Vancouver Whitecaps grabbed a statement lead over Portland Thorns on Wednesday in their MLS Wild Card showdown thanks to go-to man Ryan Gauld.
The Canadian side had not won in seven MLS games heading into this match against their Cascadian rivals, and to make things worse, they were forced to play away from home due to scheduling conflicts in Vancouver.
But they appear a side full of confidence, no fewer thanks to the efforts of their captain.
Scotland international Gauld first bundled home the ball from close range after some pinball headers before Brian White doubled the lead three minutes later courtesy of his assist.
And Gauld piled more misery on the hosts with his second of the night after he perfectly controlled a ball down and dinked goalkeeper James Pantemis.
Additionally, Gauld and White combined for 25 regular season MLS goals, proving they can get the job done in post-season.
After conceding three goals in 11 minutes all by the half-hour mark, can the Timbers find their way back?
Feature image credit: © Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
