FIVE KEYS to the game

1 What’s on the line?

There's nothing but pride left for Vancouver to play for, we're told. But Real, much like the Galaxy last week, are desperate for the home playoff game that comes with a win Sunday. The Claret and Cobalt, who've clinched a post-season berth, are 12-4-1 at Rio Tinto Stadium, and 3-9-4 on the road. And their road to the MLS Cup goes through Los Angeles, whose teams they went winless against this season (0-4). RSL, currently fifth, could climb as high as third place with a win if other Decision Day results go their way.

2 What’s on their minds?

The Whitecaps players, to a man, all mentioned this week about giving something back to the fans. It's been a rough year for the Village faithful, who have endured a season of unprecedented losing and off-field scandals. It has been reflected in attendance, which is down 11% to 19,585 this season — the first time below 20,000 since 2012. While their numbers have historically remained mostly stable, the team has also dropped from the top-10 leaguewide for the first time in franchise history.

3 Choppy Salt Lake waters

It's also been a tumultuous season in Sandy, Utah. The spectacular suspension and firing of coach Mike Petke generated headlines and lawsuits alike, with the manager filing a lawsuit accusing RSL of breach of contract. The club also parted ways with GM Craig Waibel, who had been with the club since 2014, after Petke's firing.

4 Offensive evolution

Despite being in the middle of the pack in nearly every defensive statistical analytic, RSL has given up just 41 goals this season, a number bettered only by two teams (LAFC, 36; DC United, 38).

5 No rest

It might be a blessing there aren't any playoff games in the cards for the Whitecaps. Seven players have been called up for international duty and will be leaving either Sunday night or Monday, all of them regular starters for the club. Derek Cornelius, Maxime Crépeau, Doneil Henry and Russell Teibert are heading to camp in Toronto for an Oct. 15 match against the USA at BMO Field, although Henry is suspended for the Nations League match. Adnan has been called up to Iraq as they begin the second round of 2022 Asian Football Confederation World Cup qualification against Hong Kong on Thursday and against Cambodia on Oct. 15.