Ryan Gauld scored his fifth goal of the playoffs and had a hand in two more as the Vancouver Whitecaps defeated visiting LAFC 3-0 on Sunday night to level their Round 1 series.

LAFC, the Western Conference leaders, committed two own goals against the eighth-seeded Whitecaps, who were riding a seven-game winning streak in all competitions against the Black and Gold.

The decisive Game 3 takes place on Friday evening in Los Angeles, the site of LAFC's 2-1 win in Game 1 a week ago. The winner of Game 3 will face the fourth-seeded Seattle Sounders, who beat Houston in their series, in the Western Conference semifinals later this month.

Yohei Takaoka made four saves to secure his second clean sheet of the season as Vancouver extended the streak after losing to LAFC in this round last season.

Ryan Hollingshead and Eddie Segura were credited with own goals for LAFC, which is seeking a third straight MLS Cup appearance.

The Whitecaps were already ahead 2-0 in the 13th minute.

After LAFC lost the ball deep on the left side, Gauld received a pass on the left side of the penalty area. He turned to avoid a defender and passed to Brian White, who sent the ball to Stuart Armstrong, but his shot was deflected.

Gauld followed the game and shot the rebound into the goal from close range in the 10th minute while goalkeeper Hugo Lloris fought back.

Three minutes later, Gauld was on the right and drove the ball towards the penalty area.

Hollingshead tried to volley the ball but instead deflected it into his net.

LAFC's best chance to get back into the game came early in the second half. Denis Bouanga forced Takaoka into perhaps his best save in the 60th minute. Bouanga was blocked again in the 67th minute.

Vancouver provided additional security in the 68th minute. Gauld hit another cross, which Segura directed over his own goal line.

–Field level media