During the second half of the first game in the MLS Cup playoffs opening round, Vancouver Whitecaps defender Mathías Laborda and Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga collided on the field. The match took place in Los Angeles on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
Los Angeles FC took a commanding step forward in their MLS playoff campaign, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-1 in a tense first-round opener on Sunday night. Denis Bouanga put LAFC on the board with a penalty goal in the 30th minute, and Cristian Olivera doubled the lead in the second half. Vancouver managed a last-minute goal from Ryan Gauld, but it wasn’t enough to overtake LAFC’s strong performance.
The action kicked off with LAFC’s Bouanga netting a penalty after Vancouver defender Tristan Blackmon committed a foul. Bouanga’s cool, calculated finish marked his eighth post-season goal, solidifying his reputation as a clutch player. Bouanga has been a key figure for LAFC, scoring 20 goals in each of the last two regular seasons, and his contributions were vital in this playoff opener.
In the 57th minute, Cristian Olivera extended LAFC’s lead, converting a well-coordinated play set up by teammates Mateusz Bogusz and Ryan Hollingshead. This marked Olivera’s first playoff goal, an impressive feat for the young player in only his sixth playoff game. Bogusz, meanwhile, earned his second playoff assist, adding to his growing impact on the team’s offence. Hollingshead, who brings extensive playoff experience with 20 appearances, showcased his defensive and playmaking abilities with this crucial assist.
Vancouver, struggling to break through LAFC’s defence, finally got on the scoreboard in stoppage time. Ryan Gauld, fresh from a hat-trick performance in the team’s wild-card match against the Portland Timbers, managed to score, bringing the final score to 2-1. Despite the late goal, the Whitecaps couldn’t turn the tide in their favour.
LAFC’s veteran goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, in his debut MLS season, was solid throughout the game, recording three saves that played a key role in securing the victory. On the other end, Vancouver’s goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka, fresh off a shutout win against Portland, made two crucial saves but couldn’t keep out LAFC’s strikes.
This game is the latest in a recurring playoff rivalry between LAFC and the Whitecaps. Last season, LAFC swept Vancouver in the first round, winning 5-2 at home and 1-0 on the road. During this season’s regular encounters, LAFC maintained their dominance with a 3-0 win at home and a narrow 2-1 victory in Vancouver.
The series isn’t over yet, though. Vancouver will host LAFC next Sunday at B.C. Place Stadium, where they’ll try to even the score. LAFC, however, appears focused on making its third straight appearance in the MLS Cup Final and will likely bring the same intensity to secure another win.
