VANCOUVER, BC – Major League Soccer announced on Thursday that Vancouver Whitecaps FC goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka and attacking midfielder Ryan Gauld have been named to the MLS Team of the Matchday for Matchday 25 following their performances in the club's 3-0 win over LA Galaxy at BC Place. The win saw the 'Caps keep a three-point gap at the top of the Western Conference standings and move closer to the Supporters' Shield.
Takaoka earned his 10th MLS clean sheet of the season, and 12th across all competitions. The native of Yokohama, Japan saved five shots and also completed 91 per cent of his passes. Last night was his fourth shutout in his last six games.
Gauld scored his fourth goal and recorded his first assist of the season across all competitions (4G, 1A). Gauld created the most chances in the match with four, made three tackles and won five duels. With the goal, the product of Laurencekirk, Scotland became the first player in the club's MLS era with 50+ goals and 50+ assists across all competitions (50G, 54A).
Along with Takaoka and Gauld, the 'Caps have had a heavy presence on the MLS Team of the Matchday throughout the season, with forward Brian White (Matchday 3, Matchday 4, Matchday 7, Matchday 10, Matchday 15, Matchday 22), attacking midfielder Thomas Müller (Matchday 2, Matchday 15, Matchday 19, Matchday 20, Matchday 23), defender MathÃas Laborda (Matchday 4, Matchday 11), defender Édier Ocampo (Matchday 22). forward Emmanuel Sabbi (Matchday 8), defender Tristan Blackmon (Matchday 3), and head coach Jesper Sørensen (Matchday 3, Matchday 15) earning selections, as well as former midfielder Sebastian Berhalter (Matchday 1, Matchday 3, Matchday 4, Matchday 6, Matchday 12, Matchday 13).
MLS Team of the Matchday: Matchday 25
F: Rafael Navarro (STL), Tai Baribo (DC), Bruno Damiani (PHI)
M: Antoine Griezmann (ORL), Niko Tsakiris (SJ), Cavan Sullivan (PHI), Kristoffer Velde (POR)
D: Andrew Gutman (CHI), Casemiro (MIA), Ilay Feingold (NE)
GK: Chris Brady (CHI) Â Coach: Ryan Richter (PHI)
Bench: Yohei Takaoka (VAN), Kaick (DAL), Jude Terry (LAFC), Ryan Gauld (VAN), Quinn Sullivan (PHI), Dániel Sallói (TOR), Allan Saint-Maximin (CLT), Mateusz Bogusz (HOU), Guilherme (HOU)
Whitecaps FC are back in action this coming Sunday, September 13 as they host Austin FC, with the match presented by Tim Hortons. The 'Caps will also be recognizing Soccer for Cancer, with fans able to donate at the club's fundraising page. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. PT. For tickets, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
