Whitecaps reach Western Conference Final after penalty shootout win in epic Müller–Son showdown before 54,000 fans

In a thrilling night that brought 54,000 fans to BC Place and featured a marquee duel between Thomas Müller and Heung-min Son, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC advanced to the Western Conference Final after defeating LAFC in a tense penalty shootout. The semifinal delivered everything: dominance, reaction, controversy and a finish worthy of a playoff classic.

First-half control: Müller leads, Whitecaps strike twice

Vancouver set the tone early. Goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka sparked the opening goal with a perfectly placed long ball that ignited a fast transition, ending with Emmanuel Sabbi scoring the opener.

The Whitecaps stayed firmly in control, with Thomas Müller orchestrating the midfield and Ali Ahmed winning every battle on the flank. The momentum culminated in Laborda doubling the lead late in the first half, sending BC Place into celebration.

Second-half shift: LAFC grow into the game, Son pulls them back

The second half brought a complete reversal. Even with 63% possession, Vancouver struggled to sustain their rhythm as LAFC raised the intensity and pushed the hosts deeper into their own half.

The pressure paid off when Heung-min Son scored midway through the second half, injecting tension into the stadium and swinging momentum toward the visitors.

Stoppage-time chaos: a red card and Son’s equalizer

With the referee awarding nine minutes of stoppage time, the semifinal escalated into pure drama. At 90+2, Blackmonwas sent off, leaving Vancouver with ten men at the most critical moment.

From the ensuing free kick, Son curled in the equalizer, silencing the crowd and sending the match to extra time — and eventually to penalties.

Shootout glory: Vancouver hold their nerve

After a tense extra time, the decision came from the spot. The Whitecaps stayed composed in the shootout, converting with precision while Takaoka delivered the key save that sent BC Place into eruption.

With the victory, Vancouver clinched their spot in the Western Conference Final, capping one of the most dramatic nights in club history.