Ryan Gauld named MLS Player of the Matchday for Matchday 21

VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC attacking midfielder Ryan Gauld has been named the MLS Player of the Matchday presented by Continental Tire for his performance against Los Angeles FC in Matchday 21.

Gauld tallied a goal, two assists, 81.5% passing accuracy, 10 successful duels, a team-high nine crosses, a team-high four chances created and a team-high three successful tackles as the 'Caps claimed their first-ever win at BMO Stadium with a 3-2 away victory over the defending champions. The Scotsman was the only player in the league to record three goal contributions in Matchday 21.

Saturday's match marked the eighth time Gauld has recorded multiple goal contributions in one game during his Whitecaps FC career and the first time a 'Caps player tallied a goal as well as two assists in a match since attacking midfielder Yordy Reyna did so against Minnesota United FC on July 28, 2018.

With his performance on Saturday, Gauld is up to five goals and six assists in 20 starts and 21 appearances across all competitions in 2023, with all five of his goals, along with three assists, coming in his last five appearances for the club. In MLS play, Gauld has now produced at least four goals and four assists in each of his last three seasons with the 'Caps, one of only eight players in the league to accomplish the feat.

Gauld becomes the second 'Caps player to be named MLS Player of the Matchday this season, joining forward Simon Becher (Matchday 6). This is the first time Vancouver has had multiple players named MLS Player of the Matchday in the same season since 2018, when Alphonso Davies (Matchday 15) and Cristian Techera (Matchday 13) did so.

Earlier in the day, Gauld was named to the MLS Team of the Matchday alongside defensive midfielder Andrés Cubas.

Gauld and the rest of the 'Caps are back in action on Saturday, July 1 for a Canada Day road clash against fellow Western Conference side Sporting Kansas City at Children's Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. PT. You can catch the match live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV or tune in to AM730 (radio), with the radio pre-game show starting at 4:30 p.m. PT.

The Blue and White's next home match is set for Saturday, July 8 as they host their 10th annual Pride Match against Cascadia rivals Seattle Sounders FC at BC Place, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. PT. Tickets are still available at www.whitecapsfc.com/tickets.

The MLS Player of the Matchday is selected each matchday of the regular season through both media and fan voting in a process conducted by MLS Communications. A panel of journalists from the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) comprises 75 percent of the vote, while a Twitter fan vote represents the remaining 25 percent of voting. NASR consists of members of print, television, radio, and online media.

MLS Season Pass
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.