Vancouver Whitecaps in playoff picture after beating Real Salt Lake

Updated: May 17, 2023, 06:30 am

VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Pedro Morales scored his second goal of the game in the 78th minute in the Vancouver Whitecaps' 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake on Saturday.

Morales scored off a deflection to spark a wild celebration as Vancouver passed Portland for the final Western Conference playoff spot.

Vancouver (9-8-13) leads Portland by a point with four games remaining for each club. Portland blew a two-goal lead earlier Saturday in a 3-2 loss at Toronto.

Morales tied it at 1 in the 62nd minute on a penalty kick.

Nat Borchers scored for Real Salt Lake (13-7-10).