Ryan Gauld’s hat trick leads Vancouver Whitecaps to a 5-0 win over Portland Timbers in MLS playoffs. Whitecaps advance to face LAFC.
Ryan
Gauld’s Hat Trick Propels Vancouver Whitecaps to Dominant 5-0 Win Over Portland
Timbers
Portland,
Oregon - Ryan Gauld delivered a stunning performance on Wednesday night,
scoring three goals and adding an assist to lead the Vancouver Whitecaps to a
resounding 5-0 victory over the Portland Timbers in the first round of the MLS
playoffs. Gauld became the third player in MLS playoff history to contribute to
four goals in a single match, joining an elite list that includes Landon
Donovan and Sebastian Giovinco.
The
Whitecaps took control early in the match, scoring three goals in an 11-minute
span during the first half. Gauld opened the scoring in the 20th minute,
capitalizing on a rebound after a chaotic sequence in the Portland box. Brian
White doubled the lead just four minutes later, finishing a cross from Mathias
Laborda at the back post.
Gauld
added his second goal in the 31st minute, chesting down a pass from Stuart
Armstrong and volleying a powerful shot past Portland goalkeeper James
Pantemis. Armstrong contributed another goal early in the second half with a
header from Fafà Picault’s cross, and Gauld completed his hat trick in the 59th
minute with a sliding finish.
The
victory matched the largest margin of victory in Whitecaps playoff history and
secured their place in the next round. Vancouver now advances to a
best-of-three series against top-seeded Los Angeles FC.
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