MLS top attacking duos: Whitecaps' stars Ryan Gauld and Brian White lead the way

The most dynamic duo in Major League Soccer is located on the Canadian West Coast. Vancouver Whitecaps' stars Brian White and Ryan Gauld are currently joined first with 25 goals scored (overview). Together, White (14 goals and six assists) and Gauld (11 goals and 11 assists) have been directly involved in 42 goals this season. That makes them the most dangerous attacking duo in MLS. Individually, both Gauld and White have never been more productive during a single league campaign throughout their careers. 

A perfect example of the excellent partnership between the Gauld and White was on full display against D.C. United on Saturday (2-2). Within two minutes, Gauld rushed into D.C. United’s box, his pinpoint cross found White’s head, and from there, the ball crossed the line for an early lead. Then, in the second half, White was brought down inside the box for a penalty, and Gauld stepped up to score. According to the Transfermarkt database, the four goals produced scorer points 39, 40, 41, and 42 for the Scottish Messi and the New Jersey Mario Gomez (TM counts drawn penalties as an assist). 

But what has made the two such an effective duo this season? "I'm not really sure that's something I could put a finger on,” White said when asked about his chemistry with Gauld after the D.C. United game. “I think ever since we started playing together in 2021, I think we've had this good connection on and off the field. We just have a good run of form right now, and it's just opening goals and helping the team, and hopefully, we can continue on this pattern of play."

Sartini: Gauld and White partnership “extremely important” for Whitecaps 

“They are extremely important,” head coach Vanni Sartini said when asked about his dynamic attacking duo. Sartini added that the club consciously decided to build the team around Gauld and White. “From the Gold Cup in June, we built the team to enhance that partnership; we did everything to take off the defensive load from them, make them play as close as possible with each other and as close to the goal as we can. And they paid us back!” Indeed, the club made some important moves this summer and early fall to clear the path for Gauld and White to carry this team. 

The Whitecaps traded midfielder Julian Gressel to Columbus Crew after the German revealed that he was reluctant to sign a new contract. Then, the club also sold Designated Player striker Sergio Córdova to Alanyaspor for €1.8m. The club also moved on Déiber Caicedo, sending him to Junior FC, and traded away Cristian Dájome to D.C. United. The club then added national team players Richie Laryea (on loan from Nottingham), Sam Adekugbe (Hatayspor), and Junior Hoilett (free agent). Laryea and Adekugbe have added more width to the Whitecaps, which in turn creates more space for Gauld and White in the center of the park. 

They also provide an additional attacking threat. Even though Gauld and White are the club’s lifeblood when it comes to scoring goals, head coach Sartini knows that his side needs to find other ways to score goals and not become too predictable. “The team is built in a way that everything goes towards them in the final third,” Sartini said. That means any success this season will hinge on those two attacking players. “Not to put them under pressure, but they are the guys that have more chances, and we really rely on them heavily,” Sartini added.