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Carl Robinson's reaction said it all. As Pedro Morales turned home Steven Beitashour's shot to give the Whitecaps a 2-1 lead late in the game against Real Salt Lake, our cameras showed Robinson leaping high into the air, fist pumped - a release of tension as much as a show of joy.

This was a game the Whitecaps had to win. A week on from the doom and gloom of a heavy defeat in Portland, there was a much different feel ahead of the game at BC Place. Toronto FC's incredible comeback win against the Timbers earlier in the day had handed the 'Caps the chance to leapfrog Portland back into the playoff places. The Whitecaps players arrived with a spring in their step, knowing they had a golden opportunity.

After getting a favour from across the country, the Whitecaps had to get the job done themselves, something they have struggled with since the World Cup break, so when Pedro Morales missed a penalty with the last kick of the first half, there was an all too familiar feeling of deflation around BC Place.

Robinson said the half-time team talk was his hardest of the season, and the 'Caps playoff chances took another turn for the worse when Nat Borchers headed in to give RSL the lead shortly after halftime. But on this occasion, the Whitecaps responded in a positive manner.

There's little doubt Pedro Morales is running in an empty tank. The Designated Player has been playing for 14 months straight, but the captain was able to dig deep in the second half and produced the type of performance that was his trademark in the early months of the season.

Having already missed a penalty, Morales showed guts and leadership to step up and take another. He was also on hand to score the winner, and pulled the strings effectively for the 'Caps after the break. All this after he was nearly taken off at halftime. The Chilean now has 10 goals and 10 assists in his first MLS season and is a lead candidate for the league's Newcomer of the Year award.

For the first time in a while, the Whitecaps' young substitutes were able to come on and impact the game. Kekuta Manneh was back to his best, running at defenders and creating chances. He only had 13 minutes to influence the match, but he managed to do so. It is something that has been seen too rarely from the 19-year-old this season. He proved again on Saturday that he has all the tools necessary to become a top player, but consistency is a major concern - not just on matchday but in training as well.

Darren Mattocks had a much better day than he did in Portland a week earlier and Nicolas Mezquida also played a valuable role off the bench. But on Saturday, there were strong performances throughout the lineup. David Ousted was superb in goal, Matias Laba was excellent throughout, and Russell Teibert had his best performance of the season in the holding midfield role alongside Laba in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Teibert also showed the leadership skills that will likely see him become a future club captain. He was the one to step in and sort things out between Manneh and Mezquida when tempers flared following a delightful run from Manneh who opted to shoot rather than feed Mezquida, who would have had a clear sight at goal.

One other moment that caught the eye came late in the game as Mauro Rosales once again proved what a valuable addition he has been to this team. Having left the game, the veteran midfielder was heavily involved on the sidelines, coaching and offering his thoughts to Robinson. With the way this squad has been built, it would be great to see Rosales stay next season - maybe even in a player-coach role.

The Whitecaps had to ride a few nervy moments towards the end, but they stood firm to deny Real Salt Lake a point that would have confirmed their place in the playoffs for the seventh straight season. There's no doubt RSL will make it, but whether the Whitecaps will join them is unlikely to be decided until the very end. The 'Caps haven't been consistently good enough in the last few months, but Saturday's win has at least ensured their fate is back in their own hands.

After an emotion-filled afternoon, they have to go though it all again next week with a home match against fourth-placed FC Dallas. With a one point lead over Portland in the chase for fifth spot, there is little margin for error.

Vancouver Whitecaps against FC Dallas is live on TSN 2 on Saturday at 7pm et/4pm pt