BC Place was the scene of another memorable chapter in the emerging rivalry of Vancouver Whitecaps and Los Angeles FC. The 2-2 draw had the feel of a final, highlight-reel moments, and goals with immediate consequences on the Western Conference standings. The draw keeps the Whitecaps first in MLS with 27 points, while LAFC extend their undefeated run to five games, standing sixth with 18.
On two goals by Brian White, including the equalizer in the 70th minute, Vancouver tied the match at home and sealed the best start to a season in club history. The Whitecaps also lead the Supporters' Shield race.
Head coach Jesper Sorensen reached a milestone: 27 points in his first 12 MLS games, an all-time best. Brian White, with 13 goals on the season (8 in MLS, 5 in the Champions Cup), now leads the league in goal-scoring.
LAFC start quickly and build a two-goal lead
The match began at a high level of intensity. LAFC, even away from home, pushed hard from the very opening minutes. Takaoka was pressured into making two early saves, deflecting efforts from Denis Bouanga and Mark Delgado. However, in the 8th minute, they did score. A long ball started the move, Eddie Segura headed for goal, Takaoka made a strong save, but could not keep out Delgado on the rebound.
The visitors continued to pressurize the guests. In the 19th minute, Bouanga converted from the penalty spot and made it 2-0. Vancouver took some time to respond, but when they did, it was accurate. Berhalter delivered a perfect free kick in the 26th minute, and Brian White headed it into the net past Hugo Lloris. The goal gave the home side new life and turned the momentum.
Vancouver press and push for the equalizer with consistency
After the initial goal, the Whitecaps began to take control of the attacking actions. Even when they were trailing, the team pressed into the LAFC half and forced the opponent to drop deeper. On the cusp of halftime, Ranko Veselinović nearly scored the equalizer off another set piece by Berhalter, but Lloris came up with the save on the header.
The second half began with the same pattern. Vancouver continued to press the offensive action, pushing LAFC back right away and forcing them to defend. Berhalter nearly had Lloris tested again with another free kick to the far post, but the ball sailed just high.
Brian White shines again and scores the equalizer
The equalizer came in the 70th minute through direct contributions from two substitutes. Emmanuel Sabbi sent in a cross to the far post, where Ali Ahmed headed the ball toward goal, and White was there to finish with yet another header. It was his second of the match, his eighth in MLS, and his 13th in all competitions. Those numbers now have him at the top of the league's goals list, alongside the season's biggest profile names.
With the level of the game, it opened up, with both teams looking for a winner late. Bouanga had a chance from a close free kick, but his shot hit the wall and out for a corner.
Berhalter tried a volley from the perimeter of the box, but his clean strike was pushed away by Lloris. Takaoka responded with a strong finish, making three superb saves in quick succession, one from near range on Jeremy Ebobisse.