LAFC vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC – October 27, 2024
The LAFC vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC Game 1 match on Sunday kicked off the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs with a 2-1 victory for the Black and Gold. LAFC’s path to the MLS Cup for the third straight year in a row is coming closer as they lead the series versus The Caps 1-0.
Both Denis Bouanga and Cristian Olivera scored a goal each on Sunday night at BMO Stadium. Mateusz Bogusz took a shot at goal in the 30th minute of the match that resulted in a handball call on former LAFC defender Tristan Blackmon. Bouanga, in charge of the penalty kick, drilled a right-footed strike through Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka to put his team up 1-0.
Bouanga now has eight goals in his MLS postseason career, which is the second most in the league since 2018. Since the start of last season, the 2023 MLS Golden Boot winner has recorded 66 goals across 93 games for the franchise.
After the break, Bogusz found Olivera running down on a perfect line into the box, in which the Uruguayan winger smashed the ball over the head of Takaoka and into the far post to double the lead. This marked Olivera’s 14th goal of the season across all competitions, which includes the regular season (6), the Leagues Cup (4), and the U.S. Open Cup (3).
The fat lady did not sing just yet, as the Vancouver Whitecaps found the back of the net in the second half stoppage. Ryan Gauld succeeded on a left-footed strike through LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to put his team on the board, but already five minutes into stoppage, The Caps didn’t have enough clock to equalize the match.
The one and only Carlos Vela made his return to the Black and Gold as the Mexican legend subbed in for Bouanga in the 86th minute. The victory marked LAFC’s 30th win in 2024, holding no doubt on increasing that number in Game 2 on Sunday, November 3.
Watch More LAFC vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC Highlights:
LAFC vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC – 10/13/24
LAFC vs Vancouver Whitecaps FC – 5/11/24
