LAFC Dismisses Vancouver Whitecaps as Rivals Despite Crushing Them in Recent Playoffs
LAFC squad members dismissed suggestions of an emerging feud with the Vancouver Whitecaps before their Western Conference semifinal clash, despite their recent encounters.
These two MLS Cup contenders will face off for the third consecutive postseason on Saturday in what promises to be an electric environment. BC Place is anticipated to host a sellout crowd of 55,000, fully aware of the elimination stakes in playoff action.
Leading LAFC striker Denis Bouanga and teammates knocked out Vancouver in both 2023 and 2024. He has another opportunity to repeat this feat this weekend, though he dismisses any animosity toward their adversaries.
"I don't believe there's any rivalry from a geographical standpoint," Bouanga stated. "They're a quality side, it's accurate that we frequently face them, but they're not specifically a rival beyond any other club."
The semifinal also represents the first featuring global stars Son Heung-min and Thomas Müller on opposing teams, but while Vancouver seeks retribution, LAFC maintains their usual approach to the contest.
"Müller is certainly a game-changer, a focal point for them both attacking and defending, he's a captain and has undoubtedly improved that squad, just as Sonny has with us," head coach Steve Cherundolo stated.
"Meeting Vancouver's intense approach is the minimum we must achieve there if we aim to emerge victorious. But I understand this squad, I know my players, and we're absolutely capable of that."
Bouanga the Whitecaps Killer
Bouanga had an outstanding campaign, placing runner-up to Inter Miami's Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot competition with 24 strikes—many scored after developing chemistry with Son following the South Korean's arrival on a record MLS transfer worth $26.5 million in August.
The duo combined for 20 goals from Son's first appearance through the regular season's conclusion.
While this partnership elevated Bouanga to greater success, he has consistently tormented the Whitecaps with 13 career goals against them, including four in MLS Cup playoff matches.
"I cannot truly explain it," Bouanga remarked. "I enjoy facing them whether here or at their venue with their artificial surface and everything. I cannot really clarify why I'm so productive against them."
Bouanga's tape against the Whitecaps 🎥⚽️ pic.twitter.com/1WxW9Q3Pno
This season's Whitecaps present a vastly different challenge, especially with Müller, impressive USMNT midfielder Sebastian Berhalter and the Designated Player trio of Brian White, Ryan Gauld and Andres Cubas.
"[The Whitecaps] are a squad that truly has confidence in itself, and they have a chance to demonstrate that at home, and the venue will be packed as well, but I possess the understanding and experience to say my teams perform in situations like this," Cherundolo noted. "I can envision there are numerous other clubs Vancouver would prefer to face than LAFC."
How LAFC Can Win vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
For LAFC to emerge triumphant, Bouanga and Son must capitalize on the contrasting approaches of both teams.
Anticipate Vancouver controlling considerably more ball possession, as they have in recent weeks with Müller in the starting eleven. LAFC will seek rapid counter-attacks with Bouanga and Son moving inward from their usual wide roles.
A match to remember against the Whitecaps 👨🏻 pic.twitter.com/ZB84BDoTkx
"With Sonny's arrival, it simply brought much more skill to our attack and we've become far more clinical and converting many more of our opportunities," LAFC midfielder Mark Delgado explained. "If we can convert our scoring chances, maintain proper organization during the game, communicate effectively with each other and remain highly disciplined, then I believe we'll position ourselves for positive results."
The victor of Vancouver vs. LAFC will meet the winner of San Diego FC vs. Minnesota United in the Western Conference championship on either Nov. 29 or 30.