Vancouver Whitecaps Keep Playoff Hopes Alive with 3-0 Victory Over LAFC

The Vancouver Whitecaps have forced a decisive Game 3 in their playoff series against LAFC, securing a 3-0 win at home on Sunday. In a performance fueled by memories of last year’s playoff exit to the same team, the Whitecaps claimed victory with goals from Ryan Gauld and two fortunate own goals by LAFC’s Ryan Hollingshead and Eddie Segura.

Ryan Gauld opened the scoring in the 10th minute, setting the pace early with a goal assisted by Brian White. Four minutes later, Gauld delivered a cross that deflected off Hollingshead for an own goal, giving the Whitecaps a 2-0 lead. A second own goal by Segura in the 68th minute sealed the win for Vancouver.

Whitecaps goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka, motivated by last year’s playoff loss, made crucial saves to keep a clean sheet. His highlight moment came in the 60th minute when he thwarted a breakaway shot by LAFC’s Denis Bouanga. “I stayed patient,” Takaoka said. “The decision was good, and I’m happy to help the team.”

The win means Vancouver and LAFC are tied at one game each in the best-of-three series. The decisive match will be held in Los Angeles on Friday, with the winner advancing to face the Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference semifinals.

Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini described the upcoming match as a challenge: “We did the first part of the climbing today, and we need to do the second part, the hardest part, on Friday.”