Ryan Gauld sets up Stuart Armstrong for first Vancouver Whitecaps goal

Stuart Armstrong scored his first goal since joining Vancouver Whitecaps after being set up by fellow Scotland midfielder Ryan Gauld in a 2-0 victory over San Jose Earthquakes.

Gauld, who earned his first two caps against Poland and Portugal this month, had already set up Haiti forward Fafa Picault’s 35th-minute opener before former Dundee United team-mate Armstrong scored two minutes after coming on as a late substitute.

It was Armstrong’s second substitute appearance since finding a new club after exiting Southampton this summer, the 32-year-old having also been given the final six minutes of Whitecaps’ 0-0 draw with Dallas.

Gauld, meanwhile, took his total of assists this season to 12 – 15 goal contributions, including six goals, in the 28-year-old’s latest 15 appearances.

The victory means Whitecaps sit fifth in the Western Conference, 10 points behind leaders LA Galaxy but with a game in hand 27 matches into the season.