LAFC Secures 5-2 Victory Over Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS Playoff Opener

Despite dominant victory, LAFC must win best-of-three series under new MLS playoff format with the second game set for Nov. 5 in Vancouver.

LAFC secured the opening win of the MLS playoff series against the Vancouver Whitecaps with a dominant 5-2 victory. Ryan Hollingshead and Dénis Bouanga scored two goals each for LAFC, with Jesús Murillo also netting one.
Despite the strong victory, LAFC's progression to the next round is not assured due to a change in the MLS playoff format – it shifted to a best-of-three series from a single elimination format.
LAFC will need to win the second game, set for Nov. 5 in Vancouver, to secure the series. If a third game is required, it will be played on Nov. 9 at BMO Stadium.
The new playoff format does not take into account total goals or goal differential, meaning the 5-2 victory will not influence LAFC's standing in the upcoming games of the series.
Vancouver twice managed to level the score in the opening half, but LAFC solidified their lead with three consecutive goals in the second half. Brian White and Sam Adekugbe were Vancouver's goal-scorers in the match.