Thomas Müller’s Vancouver Whitecaps faced Los Angeles FC in the conference semifinals. The Canadians squandered a 2-0 lead, Heung-Min Son saved LA with a brace in extra time, but then missed in the penalty shootout.
Thomas Müller versus Heung-Min Son was the headline act in the MLS playoff Conference Semifinal duel, with the Vancouver Whitecaps hosting Los Angeles FC. B.C. Place Stadium in the Canadian metropolis was sold out for the first time, at least since Müller started playing there after his move from Bayern Munich.
Vancouver had finished second in the Western Conference and prevailed in two games against Dallas in the first playoff round. LAFC, third after the regular season, had similarly confidently eliminated Austin.
The Canadians took the lead in the 39th minute after a long ball from goalkeeper Takoaka completely caught the LAFC defense off guard. Sabbi sprinted forward and lifted the ball over Lloris into the net. Shortly before halftime, Vancouver scored twice in quick succession—and Müller was right in the thick of it: After a corner from Berhalter, the long-time Munich player rose high and headed the ball at Lloris, who was unable to hold on to it. Laborda was in the right place at the right time and scored (45+1).
Things were looking good for Vancouver and Müller, who was shown a yellow card in the 44th minute. However, LAFC remained in the game and made it really exciting again after an hour: Son failed several times from close range against keeper Takoaka, but somehow poked the ball over the line (60′).
Vancouver now had a lot of defensive work to do, with the visitors pushing for the equalizer. Shortly before the end, the Whitecaps were also reduced to ten men when Blackmon was shown a second yellow card (90+2). A little later, LAFC were rewarded for their efforts – and how: Son took a free kick from 18 meters and curled it perfectly over the wall from the left. Takoaka got a hand to it but couldn’t prevent it from going in (90+5).
Son misses, of all people
This sent LA into extra time, which Müller did not watch on the pitch after being substituted. However, the decision was not made there either, even though the visitors had a great chance to win after 120 minutes – but in one scene, Vancouver was lucky three times with the aluminum.
So it had to go to penalties. The first shooter was Son, who showed nerves and only hit the post. LAFC was behind, with the Whitecaps converting all of their penalties, while Cherundolo’s team missed their third penalty, taken by Delgado. Ocampo had the chance to win the game, but failed to put the ball in the net. LAFC equalized again, but Laborda sealed the deal and sent the Whitecaps to the Conference Final for the first time in their club history.
There, Vancouver will now face the winner of the San Diego vs. Minnesota match, which kicks off on Tuesday at 4 a.m. If the Whitecaps prevail there as well, Vancouver will advance to the MLS final. Awaiting them there will be Cincinnati, Inter Miami, Philadelphia, or New York City FC.