After being a game away from making the postseason in 2022, the Vancouver Whitecaps open the new MLS campaign on Saturday by welcoming Real Salt Lake to BC Place Stadium.

A 2-0 defeat at Minnesota United on Decision Day last year eliminated the Caps from postseason contention, while RSL squandered a 2-0 lead in their opening-round playoff encounter versus Austin FC, eventually falling 3-1 on penalties.

Match preview

Just like in 2021, the Whitecaps came to life down the stretch of their previous campaign, but it was not quite enough to earn them a playoff spot.

In his first full season as manager a year ago, Vanni Sartini saw his side struggle mightily in the opening stages of the campaign, losing six of their first eight matches before going on a run down the stretch.

Over their previous four regular-season campaigns, Vancouver have started slowly, winning no more than three matches in each of their opening 10 games over that stretch.

Last year, this team lacked a quality shot-stopper who could steal them some matches, conceding the second-most goals in the Western Conference (57).

The addition of midfielder Andres Cubas around the halfway point of 2022 brought more stability to this group through the middle, but heading into this season, the big question surrounding the Caps is whether they have a number nine with the composure to finish off the chances that playmakers like Cubas can create.

Home field was a massive advantage for Vancouver in 2022, as 10 of their 12 victories came at BC Place, which is also where 33 of their 43 points were claimed.

The 2022 season may have ended on a sour note for Claret and Cobalt, but there were still plenty of positive signs for them to take away from that campaign.

Pablo Mastroeni has instilled a grit and grind approach with this group since taking over in 2021, an approach which may not be all that appealing but has been successful nonetheless.

If they can make the playoffs again this year, it would mark the first time this franchise qualified for the postseason in three consecutive campaigns since appearing seven straight times from 2008-2014.

Their opening two regular season games will be on the road, where Salt Lake struggled throughout 2022, winning just three matches and conceding in all but two of their encounters.

Like the Caps, there are questions about where the goals will come from, though Real Salt Lake were strong on the break last season, creating lots of width and chances, while also playing solid defensively.

RSL have lost their previous two visits to Vancouver by a combined score of 6-2, with their last victory at BC Place coming in 2021 (4-0).