Los Angeles FC 1-0 Vancouver Whitecaps: Bogusz strike seals hosts´ semi-final spot

Los Angeles FC advanced to the Western Conference MLS playoff semi-finals after beating the Vancouver Whitecaps 1-0 at the BMO Stadium on Friday.

After a tense first-half that saw just one shot on target, Mateusz Bogusz’s 62nd minute strike settled the best-of-three series to set up a tie with the Seattle Sounders.

A cagey opening to proceedings saw clear-cut chances hard to come by, as visiting striker Brian White saw his effort comfortably gathered by Hugo Lloris in the 27th minute.

But the decisive moment came just after the hour-mark when Andres Cubas’ poor header was collected by Bogusz, with the Pole then firing a left-footed effort into the far corner.

Vancouver, however, improved after going a goal down and thought they had drawn themselves level through Tristan Blackmon, but his 74th minute header was ruled out for offside.

The visitors continued to push to try and send the game to penalties, but LAFC were able to hold on to seal their progression to the semi-finals for the third consecutive season.

Round 1 #LAFCvVAN pic.twitter.com/xBCMhQKyxP

— LAFC (@LAFC) November 9, 2024

Data Debrief: Bogusz keeps the double alive

In a game that lacked quality from both sides in the final third, LAFC’s Bogusz proved to be the difference, netting his 20th goal of the season in all competitions on Friday.

The Pole also registered a team-high expected goals (xG) tally of 0.21, while also completing the joint-most successful dribbles (three) along with Lewis O’Brien.

The Whitecaps, meanwhile, have still managed to win just once in their 13 all-time away matches against LAFC (D4 L8), though this one may be their most heartbreaking.