Christian Ramírez delivered the decisive touch twice as Austin FC earned a hard-fought 2-1 MLS victory over Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place on Sunday.

Vancouver controlled much of the ball and created the greater volume of opportunities, finishing with 59.6 percent possession, 20 shots and six efforts on target. But Austin were ruthlessly efficient in front of goal, converting both of their shots on target as Ramírez’s brace overturned Brian White’s second-half equaliser.

Ramírez gives Austin the first-half edge

Austin struck first in the 28th minute, when Ramírez found the net to give the visitors a 1-0 interval lead. The away side had offered comparatively little attacking output, registering only four total shots across the match, but made their moments count.

The first half also grew increasingly combative. Austin’s Jon Bell and Joseph Rosales were booked in the 35th and 37th minutes respectively, while Vancouver midfielder Oliver Larraz saw yellow in first-half stoppage time.

White responds, but Austin find a winner

The Whitecaps began the second half with urgency and were level four minutes after the restart. White scored in the 49th minute to reward Vancouver’s sustained pressure and make it 1-1.

Yet Austin responded in the clearest possible fashion. Ramírez restored the visitors’ advantage in the 60th minute, completing his two-goal afternoon and putting Austin back in front at 2-1.

Vancouver continued to press, winning six corners to Austin’s none and producing 16 shot assists, but could not find a second equaliser. Austin defended their narrow advantage through a tense closing spell, despite further bookings for the Whitecaps in the 77th and 80th minutes.

The visitors finished the match with 10 players after Guilherme Biro was sent off in the 90th minute, before Besard Sabovic was booked in stoppage time. Still, Austin saw out the result to take all three points from Vancouver.

What’s next

Vancouver Whitecaps return to MLS action on Saturday, September 19, when they host Real Salt Lake. Austin FC travel to face FC Dallas later that day.