Whitecaps Stun LAFC in Wild Shootout to Reach Final

LucasNovember 24, 20252 Mins read38

The Whitecaps edge LAFC in a dramatic shootout, earning their first MLS Western Conference final appearance. A historic night at BC Place.

A Night Vancouver Won’t Forget

The stadium shook. Voices roared. Energy soared. Vancouver Whitecaps fans felt history unfold as their team claimed a pulse-pounding shootout victory over Los Angeles FC earning a spot in the MLS Western Conference final for the first time ever.

The match took place Saturday night (Nov. 22) at a packed BC Place, where nearly 54,000 fans created an electric atmosphere.

However, excitement started even before kickoff. Meanwhile, hope filled the stadium. Furthermore, Vancouver carried confidence. Afterward, fans sensed something special. Nevertheless, tension arrived soon. Suddenly, momentum shifted. Still, belief remained.

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First-Half Fireworks

The Whitecaps controlled the action early. Emmanuel Sabbi struck in the 39th minute, lighting up the crowd. Then, just before halftime, Mathías Laborda doubled the lead in the 45th, and BC Place erupted again.

However, LAFC refused to fade. Meanwhile, momentum shifted. Eventually, LAFC struck twice in the second half, including a stunning free kick by Son Heung-Min that thrilled proud Korean fans across the stadium.

Grit, Heart, and a Shootout for the Ages

Overtime turned chaotic. The Whitecaps finished with just eight players, yet they kept fighting. They held strong and forced a shootout.

Then came the moment.
Four Vancouver penalty kicks hit the net.
Three for LA.
Final score: 3–2 Vancouver.
Therefore, cheers shook the stadium. Consequently, history took shape.

What Comes Next?

The Western Conference final takes place Saturday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. (Pacific time). The opponent? The winner of San Diego FC vs. Minnesota United FC (playing Monday night on Apple TV).

If Minnesota wins, BC Place will host the championship showdown. However, if San Diego claims victory, they will host instead.

The winner of that match advances to the MLS Cup final on Dec. 6 hosted by the team with more regular-season points.

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