UPDATE: This story is updated to reflect Vancouver Whitecaps beat FC Dallas in two matches of the first round of the MLS Playoffs, having lost the final match day of the regular season to FC Dallas. We apologize for this error
The final International break to disrupt the flow of the MLS Cup Playoffs, has officially ended. There will not be another extended break until the season comes to a close with the MLS Cup Finals set for December, 6th. For LAFC, that means they can now fully focus on the remainder of their postseason run, and boy do they need that focus. After getting past the opening round with home field advantage, they now hit the road against a very tricky Vancouver Whitecaps side, with a spot in the Western Conference Finals on the line.
Matchday: #VANvLAFC
⏰ 6:30PM
🖥️ @AppleTV with #MLSSeasonPass
🎧 @ESPNLosAngeles & K-Radio 1230
🇰🇷 Spotv & Coupang Play pic.twitter.com/s9fGKFzK8w— LAFC (@LAFC) November 22, 2025
After dropping points to FC Dallas in the regular season finale, Vancouver were able to make fairly quick work of the Texas side in the playoffs. They cruised to a 3-0 victory in Game 1 and then it was a survive and advance match in Game 2 that saw the teams finish regulation all tied up, sending it to penalty kicks. Vancouver was able to get the job done in the end, not just securing their spot in the conference semifinals, but with the higher seed, doing so as the home side for the start of single-elimination knockout play.
Now they are set to welcome an LAFC side that has, historically, gotten the better of them, but as of late has struggled, especially when in Canada. Whitecaps have gotten a win and draw in their last two meetings across the border, with their last loss to Los Angeles at home coming in October 2024, courtesy of a last minute goal from Ilie Sanchez, three minutes into stoppage time. Whitecaps have also gotten results in their only two meetings this season with a 2-2 draw at home and a 1-0 over LA on the road.
That last loss for LAFC however, was BS. No, not that kind of BS, but Before Son. This team has looked completely different since the arrival of their new superstar and that’s something that can’t be understated in the least. Since his arrival in August, Los Angeles have lost just two matches, one of which was a match that didn’t feature Son as he was away for, you guessed it, International break. LAFC also come into this one not having had a solid performance against Vancouver this season. Even the draw saw LA go up two goals early, only to see that lead evaporate, having to settle for the draw.
That said, throw all the historical matchups, trends, previous encounters, right out the window. We have reached the gritty part of the season. It’s win or go home, it’s do or die, this is single-elimination for all the marbles here on out so everything you think you know, is wrong. What is for sure though, is that LAFC will come out hungry, they will have a pretty strong squad to field, and players looking to put the season long road woes to bed once and for all. For the home side, they will be looking to avoid a loss to LAFC for the third straight match, because to lose now would be to lose the most important meeting between the two sides this season.
How To Watch
The Western Conference Semifinals is set for a 6:30pm pt kickoff from BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The match will be broadcast live and can be seen for free and without subscription on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Those looking to listen on radio can find the match on 710AM ESPN, as well as Korean broadcasting on K-Radio 1230, with Spanish broadcasting on 980AM LA Mera Mera.
Thoughts ahead of the Western Conference Semifinals? Leave a comment below!
2 Comments
Umm, the Whitecaps beat Dallas in two.
Correct! they lost to FC Dallas in the finale of the MLS regular season, the story has been updated to reflect as much. Thank you, we apologize for the error.