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Vancouver Whitecaps' Ryan Gauld, left, and Brian White celebrate Gauld's goal during the second half of an MLS soccer match against San Diego FC, in Vancouver, on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
By The Canadian Press

White scores 100th MLS goal as Whitecaps cruise to 4-1 victory over San Diego FC

Oct 28, 2026 | 10:52 PM

VANCOUVER — Striker Brian White scored his 100th Major League Soccer goal while Ryan Gauld added a goal and an assist as the Vancouver Whitecaps defeated San Diego FC 4-1 Wednesday night to strengthen their hold on first place in the Western Conference.

Midfielder Aleksa Cvetkovic, with his first goal as a Whitecap, and forward Bruno Caicedo also scored for Vancouver before a crowd of 21,718 at BC Place Stadium.

Midfielder Onni Valakari scored on a header in the 83rd minute for San Diego (8-13-11), who were eliminated from the playoff race by the loss. The visitors had their winless streak stretched to 10 games (0-5-5).

White collected his 19th goal of the season across all competitions when he directed in a header off a shot from midfielder Oliver Larraz in the 42nd minute.

The 30-year-old White now has 98 goals as a Whitecap across all competitions since joining the squad in 2021.

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The Whitecaps (17-8-7) lead the Western Conference with 58 points. With two regular-season games left, Vancouver gained some breathing room when earlier in the day FC Dallas lost 2-0 to the Columbus Crew to drop four points behind the Whitecaps.

Midfielder Thomas Muller substituted into the game in the 74th minute. He had missed four matches after suffering a hamstring injury Oct. 6 against the Chicago Fire.

Cvetkovic, who joined the Whitecaps in August after three seasons in the Serbian SuperLiga, opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Defender Mathias Laborda sent a ball into the centre of the box that Cvetkovic directed into net with his left foot.

Gauld gave Vancouver a 3-0 lead in the 66th minute, heading in a ball shot by forward Rayan Elloumi. He also earned an assist on Cvetkovic’s opening goal.

Caicedo scored in the 76th minute, sprinting down the field and firing a right-footed shot from the centre of the box.

Earlier in the half, Laborda made a big play around his own net.

San Diego forward Cedric Bakambu had two good chances in the 14th minute. He sprinted down the field and fired a shot that Vancouver goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka stopped. Bakambu collected the rebound and took a left-footed shot that Laborda headed away on the goal line.

NOTES: White became the 17th player in MLS history to score 100 goals. …Vancouver returned home after going 1-2-2 in five consecutive road games. … Whitecaps forward Emmanuel Sabbi missed the game with a high ankle sprain. …San Diego’s last win was a 3-1 decision over the L.A. Galaxy on Aug. 22.

UP NEXT

Whitecaps: Host the Seattle Sounders on Sunday.

San Diego: Visits St. Louis SC on Saturday.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 28, 2026.

Jim Morris, The Canadian Press


by The Canadian Press

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