Ryan Gauld scores again as Whitecaps blank LAFC, even series

Ryan Gauld scored his fifth goal of the playoffs and was involved in two more as the Vancouver Whitecaps beat visiting LAFC 3-0 to even their Round 1 series Sunday evening.

Western Conference-leading LAFC committed two own goals against the eighth-seeded Whitecaps, who snapped a seven-match winless run in all competitions against the Black-and-Gold.

The decisive Game 3 will be Friday night in Los Angeles, the site of LAFC’s 2-1 win in Game 1 a week ago. The Game 3 winner will face the fourth-seeded Seattle Sounders, who swept Houston in their series, in a Western Conference semifinal later this month.

Yohei Takaoka made four saves to notch his second postseason clean sheet as Vancouver prolonged the series after being swept by LAFC in this round last season.

Ryan Hollingshead and Eddie Segura were credited with own goals for LAFC, which is seeking a third consecutive MLS Cup appearance.

The Whitecaps had a 2-0 lead by the 13th minute.

After an LAFC turnover deep on the left flank, Gauld received a pass on the left side of the penalty area. He spun to avoid a defender and passed to Brian White, who sent the ball to Stuart Armstrong but his shot was deflected.

Gauld followed the play and drove in the rebound in the 10th minute from close range with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris scrambling.

Three minutes later, Gauld was on the right flank and drove the ball toward the penalty area.

Hollingshead tried to volley the ball but instead redirected it into his net.

LAFC’s best chances to get back into the game came early in the second half. Denis Bouanga forced Takaoka to make arguably his best save in the 60th minute. Bouanga had another shot blocked in the 67th.

Vancouver added insurance in the 68th minute. Gauld hit another cross that Segura redirected across his own goal line.

–Field Level Media