The Vancouver Whitecaps kicked off the 2025 MLS Conference semi-finals with an action-packed win against LAFC , with the result eventually decided on penalties.
Having been eliminated by LAFC in each of the last two postseasons, Vancouver finally got their revenge as they advanced to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in club history.
Scorers: Sabbi 39', Laborda 45+1' ; Son 60', 90+5'
Penalties:Vancouver Whitecaps 4 - 3 LAFC
The Whitecaps began the match with energy and enthusiasm in attack, led by Canada international Ali Ahmed , who terrorised LAFC's defence throughout the first-half.
Eventually, Vancouver took a well-deserved lead as Whitecaps goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka played a long-ball right over the LAFC backline to find Emmanuel Sabbi, who chipped the oncoming Hugo Lloris .
Just minutes later, Thomas Müller's header was saved by Lloris off a Whitecaps corner. However, Mathías Laborda pounced on the rebound and scored through Lloris' legs to double the Whitecaps' advantage.
Following key substitutions from Steve Cherundolo, LAFC began the second-half on the front foot. Son Heung-min got one back after a goalmouth scramble which saw his previous attempts saved and cleared off the line.
Then, with only minutes of second-half stoppage time remaining, the South Korean superstar stepped up and curled an astonishing free-kick into the top-left corner to complete his brace and level things up.
Son and his teammates bursted away in celebration with the match heading into extra-time moments later.
Then, following two dramatic periods of extra-time in which Vancouver were reduced to nine men and LAFC came agonisingly close to scoring, the match headed to a penalty shootout.
In the end, Laborda sent Lloris the wrong way and fired the decisive penalty into the top-right corner to win it for Vancouver.
The Whitecaps will now face San Diego or Minnesota United for a place in the MLS Cup final. However, they will be without MLS Defender of the Year Tristan Blackmon , who received a second yellow card which resulted in Son's equaliser.
Meanwhile, after a late-season surge triggered by Son's arrival, LAFC's 2025 MLS season has finally come to an end.
