Yadaly Diaby's stunning goal propels Whitecaps to victory at Austin

Substitute Yadaly Diaby scored a sensational game-winning goal from the edge of the penalty area in the 71st minute as the visiting Vancouver Whitecaps earned a 2-1 road victory over Austin FC on Saturday night.

Ryan Gauld also scored for Western Conference-leading Vancouver (16-7-7, 55 points), which snapped a four-match winless run while extending its first-place advantage to four points.

Yohei Takaoka made four saves for the Whitecaps, including a critical denial of Brandon Vazquez from an 85th-minute corner kick to preserve the lead in the fourth of five straight on the road for Vancouver.

Myrto Uzuni capitalized on Vancouver defender Tate Johnson's error to give Austin (7-13-10, 31 points) the lead late in the first half.

Despite a 5-3 edge in shots on target, Austin FC struggled to create truly dangerous chances on their own on a night they began seven points beneath the playoff line.

The Whitecaps signed Diaby from French second-tier side Grenoble at the end of the MLS secondary transfer window. He has two goals in eight appearances -- five off the bench -- and on Saturday night made his biggest impact so far six minutes after his entrance.

After receiving Johnson's pass on the left flank, Diaby dribbled to his right against Joseph Rosales, then unleashed a ferocious, curling right-footed strike that rattled the right post on its way into the top right corner.

Gauld pulled Vancouver level two minutes into the second half.

Emmanuel Sabbi and Edier Ocampo combined down the right before Sabbi sent his cross toward the penalty spot. Gauld met it with a glancing header that looped beyond Brad Stuver's dive and inside the left post.

Vancouver probably should've led before halftime after Bruno Caicedo, Brian White and others misfired on quality chances.

Instead, Austin went in front in the 40th minute against the run of play.

After Gauld won a tackle at midfield, Johnson attempted to play the ball back to Takaoka. Uzuni anticipated the decision and intercepted the poorly weighted pass before dispatching a cool, low finish past the Whitecaps goalkeeper.