VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC attacking midfielder Ryan Gauld and wingback Richie Laryea have been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday following their performances in the 'Caps dominant 3-0 victory over Western Conference leaders St. Louis CITY SC on Matchday 36, as the Blue and White punched their ticket to the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs.
Gauld assisted Sebastian Berhalter's left-footed curler in the 82nd minute, continuing to lead MLS in goal contributions since May 31 with 22 (11 goals, 11 assists). In addition, the Scottish playmaker recorded a goal that was called back for offside, two shots, two successful dribbles, a team-high five chances created, a team-high five tackles, a team-high 16 duels, and a team-high 28 passes in the final third on Saturday night.
This is the 12th time this season Gauld has been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday.
On Thursday, the Scotsman was announced as a finalist for the Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player award.
Meanwhile, Laryea notched his first 'Caps goal in second half stoppage time, recorded two interceptions, eight duels, won three fouls, and tallied 86.5% passing accuracy against St. Louis.
Laryea becomes the ninth different 'Caps player to be named to the MLS Team of the Matchday this season, joining Gauld (Matchday 11, Matchday 14, Matchday 16, Matchday 21, Matchday 25, Matchday 26, Matchday 28, Matchday 29, Matchday 30, Matchday 32, Matchday 35, Matchday 36), Brian White (Matchday 11, Matchday 16, Matchday 28), Yohei Takaoka (Matchday 8, Matchday 10), Simon Becher (Matchday 5, Matchday 6), Ali Ahmed (Matchday 6), Tristan Blackmon (Matchday 4), Andrés Cubas (Matchday 21), and Ranko Veselinović (Matchday 17).
F: Karol Swiderski (CLT), Dénis Bouanga (LAFC), Ryan Gauld (VAN)
M: Cristian Roldan (SEA), Dániel Gazdag (PHI), Xherdan Shaqiri (CHI), Frankie Amaya (RBNY)
D: Malte Amundsen (CLB), Robin Jansson (ORL), Richie Laryea (VAN)
GK: Brad Stuver (ATX)
Coach: Frank Klopas (CHI)
Bench: Andre Blake (PHI), Lassi Lappalainen (MTL), Gastón Giménez (CHI), João Paulo (SEA), Sebastián Driussi (ATX), Maren Haile-Selassie (CHI), Diego Rossi (CLB), Tomás Chancalay (NE), Duncan McGuire (ORL)
With the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs on the horizon, Gauld, Laryea, and rest of the ‘Caps will look to continue climbing the Western Conference as they take on Cascadia rivals Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday, October 7 at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. PT. You can catch the match live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV or listen live on AM730 radio.
Vancouver will wrap up the 2023 MLS regular season on Saturday, October 21 with a Decision Day clash against Los Angeles FC at BC Place, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. PT. Tickets are still available at www.whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
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The 2023 season sees the debut of MLS Season Pass, the unprecedented subscription service from Apple and MLS that will have every match of the regular season, Audi 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, and Leagues Cup – all in one place and with no blackouts. As an exclusive benefit, Whitecaps FC 2023 Season Members will receive a subscription to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, as well as significant savings over single match tickets.
