MLS Weekend Predictions: July 19

Jul 12, 2014; Carson, CA, USA; Real Salt Lake defender Tony Beltran (2) and Los Angeles Galaxy forward Robbie Keane (7) battle for the ball at StubHub Center. The Galaxy defeated Real Salt Lake 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Real Salt Lake (7-4-7, 2nd Western) vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (6-4-8, 6th Western) 

Rio Tinto Stadium will play host to Vancouver as the Whitecaps will look to bounce back from dropped points to both Chivas USA and Toronto FC in their last two matches as well as rising up to the challenge of three games in a weeks span when they take on Real Salt Lake on Saturday in a match that is a big chance for the Whitecaps to prove that they can make the playoffs.

For RSL this match is another opportunity to play catch up with the Seattle Sounders who are inactive this week playing a friendly with Tottenham and they will need as many points as possible to have a hope of a first place Conference finish as despite a strong first half they also are 10 points back from the dominant Sounders. Salt Lake haven’t done themselves any favors as of late either, winning just one of their last five matches.

Vancouver need this match more, chasing a playoff spot and a chance to actually climb RSL in the table with the win thanks to the logjam in the West where two points separate second and sixth place. Because of that expect another cagey affair as nobody wants to lose to a rival and give up serious ground, something that suits both clubs who can claw out a hard fought draw when needed. If there are fireworks in this match it would be a surprise as both of these clubs should eventually decide to ensure that they get at least a point out of this crucial match.

Prediction: Draw