“It’s basically over if, for any significant period of time, Ryan Gauld isn’t 100% healthy.”
That was published on The Third Sub page right at the start of the season, in Caleb’s comments when asked about the biggest potential setback for the Whitecaps in the Preseason Preview. Although it was just one prediction, those words reflected the sentiment felt by most Whitecaps followers heading into the 2025 campaign.
That was for good reason. Following his arrival in Vancouver from Portuguese outfit CD Farense in 2021, the Scottish international has become the talisman of the Whitecaps team. He holds a plethora of records, including being the club’s leading assister in the MLS era, while he also ranks second on the list of Vancouver’s top scorers, only behind teammate Brian White, who frequently benefits from his playmaking abilities.
Despite losing former Dundee United teammate Stuart Armstrong to Sheffield Wednesday and the Whitecaps being placed up for sale, many supporters were hopeful that Vancouver could secure a third consecutive appearance in the playoffs. However, this season started disastrously for Gauld, as after guiding the team to victories over Portland Timbers and LA Galaxy, he was forced off injured during the Whitecaps’ 2-0 win over CF Montreal.
Many feared the worst for the season, but in his absence, remarkably, the Whitecaps excelled. With their skipper on the sidelines, they reached the final of the Concacaf Champions Cup, while their form leaves them firmly in the race to finish top of the Western Conference ahead of the final couple of matches.
Although the team was thriving, Vancouver waited with bated breath for injury updates. However, with the nature of the injury making it impossible to put a timescale on his return, supporters began to wonder when he would be back or even if Gauld would return to full fitness in time for the end of the campaign.
Fortunately, the Whitecaps’ prayers were answered recently. With his team already 3-1 up over Vancouver FC in the Canadian Championship final, Ryan returned to the pitch after 207 days out to a rapturous reception from the 18,000 supporters inside BC Place, who were ecstatic to see their hero return to action.
As if he had never been away, it took Gauld only four minutes to show the Whitecaps exactly what they had missed. In a fashion which we have become accustomed to in recent years, the Scotland international finished a move which he had started, guiding the ball into the far corner to rubber-stamp a fourth consecutive Canadian Championship title.
It was a memorable moment that reminded the supporters of just how good Gauld is, and reinforced to Ryan just how significant his influence is on this team.
Indeed, despite his absence and the arrival of German legend Thomas Müller, Vancouver’s adulation for their ‘Working Class DP’ has remained constant. It has proven impossible to traverse the city without seeing someone wearing a Gauld shirt on matchday, while advertising signs bear his face on corners all around the streets.
Such support is obviously enjoyed by the players, so ahead of the Canadian Championship final, The Third Sub spoke to Ryan to find out just what the support meant to him.
When asked about his relationship with the fans, Ryan spoke passionately, remarking that he had enjoyed seeing the team become closer and connected with the fans during his time in Canada.
“It’s really nice to get that kind of support from people, and I think it is in the last four or five years, it’s been noticeable how much more visible and connected the club seems to be with the fans in the city.”
“That’s not just down to results. A big part of it is results and doing well on the pitch, but it’s also thanks to people at the club who do a lot of work with the community and get us involved, getting us out there to try and create a relationship and make it even more special for the city when we do win.”
As Ryan returns to MLS action, he will join forces with Thomas Müller, after the World Cup winner signed for the Whitecaps in the summer.
Müller is the latest in a long line of veteran signings to have signed for MLS sides from European football, and his arrival has undoubtedly accelerated the rate of growth of the Whitecaps. The MLS regularly compares itself to its European counterparts, with commissioner Don Garber publicly stating his ambition to make the MLS one of the best football leagues in the world.
With Ryan having played in Portugal and Scotland before he arrived in Vancouver and experienced the MLS, Gauld is very familiar with the differences between playing here and in Europe. When asked about the key differences, he said that the travel and climate differences between cities were the biggest challenges that he had faced as a new player in the league.
“I’d say football-wise the biggest has been, you know, all the travel that’s involved. When you play Saturday, then Wednesday, home and away, it’s a lot of travelling.
“And not just all the time to get from A to B, but also, there are a couple of high altitude teams you play at, high humidity, it’s all the different challenges.”
Due to soccer not being the primary sport, the football culture is very different on the North American continent than in any other part of the world. In any other region, the city’s star player would be mobbed by loving supporters as soon as they leave the house, with thousands hoping to grab a photo or celebrate successes with the team’s star player.
However, with Hockey being the most important sport and the Canucks being the main team in the city, this means that there is less public attention on Gauld. He clearly likes the lack of spotlight, and the environment has enabled him to produce his best football.
“And then I would say off the pitch, it’s more low-key. You’re able to kind of take a step back and go out and be in the streets, do things, and not get bothered, which is the nice side.”
Now, Gauld is back in the team, and he will be hoping to cement his place as a Whitecaps legend by guiding his side to further success in this unprecedented season. Vancouver still has first place in the Western Conference in their sights, while with the potential returns of Brian White and Tristan Blackmon, they may be capable of going on a run through the playoffs towards the MLS Cup.
If the Whitecaps can secure the title, then Ryan Gauld will have confirmed his place as one of the greatest players in the club’s history.
This team has been a real joy to support this year – let’s hope they can go to the final. Was really hoping the Sounders could take out LAFC for us as they are the only team I’m worried about moving forward. We need to win that Orlando game.
Gotta lock Jesper with long term contract till he retires.
Agree with Salty. Jesper has done an amazing job. Just about every single player has improved individually under Jesper, and his tactics and style of play suited the squad from day one.
Considering he was appointed only a few weeks before the start of the season, and had no say in the summer arrivals, the job he has done has been truly stunning.
The players deserve credit too of course, because they have thrived in whatever role they have been asked to play.
count me as one who never would have believed the Caps would thrive during Gauld’s absence- it truly has been amazing- the best thing is that it hasnt just been 1 or 2 players who have stepped up – its been every player on the roster- YES, some of have stepped up more with Berhalter, Ahmed, Takaoka and Blackmon leading the way; but some of the lesser lights have also shone- think of Priso, Johnson, Laborda and Ocampo; some have been steady and reliable like Cubas and White
and it all comes back to the Leadership- Owners, Axel Schuster, the scouting staff, the academy development- of course, MOST OF ALL, ITS JESPER SORENSEN
we can dream again !
Salty
Every once in a while, a little pocket of space opens up that contains a store of unexpected pleasure. You can’t predict when it will appear, though in retrospect the cause often looks quite obvious. Sometimes it’s in that space between buying your ticket and the long awaited trip abroad or between acceptance into a program of study and the grind of attending classes. You can’t always put your finger on it.
There are two regular season matches remaining on the calendar and, while I’d love to see the ‘Caps win them both and secure top seed in the west, I feel strangely content, almost detached in an unfamiliar way.
Ryan Gauld has barely returned, Brian White and Tristan Blackmon are on the mend and the playoffs beckon in three weeks time. What a tantalizing prospect. What a feeling.