An 89th-minute go-ahead goal from Ryan Gauld gave Vancouver Whitecaps FC an emotional 2-1 victory over LAFC at BC Place on Saturday evening.
Gauld's goal gave the Whitecaps their first win at BC Place with fans in attendance in 539 days. The Scottish midfielder came off the bench for the fourth straight game, scoring his first as a Whitecap and shoving a dagger into the hearts of LAFC. With the win, the Whitecaps are now just three points outside of the Western Conference playoff places and unbeaten in eight matches.
LAFC forward Diego Rossi put the away side up 1-0 from the penalty spot right before the halftime break. He was brought down on the edge of the box and after a Video Review, referee Alex Chilowicz pointed to the spot, much to the dismay of the home fans, who felt it was a soft foul. Earlier in the first half, though, LAFC suffered a blow when Carlos Vela was forced to leave the pitch with an apparent injury.
In an attempt to change the match, Whitecaps head coach Marc Dos Santos brought on Gauld at halftime – a decision that paid off and then some.
The Whitecaps soon got themselves an equalizer through striker Brian White in the 60th minute, with his effort going in off the crossbar. It initially appeared that the ball didn't cross the line, so Gauld pounced on the rebound to make sure. But after a Video Review, the goal was given to White for the initial strike.
Late heroics from Gauld, however, stole the show. He was fed a delicious cross from Ryan Raposo and after carefully timing his leap, he headed home into the top right corner, netting the game-winner.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: LAFC's winless streak continues, with Bob Bradley's side unable to find three points over their past seven matches. They allowed two unanswered second-half goals and came away with nothing, despite a plethora of first-half opportunities. For Vancouver, this is a dream result. They earned three points in their return to BC Place and both of their summer transfer window signings found the back of the net. They’re unbeaten in eight games and slowly climbing up the Western Conference standings.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Ryan Gauld’s go-ahead winner in the 89th minute. It’s a picture-perfect cross from Raposo and a strong header.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Ryan Gauld's first MLS goal came at the most opportune moment possible. His second-half introduction completely changed the game and brought life into Vancouver's attack.
- VAN: Sunday, August 29 vs. Real Salt Lake | 7:30 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
- LAFC: Heineken Rivalry Week match: Saturday, August 28 at LA Galaxy | 7 pm ET (FOX, FOX Deportes)
