LAFC 2-1 WIN OVER VANCOUVER
Vancouver — LAFC won its fourth straight league game and its fifth straight in all competitions, claiming a 2-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place on Sunday night to keep its hopes of a first-place finish in the Western Conference alive. Mateusz Bogusz scored in the game’s opening minute while Ilie Sánchez scored the game-winning goal in second-half stoppage time to help LAFC improve to 18-8-7 for 61 points on the season, heading into next weekend’s season finale at home against San Jose.
LAFC took the lead just 32 seconds into the game with Bogusz scoring the second-fastest goal in club history. David Martínez threaded a pass behind the Vancouver defense for Bogusz, who raced into the box on the left wing. He held off a defender before chipping the ball past Vancouver goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka with his left foot, making the score 1-0.
Vancouver equalized in the 63rd minute when a Sebastian Berhalter free kick deflected off the head of Sergi Palencia and into the net for an own goal, tying the score 1-1.
The game appeared to be headed toward a 1-1 finish before Ilie Sánchez stepped up to score the winner in the 93rd minute. Nathan Ordaz helped to create the goal, collecting a pass near midfield and racing down the left wing before appearing to be closed down by a pair of Vancouver defenders. However, Ordaz was able to squeeze between the defenders and get into the box before playing a short pass to Kei Kamara who picked out Sánchez at the top of the area. Sánchez took one touch before hitting a right-footed shot that went in off the post, giving LAFC a 2-1 lead.
Shortly after the Sánchez goal, the Whitecaps nearly equalized for a second time, only for Brian White’s header to hit the post before being cleared from danger, helping LAFC hold on for the full three points.
LAFC will close out the regular season on Saturday, October 19, when it hosts the San Jose Earthquakes at BMO Stadium.
