Whitecaps look to halt three-game skid against Real Salt Lake

VANCOUVER — Style points won’t be top of mind for the Vancouver Whitecaps when they face Real Salt Lake tonight.

Snapping a three-game Major League Soccer losing streak is all the Whitecaps care about when they host Salt Lake at B.C. Place Stadium.

“The main thing here is we need to win, pretty or ugly, just win,” said captain Kendall Waston.

It’s only the ninth game of the season for Vancouver, but Waston didn’t hesitate to label the match a must-win.

“Must-win, yes of course,” said the big Costa Rican defender. “Nothing else.

“In our mind only three points and that’s it.”

The Whitecaps suffered the worst defeat in their MLS history when they were throttled 6-0 by Sporting Kansas City last weekend at Children’s Mercy Park. Forwards Yordy Reyna and midfielder Efrain Juarez were handed red cards during a melee in the 40th minute when Vancouver was already trailing 3-0.

Midfielder Felipe said the Whitecaps are facing a test of pride.

“Now it’s not about the beautiful soccer,” he said. “It’s about how much we care about this team.

“That’s what good teams do. Play ugly and win. The most important thing is to get three points.”

After a promising start to the season Vancouver (3-4-1) has tumbled down and now sits in the sixth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference standings.