Defender Matias Laborda scored the decisive goal during the penalty shootout after netting a goal in the first half, leading the Vancouver Whitecaps to a 6-5 victory over LAFC in the Western Conference semifinals on Saturday night. This match was played in front of a record-breaking crowd of 53,957 at BC Place.
The second-seeded Whitecaps reached their first Western Conference finals, having ended regulation and 30 minutes of extra time tied at 2-2.
Son Heung-min, who scored twice in the second half to equalize for LAFC, hit the post to begin the penalty shootout, while Sebastian Berhalter successfully converted his shot for the Whitecaps. LAFC’s Dennis Bouanga and Vancouver’s Jayden Nelson exchanged goals, and Mark Delgado missed his attempt, shooting over the goal. Ryan Gold then put the Whitecaps up 3-1, but LAFC fought back to level the score before Laborda found the net again.
This marks Vancouver’s first appearance in the conference finals since they joined the league in 2011. They now await the outcome of Monday’s match featuring top-seeded San Diego FC and fourth-seeded Minnesota United.
The Whitecaps took a 1-0 advantage in the 39th minute as goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka’s long kick was converted by Emmanuel Sabbi, marking his first postseason goal in three appearances.
Vancouver extended their lead to two goals at halftime with Laborda’s strike during the first minute of stoppage time, marking his first playoff goal in seven games over the past three seasons.
LAFC narrowed the deficit to 2-1 early in the second half with Son’s unassisted goal in the 60th minute, his first postseason goal in just his third match after scoring nine times during the regular season.
The Whitecaps were left with ten players after Tristan Blackmon received a red card in the second minute of stoppage time. Son equalized with a remarkable free kick three minutes later.
Despite having the upper hand in overtime, LAFC failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage, leading to the penalty shootout.
Vancouver had previously lost in the semifinals in both 2015 and 2017.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
Fan Take: This thrilling victory for Vancouver is significant as it marks a new chapter in the club’s history and showcases the growth of soccer in North America. Fans should celebrate this milestone, as it not only elevates the team’s profile but also enhances the competitive spirit in MLS leading to more exciting matches ahead.
