In one of the most dramatic matches in Major League Soccer history, the Vancouver Whitecaps defied all odds to eliminate Los Angeles FC from the playoffs in a breathtaking penalty shootout victory on Saturday night.
Historic Victory at Packed BC Place
A club-record crowd of 53,957 spectators at BC Place witnessed an unforgettable Western Conference semi-final that had everything - goals, red cards, woodwork drama, and ultimately penalty heroics.
The second-seeded Whitecaps appeared to be cruising to victory after establishing a commanding 2-0 lead by half-time. The opening goal came in the 39th minute when goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka launched a spectacular three-quarter length kick to Emmanuel Sabbi, who coolly finished for his first postseason goal.
Defender Mathías Laborda doubled Vancouver's advantage in first-half stoppage time with his first playoff goal in seven appearances over three seasons, sending the home crowd into raptures.
Son Heung-min's Brace Sparks LAFC Comeback
The momentum shifted dramatically after the break as Tottenham legend Son Heung-min announced his arrival in the MLS playoffs. The South Korean superstar pulled one back for LAFC in the 60th minute with his first postseason goal, then delivered a stunning equaliser from a free kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time to force extra time.
The drama intensified in the additional 30 minutes as Vancouver found themselves reduced to nine men, while LAFC struck the woodwork three times in their search for a winner.
Penalty Shootout Drama and Historic Achievement
The match proceeded to penalties where the tension reached its peak. Son Heung-min's nightmare continued as he rattled the post with LAFC's first spot-kick, while Sebastian Berhalter converted for Vancouver.
After Denis Bouanga and Jayden Nelson traded successful penalties, Mark Delgado sent his effort over the bar for LAFC. Ryan Gauld then scored to give Vancouver a 3-1 advantage, setting the stage for defender Mathías Laborda to become the unexpected hero, calmly slotting home the winning penalty.
This historic victory sends Vancouver to their first ever Western Conference final since joining MLS in 2011, having previously fallen at the semi-final stage in both 2015 and 2017.
The Whitecaps now await the winner of Monday's clash between expansion side San Diego FC and Minnesota United, with a place in the MLS Cup final at stake.
