May 12, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release
LOS ANGELES, CA – Vancouver Whitecaps FC suffered their first defeat away from home this season as they fell to Los Angeles FC at BMO Stadium on Saturday.
Yohei Takaoka came up big early on for the ‘Caps. The Japanese shot-stopper made a pair of good saves on Cristian Olivera to keep the match scoreless.
At the other end of the pitch, Fafà Picault nearly provided the opener for Whitecaps FC just under 15 minutes in, after getting on the end of a fizzed cross into the box from Tristan Blackmon. Picault managed to redirect the cross with a diving shot on goal, but was denied by Hugo Lloris.
LAFC would, in the end, break through the ‘Caps defence to get the opener in the 19th minute through Olivera. Denis Bouanga whipped a dangerous cross into the box from the left flank for Olivera to tap in for the lead. That duo combined once again to score LAFC’s second goal of the night. Bouanga, once again the creator, drilled another low cross towards the back post for Olivera to cushion in for his brace.
Despite being two behind, Whitecaps FC kept pushing to try to halve the deficit. Ryan Gauld had a good opportunity from a free kick just outside the box, but his effort hit the wall and went out for a corner.
The second half began with real intensity as the ‘Caps looked to get back into the match. But for all the ‘Caps pressure, LAFC would be the next team to score in the 57th minute. Bouanga, on the counter, burst down the left side and crossed another excellent ball into the box for Bogusz to bundle it home.
Pedro Vite and Levonte Johnson, fresh off the bench, were both able to test Lloris, but once again the Frenchman was able to keep them out. With the ‘Caps still chasing for a goal, Gauld came close to pulling one back in the 81st minute. A clever one-two with Vite gave Gauld the avenue to fire on goal but his curled effort went wide of the mark.
After five matches away from home, finally the ‘Caps were beaten. They’ll stay on the road this week as they train in Los Angeles, before looking to return to winning ways on Wednesday, May 15 at Colorado Rapids. Kickoff will be at 6: 30 p.m. PT live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, and on AM730 radio.
The next home match for the ‘Caps on Tuesday, May 21 as they host Cavalry FC at 7:30 p.m. PT in the second leg of the Canadian Championship. Tickets are included for season members.
Then, on May 25, Whitecaps FC will host Inter Miami CF in…
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