Whitecaps extend MLS unbeaten streak to 10 matches with victory over Austin

VANCOUVER — The Vancouver Whitecaps overcame a weak opening half and scored goals 13 minutes apart late in the game to defeat Austin FC 2-1 Saturday and continue their hunt for a Major League Soccer playoff spot.

Midfielder Deiber Caicedo scored the winner in the 83rd minute after defender Erik Godoy, who returned to the lineup after missing four games with a foot injury, tied the game in the 70th.

Midfielder Sebastian Driussi scored in the 45th minute for Austin. “It was a tough game,” said Godoy, who scored his first goal in two seasons. “We were patient with the ball.

“I know I had to wait a while for another goal. I had a lot of injuries to power through. It took me a while to get back into full fitness. I’m just happy to help the team now.”

Defender Florian Jungwirth said the Whitecaps were frustrated after being outplayed most of the first half.

“In the first half we didn’t play well, we didn’t create a lot of chances,” he said. “We played a little slow and a little sloppy.

“We were all pretty upset at halftime. We expected more from ourselves. We talked. We were critical of each other. We knew we had to do better. We came out flying and turned the game around in great style.”

Caicedo, a second-half substitute, put Vancouver ahead after Austin goalkeeper Brad Stuver stopped a long shot from Ryan Gauld. Caicedo fired the rebound into the net, bringing the crowd of 9,223 to their feet at B.C. Place Stadium.