In a thrilling Leagues Cup encounter that featured four goals and a penalty shootout at BMO Stadium, the Vancouver Whitecaps edged Los Angeles Football Club in a penalty kick shootout (4-2) after a dramatic 2-2 draw thanks to a late equalizer that needed a VAR confirmation.
Despite the loss in penalties, LAFC secured their place in the knockout stages.
The match began with a notable absence for both sides. LAFC opted to start Abraham Romero in goal instead of World Cup winner Hugo Lloris in goal, while Vancouver was without two of its best players: Ryan Gauld and Yohei Takaoka.
Steve Cherundolo’s lineup featured another change as Nathan Ordaz started in place of Kei Kamara.
The Whitecaps struck first, with Sebastian Berhalter testing Romero early on. His long-range effort found the back of the net, giving Vancouver a 1-0 lead with a laser shot from outside the box. LAFC responded with high pressure, creating several chances, but Denis Bouanga and Mateusz Bogusz were unable to capitalize.
In the 17th minute, Vancouver doubled its lead when Ranko Veselinovic scored off a corner kick, heading the ball past a helpless Romero. LAFC struggled to find their rhythm, and the first half ended with Vancouver holding a commanding 2-0 lead.
At halftime, Kamara replaced Ordaz, adding a spark to LAFC’s attack. The home side nearly scored in the 67th minute, but Bogusz’s shot was saved off the line. LAFC continued to press, and their efforts paid off when Kamara headed in a cross past Isaac Boehmer just before the end of regulation, making it 2-1.
In stoppage time, Levonte Johnson missed a 1-on-1 opportunity that could have sealed the match for Vancouver. Moments later, Bogusz scored a dramatic last-second goal, sending the match to penalties and erupting BMO Stadium in celebration.
The penalty shootout saw Vancouver hold their nerve, while LAFC faltered. The Whitecaps emerged victorious, booking their place in the next round. Despite the loss, LAFC also qualified for the knockout stages, thanks to Bogusz’s crucial goal.
Adding to the drama, Vancouver’s head coach Vanni Sartini was ejected toward the end of the match, marking the second consecutive game in the Leagues Cup where an opposing coach received a red card against LAFC.
With this victory, the Whitecaps now turn their attention to their next match against Club Tijuana. A win would see them top West 7 and face either CF Monterrey or Pumas UNAM in the knockout stages. Meanwhile, LAFC prepares to regroup and push forward in their Leagues Cup campaign and have the possibility of playing all three opponents of West 1.
Even with the loss, Cherundolo was in high spirits. When asked what he took away from the match, he laughed and said, “One point.” He added, “We may get a home game out of this.”
