With a 1 to 0 win over Los Angeles FC, Vancouver Whitecaps reached 38 points, climbed into second place in the Western Conference of MLS, and now sits just one point behind San Diego FC, with a game in hand. The Canadian side also inserted itself firmly into the race for the Supporters’ Shield, matching Philadelphia Union in points per game.
It was also the first time the Whitecaps had ever beaten LAFC at BMO Stadium, which made the win all the more meaningful. On top of that, Vancouver became only the fourth team over the past two seasons to leave that ground without conceding a goal.
A fast-paced start and a lead built with composure
The match began with high intensity from both teams. LAFC pushed forward, trying to take control in front of their home crowd, while Vancouver took a little longer to settle into the game. Olivier Giroud, playing his final MLS match, had the first real chances. The French forward made two attempts to score but was stopped by confident saves from Yohei Takaoka.
In the 20th minute, the Whitecaps put together a smooth, well-worked play. Emmanuel Sabbi received the ball on the left and passed it to Jeevan Badwal. The midfielder gave it back to Sabbi inside the box, and he controlled it cleanly before slotting it into the corner past David Ochoa. The goal gave the Canadian team some breathing room and demanded an immediate response from LAFC. The home side pushed higher up the field but ran into a solid, disciplined Vancouver defense.
Tate Johnson prevented a clear shot on goal by deflecting a cross that was headed clean to the far post. Not long after, Ralph Priso, who had come on to replace the injured Andrés Cubas, blocked a dangerous shot from Giroud right inside the area. The first half ended with LAFC still trying to create chances but struggling to finish. Daniel Ríos and Timothy Tillman both had efforts, but neither could find the target.
LAFC steps on the gas in the second half but can’t break the wall
After the break, the home team came out with more urgency. Giroud had another chance, this time off a cross that he tried to volley, but he sent it over the bar. Vancouver stayed compact defensively and looked for openings on the counterattack. In the 64th minute, Édier Ocampo whipped in a powerful, accurate cross, but Sabbi just missed making contact. That was the Canadians’ best attacking moment after the goal.
Later, Ryan Hollingshead fired from a tight angle and struck the post. The ball bounced out, ending LAFC’s best shot at an equalizer. The match continued with the home side dominating possession while Vancouver held firm at the back. In the 83rd minute, Antoine Coupland sent in a cross toward Daniel Ríos, but it was deflected before he could get a shot off. Ochoa gathered it calmly. Moments later, Ocampo stepped in at the perfect time to block Denis Bouanga just as the forward was winding up to shoot. That play preserved the scoreline and capped yet another crucial moment from Vancouver’s rock-solid defense.