Playoff Disaster Strikes for the Whitecaps: LAFC vs Vancouver Whitecaps Game 1- Post Match Reaction

Wow oh wow! The Vancouver Whitecaps again got obliterated by LAFC. This time in the MLS Cup playoffs.

Reaction

The first few sentences were literally almost the indication of this match. But I did appreciate the effort that the Whitecaps provided in the first half. It felt like the Whitecaps were desperate for that cup. This time Vanni stated that they are more prepared than the last time they made an playoff appearance in 2021. It didn't show in the second half. As the deliberate weaknesses of the Whitecaps were exposed by Los Angeles FC. With the overall commitment didn't seemed worse than the first half. And that made the Whitecaps fall out of the game. With a couple of unforced errors from the goalkeeping and defenders and even the coach. Made the Whitecaps fall badly in a match where it didn't seem like total domination by LAFC. As it wasn't totally controlled by LAFC especially in the first half. The positives that I saw was, the ability for Adekugbe to provide. Which was proven with his goal, and I generally thought that his passing and decision making was improved and reconsidered from previously. One more positive that I observed, was that the Whitecaps converted their opportunities which is an rare sight to season this season. With Brian White showing composure on the first Vancouver goal. And Sam Adekugbe taking advantage of his hot day and heading it in with erectness. Only an total of 0.85xG for the Vancouver Whitecaps but converting two is pretty good. Considering in the regular season they were struggling in that department.

Potential difficulties

Following my reaction to that shambolic defeat. Where nobody really has a clue on what caused the poor display in the second half, after a competitive and strong first half performance. Now what kind of hardships will the Whitecaps face for the rest of the series. As I have always mentioned is that, you always have the chance and the opportunity to build off victories. And that was something that I thought the Whitecaps could have had to generate some momentum. By defeating LAFC on Decision Day the same opponent they are facing in this first round. That is where it is slightly worrisome as it feels like that's what may strike the Whitecaps in Game 2. As well as Los Angeles FC seemingly figuring out the weakness of the Caps which is defending set pieces. As LAFC took that to their fullest advantage in this match. While Vancouver couldn't really figure out how to counter against that. Game 2 is an obvious much win for the Whitecaps, with the season on the line. It will be intriguing to see what they can display in front of their most likely massive crowd.

Stat that was over escalated

I don't know how. I don't know why. LAFC only had a registered 0.64xG according to the Apple TV broadcast. It was fascinating to me, as conceding 5 goals to an 0.64xG? That is really concerning. Which most likely indicates one of two things. The one possibility is that LAFC got lucky and shot extremely precisely with just some outrageous attempts. Or second Vancouver's defending and goalkeeping was extremely atrocious. And I personally believe it was a mix of both. The Whitecaps defending was certainly had a disasterclass and shambolic in this match. As the marking and shot blocking ability wasn't ideal. While the Whitecaps did make the most of their own opportunities, LAFC did the same but way better. With Bouanga again being brilliant with his technique from distance. While some questionable defending was manufactured. To over-escalate the expected goals by so much, it is insane to even think this is a possibility. It is evident that Takaoka could have made at least one or two stops that went in, the fourth one that he failed to stop was probably the game defining moment.

Another factor

We can all see that LAFC was just straight up more desired to win this one in the second half. As I believe that Steve Cherundolo changed the gameplan, and discovered the Whitecaps' weakness. While wanting more long shot attempts, as Takaoka's frame is an slight disadvantage too. Vanni didn't expect the sudden switches, and didn't counter with more attacking substitutions until the 71st minute after the fourth goal. While the player that he brought on Martins, didn't help the cause much as well. So I believe that Cherundolo did a great job with handling the pressure, as he observed some different events on the pitch. And successfully made adjustments to outclass the Whitecaps in the second half. That was a major factor for the rest of the match.

Game Recap

The first opportunity from this playoff match. A coroner for Los Angeles FC. Swung into the mix by Vela, finds Hollingshead with a header to the bottom left corner then a rebound back to him he shoots with his left and places it past Takaoka, nutmegs him to make it 1-0 in a monumental moment.

After a couple of touches it falls to Carlos Vela in the edge of the area who shoots with power and accuracy but Javain Brown got in front of it and blocked the effort.

Secondly, LAFC commited a turnover inside their own half. Andres Cubas picks it off and slides a lovely through ball to Brian White who finishes it beautifully past Crepeau to equalize.

Now a couple minutes after the goal by Vancouver, Bouanga with some flair as he dribbles past multiple Whitecaps defenders after a flick on by a teammate that brought him into the opposition half and he skills past Veselinovic then takes a shot that was extremely accurate. and into the back of the net.

Gauld wins a free kick in a perfect range an angle to place in a cross. Gauld takes it, swings it in and Adekugbe the surprising one who attacked it and scored it to equal the match yet again.

LAFC, in a great free kick shooting position. A few yards outside the box. Vela to strike and struck it over the crossbar.

Halftime, 2-2 the score and what a game it has been for neutrals and an really stressful game for the passionate supporters.

Afterwards, LAFC on another corner. Swung in controlled by Hollingshead that almost magically falls for Bouanga who does a great skill to fool the defence and then somehow it is a deflection that falls perfectly into the feet of Hollingshead who scores his second of this game.

Then a few moments later the game is an hour old, LAFC with a set piece strategy. Which Vela plays barely forward to Bouanga who takes a touch. Drives it low, somehow gets through the entire crowd of players in front and it also somehow squeezes past Takaoka to make it 4-2. It looked like White may have gotten a slight piece to deflect that on the replay, still unsure though.

Boungz with the whip in from the corner flag and Murillo tracks the ball and heads it to the underside of the crossbar then bounces to the ground, then it was confirmed in after it was still slightly uncertain. As Takaoka couldn't react in time for the initial bounce that was questioned if it was in or not, then it just slowly swivels in after another bounce.

That will do it, a tough 5-2 loss is the final scoreline for this Game 1 of the MLS playoffs between the third place of the West LAFC versus the sixth in the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Man Of The Match

Despite this 5-2 defeat. I actually thought the attack was somewhat decent in this game. Keep in mind, that I have to choose a player from the Whitecaps. So the Man Of The Match for Vancouver. Scoring two is pretty good, just the battering by LAFC overshadowed the positives that were made in the first 45'. The two goalscorers being Brian White and Sam Adekugbe. While the two providers for the goal, Ryan Gauld and Andres Cubas. It is difficult to choose here yet again. This time not because of the lack of options, as there are multiple in my opinion deserved candidates. Also an milestone for White being his 100th Whitecaps appearance. While the first goal as a Whitecaps player, for homegrown talent Sam Adekugbe. Maybe even the Vancouver Whitecaps supporters who travelled to Los Angeles to watch the Blue and White play, the Caps On Tour I should say. But I will give the slight edge to Sam Adekugbe. As despite him not being as defensive I maybe would have preferred. His impact offensively though was unmatched by any Whitecaps players in my opinion. With his header using his athleticism to his advantage, something that is kind of rare for Adekugbe. Winning that header ferociously with a height of 5"8 which is 178 cm. Winning it over Bogusz. Utilizing his head uniquely but perfectly as it was also placed precisely too. While also making an impact down the flank, in terms of crossing and passing. So Sam Adekugbe is my Whitecaps Man Of The Match.