Brian White scored twice, including his second goal in the 70th minute, as the Vancouver Whitecaps battled back from an early 2-0 deficit to earn a 2-2 draw against Los Angeles FC on Sunday.
Match Overview
The match began quickly with both sides creating opportunities within minutes:
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Los Angeles FC’s Early Goals:
- Winger Denis Bouanga took advantage of a mistake by Vancouver’s Edier Ocampo, firing a sharp-angle shot that was blocked by goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka.
- Midfielder Igor Jesus found the rebound, but Takaoka stopped it again.
- The first goal for Los Angeles FC came from midfielder Mark Delgado, who scored after a header from centre-back Eddie Segura was saved by Takaoka. Delgado put the rebound past Takaoka from the center of the box.
- Bouanga doubled L.A.’s lead with a penalty kick after Ocampo was called for a foul on defender Ryan Hollingshead.
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Vancouver’s Response:
- Vancouver earned their first goal with a free kick after Bouanga fouled Ocampo. The ball sailed into the box where midfielder Sebastian Berhalter sent it towards the net with a well-placed header.
- Takaoka made a crucial save against Jeremy Ebobisse’s shot, preventing a third goal for Los Angeles.
White completed his brace as he pressed forward throughout much of his time on the field before being substituted out by Ali Ahmed, who assisted him in scoring position again. The crowd of 22,437 at BC Place Stadium erupted when White scored Vancouver’s first goal in the 26th minute.
Coach’s Remarks
Coach Vanni Sartini praised his players’ determination, stating:
"I think we were unlucky not to get more than two goals… We created some chances and had some good moments. But I’m proud of my players because they never gave up even when it looked like things weren’t going well… They kept pushing until they got what they deserved."
Sartini also commended the fans, saying:
"That was one heck of an atmosphere tonight… Our fans were fantastic."
Standings Impact
With this draw, Vancouver extends their unbeaten streak to 11 games and leads all MLS teams with 27 points, holding a five-point edge over Minnesota atop the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, LAFC remains tied for second place in the Western Conference, behind the Seattle Sounders, who won earlier Sunday against the Houston Dynamo at home.
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