Caps advance to first MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Final

Other than Vancouver’s new pro Women’s hockey team the Vancouver Goldeneyes in town the hottest ticket clearly has to be the Vancouver Whitecaps who have had a remarkable  season and recently defeated LA FC in a shootout win in front of a record crowd of 53,957. 

Following the 2-2 match-up in their MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Semifinal with goals from Emmanuel Sabbi and Mathías Laborda plus Laborda’s winning penalty in the shootout they have rid themselves of any ghosts and goblins from past seasons.

For the first time in the  history of the Whitecaps FC they are headed into the MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Final after the Round One win over FC Dallas.

Thanks to the Vancouver Whitecaps FC for the press release and special thanks to Wes Shaw/Shotbug Press for all the photos.

In the opening minutes, LAFC players in the box looking to get on the board saw an impressive corner kick from forward Son Heung-Min only to have the back line turn aside and attempt to penetrate the danger area.

The Angelinos had clearly studied the game tape from Whitecaps FC’s Round One wins versus FC Dallas, where Ahmed’s speed caused havoc.

Ahmed then tried a different tack with possession. His impressive glide and a hard cut inside the box shook off three defenders for the Blue and White’s second shot on target.

In the 39th minute, towels triumphantly waved after Whitecaps FC ‘keeper Yohei Takaoka flexed his muscles to set up the opener. 

His boot sent the ball all the way from the top of his box to the edge of the LAFC area, where Sabbi – in full flight – went skyward to collect, shrugged off a defender, and lobbed it past Lloris for the 1 nil lead.

Sabbi’s first postseason strike electrified the Blue and White faithful. Takaoka became only the third goalkeeper in MLS history to record a primary assist in the MLS Cup Playoffs.

In first-half stoppage time Berhalter corner swerved to the near post, captain Thomas Müller jumped to nod a powerful header on target – only a Lloris desperation slide and punch kept the Raumdeuter from glory.

The ’keeper couldn’t corral the rebound, which fell right to Laborda, who turned and fired low for 2-0.

With that scoring play, Whitecaps FC went ahead by a century in 2025; the club recorded their 100th goal across all competitions in this remarkable season – the most in team history from all eras.

Takaoka returned to his office in the second half. When LAFC striker Denis Bouanga slipped behind fullback Édier Ocampo and Laborda put a 16-yard dribbler towards the net, but Takaoka parried it away.
Midfielder Mark Delgado led to three chances from Son: first, he was denied point-blank by Takaoka; a second later off Laborda’s head at ground level, and put his side down 2-1 that saw a short VAR review for a possible offside only the goal was upheld.

LAFC took charge in the following minutes, but Whitecaps FC midfielder Andrés Cubas stripped a sprinting Bouanga from a one-on-one duel with Takaoka.

An Ali Ahmed free kick swerved onto Blackmon’s boot – his five-yard volley provided a stellar save off Lloris’s elbow. Blackmon bravely got to his feet after crashing into the woodwork and gave the faithful a thumbs-up.

After ninety minutes was added on that saw a short discussion and a challenge, Blackmon was ejected for his second caution, and red card.

He bent the ball into the size of a postage stamp – a foot under the crossbar into the near corner – over an extended Takaoka for a stunning equalizer, 2-2 in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

Whistles rang out from the stands as LAFC tried to find a last-gasp victory in regulation, but the home side’s back line stood tall. Off to two 15-minute periods of extra time.

The second 15 minutes saw Takaoka reaffirm his All-Star status. After Laborda went to ground to deflect a LAFC cross from David Martínez, the ball pinwheeled in the middle of the box as both sides flailed for possession before the Japanese international took charge.

In extra-time stoppage time, Bouanga had two glorious opportunities to be the hero. In succession, he smashed off the left post and spun to crack the crossbar with the match remaining tied and to be decided by a shootout.

LAFC went first, with a Son stutter-step only to have his attempt deflect off the post that saw Berhalter slam it into the bottom left corner tying the shootout 1-1.

Bouanga and Whitecaps FC’s Jayden Nelson converted before LAFC’s Mark Delgado smacked his attempt skyward over the ball. That made it two penalties missed by the away side.

After Ryan Gauld connected for Vancouver, Moran replied for the Angelinos. The Blue and White’s fourth shooter, Ocampo, had his shot saved by Hugo Lloris to put all the pressure on LAFC’s Frankie Amaya. He calmly beat Takaoka.

So, it all came onto the shoulders of 26-year-old Laborda. He kissed the ball and sent the Blue and White – for the first time – to the Western Conference Final.

Next up, Whitecaps FC will play in the Western Conference Final on Saturday, November 29, either home or away. 

They have to wait until Monday, November 24, for the other Western Conference semifinal between San Diego FC and Minnesota United FC, to find out who they will play.

If San Diego FC triumphs, then Whitecaps FC will head to California for the Western Conference Final.

However, if Minnesota wins, Whitecaps FC will host the Western Conference Final on Saturday, November 29 at 6 p.m. PT. Stay tuned to whitecapsfc.com for the latest.

MATCH DETAILS

Referee: Rubiel Vazquez,        Attendance: 53,957

Scoring Summary
39’ – VAN – Emmanuel Sabbi (Yohei Takaoka),     45’+1 – VAN – Mathías Laborda
60’ – LAFC – Son Heung-Min,                               90’+5 – LAFC – Son Heung-Min

Shootout
LAFC – Son Heung-Min – Missed
VAN – Sebastian Berhalter – Scored
LAFC – Denis Bouanga – Scored
VAN – Jayden Nelson – Scored
LAFC – Mark Delgado – Missed
VAN – Ryan Gauld – Scored
LAFC – Andrew Moran – Scored
VAN – Édier Ocampo – Missed
LAFC – Frankie Amaya – Scored
VAN – Mathías Laborda – Scored

Ejection
90’+3 – VAN – Tristan Blackmon

Statistics
Possession: VAN 46.4% – LAFC 53.6%
Shots: VAN 9 – LAFC 25
Shots on Goal: VAN 6 – LAFC 8
Saves: VAN 6 – LAFC 4
Fouls: VAN 18 – LAFC 17
Offsides: VAN 1 – LAFC 3
Corners: VAN 5 – LAFC 15