Austin FC dominated the first half, outshooting Vancouver Whitecaps FC 7 - 1, with the home side's singular shot failing to find the target. Austin FC took a deserved lead on the stroke of halftime when a Cecilio Domínguez pass found Sebastián Driussi, who promptly headed it past goalkeeper Thomas Hasal, giving both sides something to talk about as they headed into the dressing room.
In the second half, Whitecaps interim manager Vanni Sartini made several adjustments, bringing Déiber Caicedo on for Bruno Gaspar, moving Janio Bikel to left back, and Cristian Dájome to right wingback.
Érik Godoy celebrates after scoring the equaliser.
The changes proved fortuitous as fifteen minutes into the second half, a Dájome cross found Érik Godoy, who levelled things at one apiece with a mighty header.
Thirteen minutes later, in the 83rd minute, Déiber Caicedo gave the 'Caps their first lead of the match, thanks to a rebound from a Ryan Gauld shot.
Gauld failed to find the back of the net for the first time in his short Whitecaps career, but he was no less influential, showing the kind of creativity that the Blue and White have been sorely lacking. One can only wonder what would happen if they could have three Designated Players of Gauld's quality.
As befitting a cagey affair, all the stats were close, save for Austin FC's dominance in tackles won (12 – 6), and the Whitecaps lead in clearances (21 – 14).
Next up for the 'Caps is a Cascadia Cup match against Portland Timbers on Friday. With it being a Friday match, and the current border rules, it should prove interesting to see just how many members of the Timbers Army show up. With any luck, those that do will not get to practice their version of Our House by Madness.