Vancouver Whitecaps punched their ticket to a 2023 MLS Cup playoffs after defeating St Louis CITY 3-0 at BC Place, as goals from Brian White and Richie Laryea helped seal three points.
Vancouver conquered the 2023 Canadian Championship, and who's to say they won't be looking for more silverware with the red-hot form that White and Ryan Guald are in?
White's goal in the playoff-clinching win was his 15th of the campaign, which is a new career record for the 27-year-old. The former New York Red Bulls player has also added five assists, which ties a career record he set back in 2021 during his first season in Vancouver.
Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini has also relied on the brilliance of Gauld, with the winger amassing 11 goals and 12 assists this term for the Canadian side. Although the likes of Thiago Almada, Lucho Acosta and Roman Burki will be among the favorites for the MPV award, Gauld could have a chance due to his outstanding play with the Whitecaps.
"We are pleased to have clinched our spot in the playoffs, but this is just the next step and not our end goal. MLS is a very competitive league, and we have especially seen that this year in the Western Conference," Vancouver sporting director said Axel Schuster said in a release.
"We know that we have a very strong team, a group that have already enjoyed success in cup competitions, and we are confident that we can meet any challenge. We look forward to bringing an exciting playoff run to our amazing supporters."
Vancouver traded away the versatile Julian Gressel to Columbus Crew, but also brought in veteran reinforcements in the form of Junior Hoilett and Richie Laryea. Since falling short in the Leagues Cup at the hands of Liga MX giants Tigres, the Whitecaps have lost just three times in 10 games played.
The Western Conference team have picked up wins against Portland Timbers, Chicago Fire and Toronto FC during that stretch and will look to add to their 46 collected points in a huge top of the table clash with Seattle Sounders on October 7.
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This article was originally published on 90min as Vancouver Whitecaps return to MLS Cup playoffs after 3-0 triumph over St Louis CITY.