Whitecaps Survive Red Card Drama, Advance on Penalties After Son's Heroics

VANCOUVER, Canada — The Vancouver Whitecaps advanced to the next round despite playing nearly 30 minutes with 10 men, defeating LAFC 4-3 on penalties after a pulsating 2-2 draw at BC Place on Saturday night. Mathías Laborda's decisive penalty capped a dramatic shootout that saw both sides miss crucial spot kicks, validating the club's decision to bring in Thomas Müller to help this team get over the hump and beat LAFC in their quest to win this tournament.

Vancouver seized early control and opened the scoring in the 39th minute through Emmanuel Sabbi, who finished with his left foot from the center of the box after goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka delivered a perfectly weighted through ball. The Whitecaps doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time when Laborda fired home from the right side of the six-yard box following a corner kick. Müller, wearing number 13, played a crucial role in the buildup, forcing a save from Hugo Lloris with a header before Laborda converted the rebound to send the home crowd into delirium heading into the interval.

LAFC refused to capitulate and pulled one back in the 60th minute when Son Heung-Min converted from very close range with his left foot, finishing off a sequence that saw him initially denied by Takaoka before burying the rebound. The Korean international's goal ignited the visitors and set up a tense second half.

The match's defining moment arrived in the second minute of stoppage time when Tristan Blackmon received his second yellow card for a foul on Denis Bouanga, leaving Vancouver to defend their slender lead with 10 men. LAFC seized the opportunity immediately.

Just three minutes after Blackmon's dismissal, Son delivered a moment of brilliance to force extra time. The LAFC star curled a magnificent free kick with his right foot into the top left corner in the 90+5 minute, completing his brace and silencing the stunned home supporters as the match headed to an additional 30 minutes.

Playing a man down, Vancouver showed remarkable resilience through extra time. Müller was substituted for Jeevan Badwal in the 90th minute as manager Vanni Sartini adjusted his tactics for the extra period. LAFC dominated possession and created numerous chances, with Bouanga striking both the crossbar and left post in the 120+2 minute, but the Whitecaps' depleted defense held firm. The home side suffered a further blow when Belal Halbouni went down injured in the 112th minute after all substitutions had been used, forcing Vancouver to play the final minutes with an injured player on the field.

The penalty shootout proved equally dramatic. Son's attempt struck the right post before Sebastian Berhalter converted to give Vancouver the advantage. Mark Delgado's miss kept the door open for the Whitecaps, but Hugo Lloris saved Édier Ocampo's effort to level the shootout at 3-3 after nine penalties. Laborda stepped up for the decisive kick, driving his right-footed shot into the top right corner to spark wild celebrations among the home faithful.

The victory represents a gutsy performance from Vancouver, who overcame numerical disadvantage and Son's heroics to advance. For LAFC, despite dominating the final stages and Son's match-saving free kick, their season ended in heartbreak at the penalty spot.

The Whitecaps now await the winner of Sunday's matchup between San Diego and Minnesota, scheduled for 10:00 PM on November 24. Vancouver will carry momentum from this dramatic comeback victory into the next round, having proven their tournament credentials by overcoming one of MLS's premier clubs in the most challenging of circumstances.