Losing home-field advantage merely proved added motivation for the Vancouver Whitecaps as they cruised into the MLS playoffs thanks to their Scottish connection.
The Canadian side were due to face the Portland Timbers at their home, BC Place, in their Wild Card game but had to switch the game to Oregon due to a scheduling clash.
Given they also went into the matchup on a seven-game winless streak, the odds didn’t look good.
Step forward captain Ryan Gauld and Scottish countryman Stuart Armstrong.
The Scottish Connection 🏴#VWFC | #TogetherWeDare https://t.co/08FfZ8raKG
— X – Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) October 24, 2024
Gauld scored a hat-trick and added an assist while Armstrong, who joined the Whitecaps last month, scored one with two assists as Phil Neville’s Portland were blown away 5-0.
Vancouver go on to face the top-seeded LAFC with Game 1 of their three-match first round series slated for Sunday.
“We gelled really well tonight,” Gauld said. “It’s been hard coming into this game, the run of results we had. [But] It shows that when we piece it together and play to the level that we know we can, we’re a really good side.”
Santini delighted with Gauld
Whitecaps boss Vanni Santini was delighted with his side’s performance and how they overcame adversity.
He told mlssoccer.com: “I knew that we could play a very good game.
“We’re very happy – it was a fantastic game. Everything went in the right direction. In the last two games, everything went in the wrong direction. Today went totally in our direction.
“It’s very sweet, I know for the fans, it means a lot.”
On Gauld, he added: “We have a secret ingredient, and it’s called Ryan Gauld. When Ryan leads the team like he did today, it makes it easier for everyone else. What he did today is astonishing.”
