It’s safe to say Vancouver Whitecaps midfielder Ryan Gauld had a solid 2024 season.
The Scottish midfielder scored 17 goals and got 16 assists in 40 matches in all competitions. Those were career-high numbers for Gauld. He even managed to get his first senior call-ups in over a decade for the Scottish national team and played his first minutes for his country.
While Gauld had a standout season, both he and the Whitecaps fell short of their season targets. They won the Canadian Championship three years in a row. But for the second year in a row, they got knocked out of round one by LAFC in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Gauld in particular, was a standout in the playoffs with five goals and two assists in three games against LAFC and the Wild Card match against the Portland Timbers. But of course, he and the ‘Caps wanted more.
Gauld and the Whitecaps want more.
The Whitecaps captain took time out of his schedule to speak with the media through Zoom on Friday morning.
“A lot of frustration,” said Gauld when asked his thoughts on the season. “We felt we were close, we closed the gap and we couldn’t quite get it done. I think there were a lot of positives we could have taken from the season [like] winning the Canadian Championship again. There’s a lot of mixed emotions coming out from the end of the season…still little bits we can improve on, but definitely a lot of positives we can take from the year.”
It is hard to really asses whether the Whitecaps progressed, regressed or took a step back in 2024. Like Gauld said there were positives such as the away form, winning the Canadian Championship. But the negatives can’t be ignored. For instance there was the underwhelming home form, lack of scoring chances created and the fact they Whitecaps limped into the playoffs with two points in the final seven games of the regular season.
“I think on our best days we definitely progressed,” he said when asked whether the club progressed or not. “But I think when you look at the overall picture of the season, you can say it was more of the same with the fact that we didn’t get past the first round of playoffs. I think as a club and as a group we definitely got better and improved in certain areas where we were weaker the years before. I think the next step is going to be success in the playoffs. That’s what it’s going to take next year to be able to say that we improved.”
Saying goodbye to Vanni Sartini
To the surprise of many, Vanni Sartini was fired as the Whitecaps head coach this past week. Gauld had plenty of things to say about his former coach.
“No one likes to see anyone lose their job especially as good a guy as Vanni is and what he’s done for the club,” he said. “I think it’s time that you know we all look forward to what’s coming next and make sure we can do what we can to bring the club forward…The performances weren’t at the level that we wanted them to be as players, so we have to take responsibility for that.”
Gauld isn’t sure what kind of coach he would like to come in. In fact, it seemed it didn’t matter to him who came in as long as he and the team did their jobs.
“I’m sure (Sporting director and CEO) Axel (Schuster) has got his plans, his visions of what he wants from the next manager and what he feels can bring this group of players to the next level,” said Gauld. “Once a manager comes in, it comes down to the players to respond to what’s being asked and making sure we do what we can to try and bring success to the club.”
He, of course, had nothing but kind words and gratitude for Sartini.
“We wish him the best for all that he does in the future. Whatever football brings him next, we’ll wish him nothing but the best. Looking forward for us, it’ll be different I’m sure.”
Gauld’s first year as captain and looking to improve in 2025
2024 was Gauld’s first year as captain and it was a learning experience for him.
“Being a captain for the first time, brought up different kinds of challenges both on and off the pitch,” he said. “There was plenty that I learned from…like when we were behind, trying to get people going, that is something that I can always improve on and trying to be more vocal. Then off the pitch and trying to help out with whatever the group are feeling. It’s been a different year for me.”
Gauld expressed his excitement for next season but also talked about the need for consistency from the whole team.
“A lot of times we looked like one of the top sides in the conference and then other weeks we looked at a completely different side and unrecognizable,” he said. “So finding that consistency, obviously in football no team can be at their best every week. If you look at…Man City, look at what they’re going through right now. Every team goes through little spells. I think a big thing for us is to try and find that consistency.”
Tying the Knot
Gauld is heading back to Scotland next week. It’s been a whirlwind for him the past few weeks. From getting knocked out of the playoffs, to playing for Scotland with teammate Stuart Armstrong in the UEFA Nations League ,(Scotland beat Poland and Croatia) to preparing for his wedding.
This winter, he will be marrying his longtime partner, Katherine Hutchinson.
“We’re getting married at a local castle close to where Katherine and I grew up,” said Gauld with a smile. “Looking forward to that, it’ll be nice to put football in the back of our minds for a bit.”
2025 looks to big year for the Whitecaps and Gauld-but will it?
