In a gripping match that concluded with a 2-2 deadlock after regulation time, Vancouver Whitecaps FC emerged victorious over Los Angeles FC through a penalty shootout, winning 4-3. The penalty takers for Vancouver included Sebastian Berhalter, Jayden Nelson, Ryan Gauld, and Mathías Laborda, with Édier Ocampo missing his attempt. For LAFC, Denis Bouanga, Andrew Moran, and Frankie Amaya found the net, while Son Heungmin and Mark Delgado had their shots saved.
The match saw Vancouver take the lead with two first-half goals from Emmanuel Sabbi and Mathías Laborda. However, Los Angeles FC fought back with two goals from Son Heungmin, scoring in the 59th and 49th minutes, both from set pieces.
Los Angeles FC dominated the game statistically, recording a total of 26 shots to Vancouver’s 10, hitting the target 12 times and rattling the crossbar 3 times, yet they could not secure the win.
Mathías Laborda’s performance was crucial for Vancouver as he not only scored a goal but also made 14 critical clearances, establishing himself as the standout player of the match. On the other side, Son Heungmin’s two goals highlighted his attacking prowess as he took 5 shots on target.
Vancouver’s coach, Jesper Sorensen, opted for a 4-5-1 formation with Yohei Takaoka in goal; a defensive line consisting of Édier Ocampo, Tristan Blackmon, Ralph Priso, and Mathías Laborda; a midfield comprising Andrés Cubas, Sebastian Berhalter, Emmanuel Sabbi, Thomas Müller, and Ali Ahmed; with Brian White leading the attack.
Los Angeles, managed by Steve Cherundolo, deployed a 4-3-3 setup featuring Hugo Lloris in goal; a defense including Sergi Palencia, Ryan Porteous, Nkosi Tafari, and Ryan Hollingshead; in midfield were Timothy Tillman, Eddie Segura, and Mark Delgado; with Nathan Ordaz, Son Heungmin, and Denis Bouanga up front.
Referee Rubiel Vázquez officiated the match.
With this result, Vancouver Whitecaps FC secured a spot in the MLS Conference Finals.
Substitutions for Vancouver Whitecaps FC
61’ 2T – Emmanuel Sabbi out for Ryan Gauld; Brian White out for Rayan Elloumi
82’ 2T – Ali Ahmed out for Jayden Nelson
90’ A1 – Thomas Müller out for Jeevan Badwal
94’ 2T – Rayan Elloumi out for Belal Halbouni
Cautions for Vancouver Whitecaps FC:
43’ 1T – Thomas Müller (Unsporting behavior); 18’ 2T – Tristan Blackmon (Unsporting behavior); 41’ 2T – Sebastian Berhalter (Unsporting behavior); 6’ A1 – Ralph Priso (Unsporting behavior); 12’ A1 – Yohei Takaoka (Unsporting behavior)
Send-off for Vancouver Whitecaps FC:
47’ 2T – Tristan Blackmon (Red card for second yellow)
Substitutions for Los Angeles FC
45’ 2T – Nathan Ordaz out for Andrew Moran; Nkosi Tafari out for David Martínez
77’ 2T – Sergi Palencia out for Ryan Raposo
87’ 2T – Timothy Tillman out for Frankie Amaya; Ryan Hollingshead out for Artem Smoliakov
Cautions for Los Angeles FC:
6’ 2T – Mark Delgado (Unsporting behavior); 31’ 2T – Ryan Porteous (Unsporting behavior); 36’ 2T – Ryan Raposo (Unsporting behavior); 4’ A1 – Frankie Amaya (Unsporting behavior)