouver Whitecaps had 55% possession against Real Salt Lake's 45%. Vancouver Whitecaps registered 23 shots (7 on target) while Real Salt Lake managed 11 (3 on target). Corner kicks: 9–5. Fouls committed: 15–10.
Lineups
Vancouver Whitecaps lined up in a 4-3-3 formation under Jesper Ingemann Sørensen, while Real Salt Lake deployed a 4-2-3-1 under Pablo Andrés Mastroeni.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Vancouver Whitecaps is 7.00, compared to 7.05 for Real Salt Lake. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Vancouver Whitecaps's highest-rated starter is P. Vite (7.39), while Real Salt Lake's best-rated player is Rafael Cabral (7.11).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Vancouver Whitecaps have contributed 13 goals and 12 assists this season, led by P. Vite (4G). Real Salt Lake's starters account for 3 goals and 1 assists, spearheaded by B. Ojeda (2G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Vancouver Whitecaps deploy 4 defenders rated 7.19 on average, against Real Salt Lake's 4-man backline averaging 7.07. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Vancouver Whitecaps field 3 midfielders averaging 6.85, versus Real Salt Lake's 5 rated 6.96. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Vancouver Whitecaps start 3 forward(s) averaging 6.99, compared to 1 for Real Salt Lake averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 57% for Vancouver Whitecaps and 61% for Real Salt Lake. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Vancouver Whitecaps's starters have collected 18 yellow cards this season, compared to 17 for Real Salt Lake. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Vancouver Whitecaps's starting XI is 25.6 (youngest: R. Priso-Mbongue (23), oldest: D. Rios (30)), while Real Salt Lake average 29.3 (youngest: B. Ojeda (25), oldest: Rafael Cabral (35)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Vancouver Whitecaps's starters average 26 league appearances each, versus 33 for Real Salt Lake. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Vancouver Whitecaps have recorded 2 wins, 2 draws and 2 defeats. Real Salt Lake show 2 wins, 1 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Vancouver Whitecaps
Real Salt Lake
Head to Head
Vancouver Whitecaps and Real Salt Lake have met 1 times — Vancouver Whitecaps won 1, Real Salt Lake won 0, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2025. Vancouver Whitecaps leads the head-to-head with 1 victories from 1 meetings. A combined 5 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 5.00 per match (3 for the home side, 2 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 1 matches (100%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 1 games (100%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. The highest-scoring encounter finished 2–3 in 2025.
1
Vancouver Whitecaps
0
Drawn
0
Real Salt Lake
Recent Meetings (1)
API data: 15 Mar 2026