Ryan Gauld is hoping for a shoot-out with former Dundee United team-mate Johnny Russell after scoring to cap a man of the match performance for Vancouver Whitecaps to clinch an MLS play-off place.
Gauld’s goal completed his stunning Stateside move after joining the Canadian outfit in the summer when they were sitting second bottom - and setting himself a target of reaching the play-off.
His latest contribution came as he headed home a first half equaliser against Seattle Sounders as the club reached the play offs for the first time in four years.
They were trailing to a Fredy Montero penalty but rallied and delighted Gauld said afterwards: “My goal when I first came over was to reach the playoffs for the club and, thankfully, we've done that.”
Gauld now faces a one-off play-off tie against fellow ex-Tannadice man Russell’s Sporting Kansas City later this month.
Russell finished joint top scorer in the regular MLS season with 15 goals and provided another eight assists in 30 games.
However, he is a doubt for the play off due to an injury but Gauld said: "Hopefully, for him, he'll be back fit and ready to play in the playoffs.
“It should be a good game. We proved (October 17 at home) that we're capable of beating them.
“We'll go there with the same intention, and that's to go into the next round. If Johnny has one of his off nights, if he makes it (into the lineup), then it's brilliant for us."'
