Defender Mathías Laborda played a pivotal role in the Vancouver Whitecaps’ dramatic victory over Los Angeles FC in the Western Conference semi-finals on Saturday night. In front of a club-record crowd of 53,957 at BC Place, Laborda not only scored a crucial first-half goal but also netted the winning shot in the penalty shootout, leading the Whitecaps to a 2-2 draw and a triumphant advance to the conference finals.
The game unfolded with intense back-and-forth action, as Vancouver took a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute. Goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka launched the ball nearly the length of the field to find Emmanuel Sabbi, who finished expertly for his inaugural postseason goal. Just before halftime, in first-half stoppage time, Laborda added to the Whitecaps’ tally with an unassisted goal, propelling Vancouver to a 2-0 lead at the break – a significant moment as it marked Laborda’s first postseason goal after several attempts.
As the second half commenced, LAFC found their footing with Son Heung-Min making an impact. The star player scored twice, first reducing the deficit in the 60th minute and then delivering an equalizer from a free-kick in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sending the match into penalty kicks.
During the shootout, the Whitecaps’ nerves held firm. After an initial miss by LAFC’s Son, Vancouver’s Sebastian Berhalter struck first with a successful shot. Following a series of back-and-forth conversions, Laborda ultimately secured the victory by scoring the decisive penalty.
Vancouver, now advancing to their first Western Conference final since joining Major League Soccer in 2011, awaits to face the winner of a crucial matchup between expansion side San Diego FC and Minnesota United.
Takaoka provided a strong presence in goal for the Whitecaps, recording six saves throughout the match, while LAFC’s Hugo Lloris made four saves in his playoff start. The Whitecaps’ victory breaks a streak of disappointments, having previously lost in the semi-finals in 2015 and 2017, marking a hopeful turning point for the franchise as they vie for their first championship in club history.