Son Heung-min's Dramatic Fall: From Playoff Hero to Heartbreak Villain in MLS's Most Shocking Upset

More than 53,000 supporters filled BC Place as Vancouver Whitecaps created MLS history, defeating LAFC in a penalty shootout to reach their first-ever MLS Cup playoffs Western Conference final.

Mathiás Laborda converted the decisive penalty for the Whitecaps, securing victory after his team gave up a 2-0 advantage through two goals from Son Heung-min, including a spectacular curling free kick in the 95th minute that sent the match to extra time.

Despite LAFC striking the woodwork three times during extra time and facing nine Vancouver players in the closing stages due to Tristan Blackmon's red card and Belal Halbouni's injury, luck favored Vancouver.

Vancouver now progresses to their inaugural Western Conference Final appearance and will either welcome Minnesota United or travel to face San Diego FC for a shot at reaching MLS Cup.

Here's the breakdown of one of the most thrilling encounters in MLS playoff history.

0' – 53,957 Fill BC Place

The Whitecaps established a new MLS-era attendance milestone with 53,957 spectators for the Western Conference semifinal, each equipped with rally towels that produced spectacular atmosphere before and during the match.

This attendance figure surpassed their previous record of 53,837 set in May during the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.

39' – An Unusual Goalkeeper Assist

Vancouver dominated possession in the opening half but found it difficult to convert their control into clear chances. While they successfully limited LAFC's counter-attacking opportunities, it required some direct football for the Whitecaps to find the breakthrough.

Goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka created history by delivering a long pass to striker Emmanuel Sabbi, who lobbed LAFC keeper Hugo Lloris in the 40th minute for the opener. This marked only the third goalkeeper assist in MLS Cup playoff history.

45+1' – Berhalter, Müller and Laborda Extend Lead to 2-0

Sebastian Berhalter entered the match following impressive performances with the U.S. men's national team and showcased his set-piece expertise with a precisely delivered corner to Thomas Müller's head near halftime. The German icon couldn't beat Lloris directly, but Laborda was positioned perfectly to convert the rebound.

Everything appeared to be falling into place for the Whitecaps.

60' – Son Heung-min Gets on the Scoresheet

Vancouver had effectively neutralized Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga during the first half, but the South Korean star found his moment at the hour mark, forcing the ball past a cluster of Whitecaps defenders who desperately threw themselves into the path.

78' – Lloris's Crucial Save

Had Vancouver restored their two-goal cushion with 12 minutes remaining, the result would likely have been sealed. Lloris rose to the occasion as Tristan Blackmon's effort struck him directly following another brilliant free kick delivery from Berhalter.

90+2' – Tristan Blackmon Sees Red

Vancouver was reduced to 10 players in the closing stages as USMNT defender Tristan Blackmon received his marching orders with a second yellow card. "Ref, you suck" chants echoed throughout BC Place.

90+5' – Son Heung-min's Magic Moment

Son Heung-min arrived as LAFC's record $26.5 million signing, breaking the MLS incoming transfer record. His curling free kick in the final moments of their season made the investment appear worthwhile. A crucial intervention... temporarily.

Extra Time – Müller's Evening Concludes

Reduced to 10 players and facing a physically demanding 90 minutes, Whitecaps manager Jesper Sørensen chose to replace Müller with homegrown midfielder Jeevan Badwal, exhausting his substitution options before extra time.

110' – Whitecaps Reduced to Nine

Already playing with 10 men, Vancouver dropped to nine players with 10 minutes left in extra time as center-back Belal Halbouni sustained an injury and was unable to continue.

115' – LAFC's Missed Opportunity

Despite enjoying a two-player advantage for the final 10 minutes, LAFC couldn't capitalize on their numerical superiority. David Martínez's shot struck Takaoka before deflecting off the crossbar, while Bouanga's follow-up also hit the frame. Moments later, Bouanga's cross traveled across the goal line with no one positioned to finish.

Penalties – Son, Delgado Miss the Mark

Following his earlier heroics, Son couldn't deliver when it mattered most in the shootout. His opening penalty struck the post, before teammate Mark Delgado suffered the same fate. The shootout went the full distance, and while Lloris made an important save, Laborda sealed the historic victory with the final kick.

What's Next?

LAFC's campaign has ended and manager Steve Cherundolo's time with the club has concluded. For Vancouver, they've finally overcome LAFC after playoff defeats to the Black and Gold in 2023 and 2024. All attention now turns to the Conference Final for the Whitecaps.