And that was it. “That’s football,” as both Whitecaps manager Jesper Sørensen and center back Ralph Priso said in the moments after, ruing the chances they had to take the lead.

Seven months on, thanks to his commitment to recovery, Gauld made his triumphant return in early October ahead of the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs, a comeback which has helped greatly inspire his teammates.

Vancouver and manager Jesper Sorensen have had to withstand injuries and sales of key cogs of the team, but with Sebastian Berhalter leading the charge in midfield and Thomas Muller's hot form since joining midseason as a free agent.