Scotland star hailed as ‘best player in club’s history’ after stunning hat-trick

RYAN GAULD was already considered Vancouver Whitecaps’ best player before last night’s clash against Portland Timbers.

But now the Scotland international is being hailed as the “best player in the club’s history” after scoring a stunning hat-trick to help seal a huge play-off win at Providence Park.

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Gauld, 28, stole the show in Portland as Vancouver won 5-0 thanks to three goals from the midfielder, who also provided an assist in the rout.

He made history with his performance as he was the first opposition star to score three at Portland’s home ground.

And he is now only the third player in history to notch up with four goal contributions in a play-off match, following in the footsteps of Landon Donovan in 2014 and Sebastian Giovinco in 2016.

But although it was Gauld who grabbed the headlines for his display, he wasn’t the only Scotsman in fine form.

Team-mate Stuart Armstrong also found the back of the net and even set up two of Gauld’s goals.

And the pair were involved in one goal that some are even claiming should be up for a Puskas Award.

Vancouver raced into an early two-goal lead in the match before the two players linked up to score the “outrageous” goal.

It all happened so quick as Armstrong received the ball in the box before deciding to dink it over several Portland defenders to his Scotland team-mate, who cushioned it with his chest before pulling off a delicate chip over goalkeeper James Pantemis.

And fans were in awe of the goal, with one posting on social media: “Ryan Gauld going for the Puskas Award!”

Someone else said: “Incredible piece of skill to lift that over the keeper from there.”

Another commented: “Ryan Gauld that is simply outrageous.”

While someone else added: “What a stunner.”

Others made sure to show their appreciation for Armstrong for his involvement, with one saying: “The pass from Armstrong as well”

While someone else commented: “God bless the beautiful Country of Scotland.”

Armstrong recently joined his Scotland and former Dundee United pal in Vancouver last month on a free transfer.

Gauld has been there for over three years and named the club’s Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons, before being named captain earlier this year.

And now many reckon the playmaker is not only their best current player, but their best in the club’s history.

Someone said: “Best player in club history. No doubt in my mind.”

While another added: “Gauld really is the best there ever has been.”

Speaking after the huge 5-0 win, Armstrong revealed his delight at lining up with Gauld as he insisted the midfielder is a “joy” to play alongside.

He said: “From knowing him before I knew he was a player of quality, producing assists, goals that were just different from others – which obviously earned him a move away.

“And seeing him now he’s grown as a player and as a person, he’s very mature; makes great decisions, a leader of the team on and off the pitch and leads by example as you saw three beautiful different goals.

“He has a lot of quality technically, mentally, physically and a real asset to the team so 

I’m not surprised to see him doing so well.

“I’ve always known he’s had this huge amount of potential and talent and to be a part of that and play alongside him is a joy.

“I think it was a wonderful performance from him and his second goal in particular was just magnificent.”

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