LAFC Sweeps First-Round Playoff Series Against Vancouver, Advances to MLS Cup Western Conference Semifinals

Golden Boot winner Dénis Bouanga continues goal-scoring streak as LAFC shows strong defense, poised to become first back-to-back MLS champions in a decade.

LAFC advanced to the MLS Cup Western Conference Semifinals after defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps in a first-round playoff series with a 1-0 victory on Sunday.
Golden Boot winner Dénis Bouanga continued his scoring streak, with the single goal of the match scored by Bouanga in the 24th minute of the match from a penalty awarded after a foul on LAFC's Mario González.
In their match against Vancouver, LAFC demonstrated excellent defensive performance, maintaining a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory. They also allowed opponents only nine goals and only 7.7 expected goals over the last nine games.
LAFC's path to become the first repeat champions since the LA Galaxy in 2011 and 2012 looks clearer due to their recent performance coupled with disruptions faced by other contenders in both the Western and Eastern Conferences.
LAFC will face the winner of the ongoing Seattle Sounders vs FC Dallas series in the Western Conference Semifinals.