On Saturday October 28th, 2023 LAFC beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 5-2 at BMO Stadium in downtown Los Angeles, California. The final score did not seem to reflect the competitive first half of the game or the scares the LAFC and their fans experienced. We begin by celebrating LAFC’s return to playoff soccer in this first first round of 2023.
The match was part of Major League Soccer’s new playoff format. The format’s first round is a Best-of-3 series. The matches are in a home-away-home format, with LAFC earning home field advantage as the higher seed. Every match has a winner with penalties determining winners if the score is tied at the end of regulation. The first team to win two matchups advances to the next single-game conference semifinal matchup.
Ryan Hollingshead
This playoff game started with a series of changes of possession between the two teams. Ryan Hollingshead opened the scoring for LAFC at the 18th minute with a left footed shot following a block by Vancouver keeper Yohei Takaoaka. LAFC did not keep the lead for long as Brian White scored a breakaway goal for Vancouver at the 27th minute. And just a couple minutes later, 2023 MLS Golden Boot winner Denis Bouanga helped LAFC retake the lead with a beautiful right-footed shot he took from just inside the box. Vancouver did not relent and tied it again with a header from midfielder Sam Adekugbe at the 40th minute. He represents Canada on the mens’ national team.
Adekugbe’s tying goal served to remind LAFC and their fans of the team’s inability to win big games, including a tournament final in this stadium, this past year. LAFC made a great effort move beyond those memories by scoring three goals in the second half to win the game 5-2. LAFC’s second half goals were scored by Ryan Hollingshead, Denis Bounga, and Jesus Murillo. LA native and NBA star Russell Westbrook was in attendance supporting LAFC in their victory.
Denis Bouanga winner of MLS Golden Boot 2023
Russell Westbrook of LA Clippers