Austin FC stun Whitecaps to boost playoff hopes

Vancouver Whitecaps 1-2 Austin FC

VANCOUVER, BC–If Vancouver Whitecaps harbored hopes of winning the Supporters’ Shield, this result is not ideal. The 2-1 result for Austin FC does boost their playoffs hopes and extend their unbeaten run to six as they move to within two points of the playoff line, though they have four teams to pass. The Whitecaps remain three points clear at the top of the Western Conference with a match in hand, though eight points behind Nashville in the race for the Supporters’ Shield.

The Whitecaps got caught on a counter attack in the 28th minute. Facundo Torres sent a dime of a cross to Cristian Ramirez giving Yohei Takaoka no chance. Vancouver had chances and were given a penalty in the 39th minute after Ryan Gauld was taken down in the box. However, Gauld would strike the ensuing spot kick off the crossbar.

Gauld got some redemption in the 49th minute as he sent a thru-ball to Brian White who got in behind the Verde defense and made it 1-1. But a minute later, Gauld would strike another shot off the woodwork. While Gauld could not buy a goal on this day, the Verde would snatch a goal at the hour mark. This time, Joseph Rosales would send a dime to Ramirez to make it 2-1. Those were Austin’s only two shots on target.

Vancouver had six on target, but five were saved by Brad Stuver, including one late on Yadaly Diabi.

The Whitecaps travel to Montreal for the second leg of the Canadian Championship semifinal (4pm PT, ONESoccer) while Austin FC travel to FC Dallas on Saturday in a Copa Tejas matchup (7:30pm CT, Apple TV).

Photos by Gerrit te Hennepe