MLS: White leads Whitecaps past San Jose, Montreal edge Atlanta

Brian White scored a hat-trick as Vancouver Whitecaps saw off San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, while Atlanta United fell to Romell Quioto's brace for Montreal.

Brian White led Vancouver Whitecaps to a 3-0 win over San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday as the Canadians boosted their prospects of making the MLS play-offs.

White scored a hat-trick as the Whitecaps moved within just one point of the seventh and final post-season spot in the Western Conference heading into the last seven matches of the regular season.

A recruit from New York Red Bulls following June's trade, White – who has scored eight goals in his past nine games – opened the scoring in the 26th minute.

White doubled the lead with a header approaching the hour mark before completing his first career hat-trick 17 minutes from the end – using his head to get on the end of Ryan Gauld's corner.