October 24, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release
PORTLAND, OR – It was a historic evening in Portland for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, as they put five past the Portland Timbers in what was a dominant display to secure their spot into the Round One Best-of-3 Series in the 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
The match started physically, as heavy early challenges set the tone for this do-or-die Wild Card encounter.
Ryan Gauld had the first clear chance, testing goalkeeper James Pantemis into a good punch save to deny the Scot. That moment would prove a sign of things to come.
It didn’t take much longer for the first goal to go in for the ‘Caps. After chaos in the box following a corner kick, Fafa Picault made a snapshot volley that forced a huge save from Pantemis. Tristan Blackmon tried to beat him on the rebound but the Timbers ‘keeper was equal to it, however he could not deny Gauld from tapping it in on the third time of asking.
Brian White made it 2-0 just minutes later through some great attacking play. Gauld made a deep cross into the box for Mathías Laborda to latch onto. After some clever close control, Laborda was able to drill a ball across for White to tap-in.
The ‘Caps took a 3-0 lead inside the first half thanks to more magic from their Scottish connection. Stuart Armstrong was found at the edge of the box by Pedro Vite and dinked a perfect pass over the head of three defenders right onto the chest of Gauld. The captain then hit a wonderful lob into the top corner.
Evander came close to clawing one back for Portland in the 40th minute, lashing a shot towards the ‘Caps’ net and forcing Yohei Takaoka to make a big stop.
The second half started in the same way for Whitecaps FC as it did in the first half, with the ‘Caps running riot. Armstrong made it 4-0 just six minutes into the second half. After Vite found Picault on the right side of the box, the Haitian international picked out Armstrong with a wonderfully weighted cross towards the back post and Armstrong hammered home the goal with a diving header.
The ‘Caps made it a high-flying five just shy of the hour mark, thanks to the Scottish connection once more. Armstrong played Gauld in-behind the Portland defence and the MLS All-Star got his hat-trick after an outstretched finish to complete a stellar individual display.
The ‘Caps now get set for a rematch against LAFC, starting this coming Sunday, October 27 at BMO Stadium. Kickoff will be at 6:45 p.m. PT, live on TSN, FS1, free on…
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