MLS Cup Playoffs are officially underway in Los Angeles! After rivals LA Galaxy opened up Round One action last night, it was LAFC to take center stage this evening as they kicked off their best-of-3 series at home against Vancouver Whitecaps. While the Whitecaps come into this match on the complete opposite end of the form spectrum compared to LAFC, they are still a tough opponent that can absolutely come in to Los Angeles and leave with the upset victory.
Playoff ready @BMOStadium 🏟️ pic.twitter.com/RkMyKPKTYj
— LAFC (@LAFC) October 27, 2024
The first half was a true back-and-forth affair with neither side looking to give any ground. Possession was as even as its going to get for LAFC this season, as they kept 51% of the ball while Vancouver kept it slightly less. Both sides finished the half with excellent looks at goal. Vancouver nearly came away with the lead on several occasions in the first half, while the home side was inches from their own opening goal on a couple of attempts. It very much looked like the teams were headed for the break all even and scoreless. However, in true LAFC fashion they just don’t stop until they get what they want and what they wanted was a goal. On a 3 v1 break, Los Angeles put on some precise passing to get a clear look that was narrowly blocked, but after a quick look under VAR it was determined former LAFC defender Triston Blackmon had his arm in an unnatural position as they awarded the hand ball to the black & gold. It was Denis Bouanga who stepped up to the spot and converted it calmly to give his side the lead going into the halftime break.
Regular season or playoffs, same Denis.
No. 9⃣9⃣ delivers from the spot 🎯#LAFCvVAN 1-0 pic.twitter.com/gexKtgBSst
— LAFC (@LAFC) October 28, 2024
The second half started off all LAFC with the team putting their foot on the gas with the lead. It didn’t take long for the home side to find the back of the net for a second time, this time in the run of play. It was a classic LAFC break that featured some incredibly beautiful passing, that finished with Cristian Olivera, despite the angle, slamming home a shot near post that got past the keeper to double their lead in the 57th minute of the match.
This build-up 🤌
Cristian Olivera smashes it home 🚀#LAFCvVAN 2-0 pic.twitter.com/ecQefeJEqN
— LAFC (@LAFC) October 28, 2024
In the 80th minute the home crowd saw something they hadn’t seen since the 2022 MLS Cup Final, Carlos Vela on the pitch, in an LAFC shirt, playing for the black & gold once again. The return, as you might expect was greeted with ovations and cheers for the club legend. Vancouver didn’t let the moment consume them, and despite being down two goals they kept fighting until the end and with one of their last opportunities of the match it was Ryan Gauld who was able to pull one back for his side against LAFC. While the goal had no effect on the outcome of the night, it is perhaps something Vancouver will build on as this series heads to their house with Los Angeles up 1-0 and needing just a win to advance to the next round.
Thoughts on the Game 1 win? Leave a comment below!