Vancouver Whitecaps defeat LAFC via penalties to progress in MLS post-season

Vancouver Whitecaps defeat LAFC via penalties to progress in MLS post-season
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Mathias Laborda netted the decisive spot-kick in a penalty shoot-out, securing Vancouver's triumph against Los Angeles FC on Saturday and earning them a place in the Major League Soccer play-off semi-finals following a 2-2 draw after extra time.

Goals from Emmanuel Sabbi and Laborda in the opening 45 minutes gave the Whitecaps a commanding 2-0 lead at their covered B.C. Place venue.

However, LAFC mounted a comeback after the break, with South Korean forward Son Heung-min finding the net twice, his last-gasp leveller arriving in the fifth minute of added time just after Vancouver were down to ten players.

Tristan Blackmon received a second yellow card, yet the Whitecaps managed to survive extra time and force a shoot-out.

Son blazed his opening penalty against the right upright, and Sebastian Berhalter slotted home to put Vancouver in front.

LAFC's Marco Delgado then fired his effort over the crossbar, allowing Ryan Gauld to score and extend the Whitecaps' advantage to 3-1.

Andrew Moran reduced the deficit for LAFC, but keeper Hugo Lloris denied Vancouver's Edier Ocampo from the spot.

Frankie Amaya equalised for LAFC with his successful kick, though Laborda calmly converted the final penalty for a 4-3 Whitecaps victory.

For the first time, the Whitecaps reach the Western Conference final, where they await either the top-ranked San Diego or fourth-placed Minnesota United, who meet on Monday.

The Eastern Conference semi-finals take place on Sunday, featuring Lionel Messi's Inter Miami away at Cincinnati and New York City travelling to league leaders Philadelphia.

Both teams gained momentum from summer signings of world-class players: former Bayern Munich midfielder Thomas Muller arrived at Vancouver, while ex-Tottenham forward Son boosted LAFC.

Under new Danish manager Jesper Sorensen in their debut campaign, the Whitecaps achieved a club-best points haul, made their inaugural CONCACAF Champions Cup final and vied for the MLS Supporters' Shield.