Vancouver Whitecaps vs LAFC summary: score, goals, highlights, | MLS Cup Playoffs
Vancouver Whitecaps vs LAFC: how it happened
LAFC are through to the Western Conference semifinals after a battling win over Vancouver Whitecaps.
The reigning MLS Cup holders needed a victory to confirm their qualification and they took the lead midway through the first half when top scorer Denis Bouanga coolly slotted home a penalty kick.
Vancouver rallied in the second half but could not find the leveller, Brian White missing a good chance with just minutes remaining.
It looked like LAFC had made it safe in injury time when Bouanga had the ball in the back of the net after a controversial spell of play. Vancouver coach Vanni Sartini was dismissed for his protestations, before the goal was ruled out for offside anyway.
It made no difference in the end and LAFC saw out the win to ease past Vancouver in this best-of-three series.
With tonight's win LAFC have confirmed their place in the Conference semifinals of the 2023 MLS Cup. They join two other teams in securing passage from Round One.
Here's where we stand after an engrossing evening of playoff action...
Vanni Sartini, the Vancouver head coach dismissed just minutes earlier, is now back out on the pitch to console his team and congratulate the victorious LAFC players.
He shares a warm embrace with Chiellini and LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo.
LAFC progress to Western Conference semifinals
The MLS Cup holders are through and Vancouver Whitecaps are out, but that barely scratches the surface of a thrilling game at BC Place. The hosts will feel hard-done-by but LAFC were the better team across the two games and did well to close out the victory tonight.
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Peeeeep peeeeep peeeeeep
And that's all from an engrossing game at BC Place.
The home crowd are furious but LAFC are victorious.
To recap:
- The Vancouver head coach has been dismissed.
- LAFC have a one-goal lead.
- Vancouver need to score in the dying seconds to remain in MLS Cup.
GOAL DISALLOWED!
The goal is ruled out for offside, Vancouver have a few seconds left!
Vanni Sartini (Vancouver)
The Vancouver head coach is dismissed for his reaction.
It was Denis Bouanga who received the ball from Carlos Vela to pass the ball into an empty net but there is real anger in Vancouver at the award of that goal.
GOOOOAAAAL! LAFC
LAFC have a break-away goal but there is absolute fury in BC Place.
The opportunity came after the referee inadvertently blocked a Vancouver player in the LAFC box.
Vancouver recover the ball and look to mount an attack. Adekugbe crosses from the left but Chiellini gets across to clear for a corner kick.
Takaoka comes forward for Vancovuer...
LAFC win a corner kick and will be able to kill a few more minutes here.
Carlos Vela keeps the ball in the corner and wins his side another corner kick.
Frustration for Vancouver in the dying moments.
There will be five minutes of added time at the end of the second half.
There is panic in the LAFC defence for a moment but they manage to get the ball clear and Carlos Vela uses all of his experience to win a free kick.
That's what he's there for.
It's a poor delivery again, floated to the back post. Schopf does well to recover for the hosts and wins a corner kick.
Better delivery needed this time.
Hoillett wins a free kick on the right for Vancouver, who have to score to stay in the playoffs.
Enormous tension in BC Place now...
Huge tackle from Ryan Gauld to stop Denis Bouanga on the counter-attack. The LAFC bench are incensed, but the tackle was a fair one.
More changes for LAFC.
Carlos Vela and Palencia are coming on for the final minutes.
Ordaz and Olivera are replaced.
Chance! Vancouver
Brian White had to score!
Vancouver carve through LAFC and get the ball to Gauld on the right of the box. He lofts in a cross to the middle but Brian White's header is saved by Crepeau.
Huge chance!
Close! Vancouver
There's chaos in the LAFC penalty area with the ball bouncing around the six-yard box. Finally it looks to have fallen to Hoillett but Chiellini lunges in to block the chance.
LAFC get the ball clear.
And a double substitution for Vancouver.
Schopf and Becher replace Cubas and Ahmed.
Chances for both sides now.
First it's Mateusz Bogusz on for LAFC midfielder Timothy Tillman.
There's a bit of space for Junior Hoillett on the edge of the box and the Canadian has a go from range. His left-footed shot is a little wild and flies wide of the target.
Good spell from LAFC now who calm the pace of the game. It's Ilie Sanchez who is pulling the strings in the middle, keeping the ball moving and forcing Vancouver to drop deeper.
It it Ryan Raposo who takes the kick but it's a poor one, easily cleared by LAFC.
A bit of a waste, really.
Vancouver win a free kick in a dangerous position after a neat dummy from Pedro Vite. The free-kick is about 35 yards from goal, right of centre.
Ryan Gauld to deliver...
Confirmation that tonight is a record MLS attendance for Vancouver Whitecaps, the first that that the club has broken the 30,000-mark.
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Clever pass from Hoillet to play through the LAFC backline. Crepeau gets out well to clear the ball up-field.
Jesus Murillo is down with an injury for LAFC so he's being withdrawn.
Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini comes on for the final 20 minutes.
Clever run from Brian White to make some space for a shot and shoots on goal from a tight angle.
Maxime Crepeau saves comfortably.
Another change for Vancouver, Junior Hoillett comes on to replace Mathias Laborda.
Vancouver corner kick from the left, swung into the box by Gauld.
Veselinovic flicks the ball on at the back post but Adekugbe can't find the decisive touch at the back post. Ahmed lets fly with a volley but it goes well over the crossbar.
Good offensive play from Vancouver who find Gauld in space behind the LAFC backline. He clips the ball across goal but Crepeau comes out well to claim confidently.
Chance! LAFC
Glorious chance for Denis Bouanga, who sees his one-on-one effort saved by Yohei Takaoka.
Ordaz played the ball through to Bouanga but he couldn't find the finish.
Vancouver survive!
LAFC midfielder Ilie Sanchez has quietly been very tonight, keeping the ball ticking over in the middle of the pitch and preventing Vancouver from playing through central areas.
As they look to see out this game, the stand-in captain will be an important presence for LAFC.
As the hour mark approaches Vanni Sartini will be pretty happy with how his side have began the second half. They haven't found a leveller yet but they are creating chances, while remaining pretty solid at the back.
First change for Vancouver as Ritchie Laryea is replaced by Ryan Raposo.
Good spell of play for Vancouver, who enjoy their first period of solid possession in the LAFC half.
Chance! Vancouver
Brilliant play from Adekugbe on the left wing, who whips a lofted cross into the box. Ali Ahmed meets the ball on the six-yard box but he can't force his header past Crepeau.
Good move from the hosts
LAFC substitute Nathan Ordaz is playing down the middle, a straight swap for Gonzalez.
Vancouver are definitely looking to press forward a bit more from the start in the second half. They are starting to look for Brian White a little earlier as they look to find that crucial equaliser.
Chance! Vancouver
Vancouver go straight up the other end with Ahmed, who slips the ball through for Laryea. He is under intense pressure from the LAFC defenders and can't get his effort on target.
Appeals for a penalty kick, but nothing doing.
The visitors start on the front foot and force another smart save from Yohei Takaoka from Olivera.
And we're off!
LAFC get us underway in the second half...
Change for LAFC as Mario Gonzalez is replaced by Nathan Ordaz.
An evening to forget for the Spanish striker.
Expect a big second half showing from Vancouver Whitecaps, who will be eliminated from the playoffs unless they can find at least one goal against LAFC.
Recap: Denis Bouanga scores against Vancouver again
He's the MLS Golden Boot winner, he's in the running to be named MVP, and he just loves playing against Vancouver Whitecaps.
Denis Bouanga scored twice against Vancouver in the playoff opener and he is on the scoresheet again at BC Place.
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LAFC close in on a place in the Conference Finals
Reigning MLS Cup holders LAFC are 45 minutes away from booking their place in the Western Conference Finals. After winning the first game of this best-of three series they are a goal up against Vancouver, courtesy of a well-taken penalty kick from Denis Bouanga.
Let's see what Vanni Sartini's side can muster after the break.
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Peeep peeeeeep peeeeeeeep
And that's halftime in Vancouver. LAFC take a one-goal lead into the break after a high-intensity first half at BC Place.
Can the hosts turn it around in the second 45 and save their post-season dreams?
Vanni Santini is absolutely furious as a LAFC handball near the touchline is not awarded a booking. The Vancouver manager is just as involved in the chaos out there as anyone else!
After a brief delay the ball will be returned to LAFC on the halfway line. Enormous boos for Crepeau as the ball is passed back to him.
There was a bit of a spat after that challenge, with Laryea and Murillo both feeling aggrieved at the other's actions. The referee is trying to calm things down as Murillo receives medical attention.
Huge appeals for a penalty as Laryea goes down in the LAFC penalty box.
Murillo was the LAFC defender involved and he has stayed down after that coming together.
There will be a minimum of three minutes of added time at the end of a frenetic first half at BC Place.
So close! Vancouver
Nearly an equaliser!
Crepeau was a little to casual on the ball in his own box, allowing White to close him down. The ball bounces back off the Vancouver striker and spins just over the crossbar.
The LAFC goalkeeper breathes a sigh of relief.
Nearly an opportunity for LAFC as Bouanga curls in a cross from the left.
The ball is floated in just too high for Gonzalez, a little to long for Olivera. It goes out for a goal kick.
Mario Gonzalez (LAFC)
The striker is booked for that challenge on the Vancouver goalkeeper. He can have no complaints there.
Cristian Olivera looks to play in Bouanga but it's a little to long for him.
LAFC recycle the ball and Hollingshead slips the ball through to Gonzalez. The Spaniard's touch gets away from him and he lunges into a challenge on Takaoka.
That's a nasty one.
Ryan Gauld swings in the corner kick from Vancouver. Long does brilliantly to head the ball clear and LAFC are on the break once again...
Nothing comes from the corner kick and Vancouver have the chance to build from the back again.
Vancouver make a good switch of play to find Adekugbe in space on the left but he's dispossessed on the edge of the LAFC box.
The visitors are back on the attack and work the ball to Bouanga on the left flank. He surges into the box and fires on goal, but his effort takes a slight deflection and goes out for a LAFC corner.
There's a few groans of frustration from the home support as Gauld fails to find White in space in the area.
It's been a very entertaining start, but Vancouver haven't been able to make the most of the open nature of this game.
Here's that breakthrough goal from Denis Bouanga. The LAFC talisman made no mistake from the penalty spot.
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LAFC are really in control now. Neat footwork from Bouanga on the right wing to beat his marker, playing the ball into Tillman in the middle.
He lets fly from distance but Takaoka is there again to make the save.
Vancouver manage to get the ball clear and Pedro Vite looks to bring the ball forward.
For a second it looks like LAFC are out of shape but Bouanga gets back to stem the Vancouver charge forward. The visitors regain possession.
Chance! LAFC
Brilliant double stop from Yohei Takaoka to keep LAFC at bay.
The Vancouver keeper made an instinctive save from the corner, before being called into action again when Bouanga rifled in an effort from the edge of the box.
Another corner for LAFC...
The visitors win a corner after a neat link-up between Bouanga and Tillman on the left flank. Another opportunity for LAFC to get the ball into the box.
LAFC come forward with the ball again, Vancouver need to calm things down a bit now and avoid going further behind.
LAFC take an early lead in playoff clash
LAFC draw first blood against Vancouver Whitecaps.
The penalty decision may have been a little soft but the counter-attack to create the opportunity was classic LAFC. All three forwards combined to turn a defensive corner to an attacking opening in a matter of seconds.
GOOOOOAAAAAAL! LAFC
MLS top scorer Denis Bouanga makes no mistake from the spot and the visitors have the lead at BC Place!
Vancouver will feel that the penalty award was very soft.
Bounaga squeezed the ball through to Gonzalez on the penalty spot. The Spaniard turned neatly and was sandwiched by two Vancouver defenders.
No hesitation from the referee, who points straight to the spot!
LAFC clear the danger and get straight back on the offensive, with MArio Gonzalez combining with Denis Bouanga. Vancouver get number back to crowd out the LAFC counter attack...
IT'S A PENALTY!
Corner for Vancouver after another swift change of play from the hosts. A chance to deliver into the box now...
Brilliant diagonal ball from Cubas to find Laryea in space on the right wing.
He drifts inside and gets crowded out by the LAFC defenders, but that's the type of pass that the Vancouver midfielders need to e looking for.
The comedy boos are continuing every single time Maxime Crepeau touches the ball. There's no shortage of energy from the Vancouver crowd tonight.
They know that their team's MLS Cup prospects are on the line.
Denis Bouanga is drifting across the LAFC forward line to find a weak spot in the Whitecaps' defence. So far, the hosts are standing strong.
Vancouver have caused LAFC some real problems in the opening stages. The hosts look dangerous with this front three of Laryea - White - Gauld up against LAFC's back four.
Brian White looks less isolated than he did in the first first in Los Angeles.
Close! Vancouver
Nearly a calamity for LAFC!
Vancouver cleared the corner kick and were straight on the attack, forcing a desperate clearance from Hollingshead who nearly headed past his own goalkeeper!
The ball bounces wide of the post.
LAFC are on the offensive with Denis Bouanga down the right wing, beating his man and clipping a delicate cross into the Vancouver box. It's poked out by a Vancouver defender for a corner.
Chance! Vancouver
First sight of goal for Brian White and it comes from a long ball over the top.
He pounced on the loose ball, 12 yards from goal, but he takes the ball wide and lashes his shot over the crossbar.
Huge boos for LAFC goalkeeper Maxime Crepeau as he takes a touch. Crepeau played for three years with Vancouver before moving to LAFC.
There's a bit of over-eagerness from Mario Gonzalez who clips Vancouver goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka in his attempt to press the ball.
Free kick for the hosts, Gonzalez is given a talking to by the referee.
It looks like Vancouver danger man Ritchie Laryea will start on the left-wing tonight, putting him up against LAFC right back Ryan Hollingshead.
That could be a key battle as this game progresses.
It's a front-foot start from the hosts, who are being roared on by a club-record home attendance. Vancouver are playing with an intensity from the off.
And we're off!
Vancouver get us underway in this must-win playoff clash...
The players are out on the pitch at BC Place and the atmosphere inside is really something now.
Vancouver know that they need a win to keep their playoff journey alive. Kick-off coming very shortly...
Two MLS sharp-shooters go head-to-head
If Vancouver Whitecaps are going to wrestle their way back into this tie they will likely need a big performance from top scorer Brian White, who has been in imposing form this season. He has scored a league-high eight headed goals this season in MLS and will look to unsettled the LAFC backline from the start.
For the visitors, Denis Bouanga is one of the most dangerous attacking players in the league and he could prove decision when Vancouver push forward.
The first goal will be crucial tonight.
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LAFC's Ryan Hollingshead speaks ahead of kick-off
On their set piece strength: "Being able to attack with the guys that we have in the box, it's hard to mark all of us."
On the Vancouver Whitecaps atmosphere: "We're used to playing in front of big crowds so we have to just play our game.. Honestly, the louder the are the more it fuels us so we'll be ready for whatever comes our way.
The first game between these two sides finished with a fairly comfortable 5-2 win for LAFC on home turf. Unusually for a team better known for fluid attacking play, four of LAFC's teams came from set pieces against Vancouver.
After the first game LAFC head coach revealed that his assistant, Marc dos Santos, had been working on set pieces for the game and deserved the credit.
"Marc is on top of set pieces all season long and we’ve worked with the guys,” Cherundolo said.
Dos Santos was formerly head coach of Vancouver for two years and he seems to have his former side's number...
And here's how Vancouver Whitecaps line up...
After a slight delay, we have the confirmed starting XI for Vancouver Whitecaps. Few surprises in the Whitecaps team but there is a change in midfield, where Ali Ahmed comes in to replace Alessandro Schopf.
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Why isn't Carlos Vela starting for LAFC?
We haven't yet heard from LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo about the decision to drop club captain Carlos Vela for tonight's game. The Mexican forward started in the previous fixture against Vancouver but Mario Gonzalez was preferred for tonight's game.
Denis Bouanga and Cristian Olivera start either side of Gonzalez. Cherundolo may be hoping that the Spaniard's ability to hold up the ball will get the best of the two pacey widemen.
This year's MLS Cup Playoffs see the introduction of a best-of-three series in Round One, a controversial move that not everyone has been convinced by in the early game. After LAFC won their opener against Vancouver they can guarantee their place in the Conference Finals with a win tonight.
Our very own Paul Reidy has everything you need to know about a new-look playoff structure in MLS...
Mario Gonzalez starts for LAFC
There was a big surprise in the LAFC starting XI as Mario Gonzalez was named in Steve Cherundolo's team. This is the first time since September 20th that Gonzalez has started and there will be big pressure on the Spanish striker tonight.
He is a more physical presence than Carlos Vela, who drops to the bench, and his introduction could provide a useful out-ball when Vancouver look to press up the pitch.
We're still waiting for confirmation of the Vancouver Whitecaps team for tonight's game...
Here's the starting XI for LAFC...
Big surprise in the LAFC line-up as Mario Gonzalez starts up front in place of team captain Carlos Vela. In Vela's absence Ilie Sanchez will wear the captain's armband for the MLS Cup holders as they look to book passage to the Conference Finals.
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With an hour to go until kick-off, we should have team news from BC Place very shortly...
LAFC in the house
The Black and Gold have landed at BC Place ahead of this all-important MLS Cup Playoff clash. Co-owner Will Ferrell was out on the field with the team as they inspected the surface.
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LAFC captain Carlos Vela is looking to lead his team to a second successive MLS Cup triumph, becoming one of few captains to retain the title. Even at his advancing age Vela is still a big player for LAFC and has been a key part of Denis Bouanga's scoring success this season.
Vela caughtup with AS USA recently to talk about his playoff ambitions, life in Los Angeles and his dreams of owning an MLS team of his own one day...
LAFC co-owner Will Ferrell inspects the pitch
There's going to be some big names on show tonight and there are few bigger than that of Will Ferrell, co-owner of LAFC. Ferrell has become an increasingly visible presence at BMO Stadium and has joined the team on their trip north of the border for this playoff fixture.
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Whitecaps looking cool
There's big pressure on Vancouver Whitecaps tonight as they fight for their playoff lives against the reigning champions. Ahead of kick-off the Whitecaps team are looking at ease as they arrive at BC Place.
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With around an hour to go until kick-off at BC Place we should have team news very soon.
There are no known injuries for either team and both coaches will play a full-strength line-up for this crucial playoff clash.
One year since LAFC won MLS Cup
How time flies! It has been exactly one year since that astonishing 2022 MLS Cup final between LAFC and Philadelphia Union. The Union thought they had wrapped up the title until a last-gasp Gareth Bale header pushed the final to a penalty shootout, which LAFC won in incredible circumstances.
In case you've forgotten, here's how it went down...
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Vancouver set for record attendance for must-win playoff clash
The pressure is on Vanni Sartini's side to get the win tonight to keep their post-season journey going. They were outplayed in the second half of their playoff opener against LAFC, but today they will have a record attendance at BC Place roaring them on.
More than 29,000 tickets had been sold ahead of kick-off and the final crowd could easily top 30k.
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Looking for a way to watch or stream Vancouver Whitecaps vs LAFC in the MLS Cup Playoffs? We'll be bringing you full live coverage of the game right here on AS USA, but you can also watch the action wherever you are in the world.
Here's everything you need to know..
LAFC see the sights of Vancouver
They're north of the border for their second match of the MLS Cup Playoffs and LAFC are making the most of the change of scenery. Steve Cherundolo's side come into the post-season as one of the big favourites and they are looking to become one of few teams to retain their title.
Here's how the Black and Gold spent game day in Vancouver...
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Hello and welcome to AS USA! I'm Will Gittins and I'll be bringing you full live coverage of LAFC's trip to Vancouver Whitecaps.
LAFC began their MLS Cup defence with a comfortable 5-2 victory over Vancouver in the series opener. Steve Cherundolo's side can book their place in the Conference Finals with a victory tonight.
Let's see if LAFC can finish the best-of-three series in their second game...