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Whitecaps Host LAFC in Sold-Out Semifinal as Müller, Gauld, White Unite

Vancouver seeks a breakthrough after consecutive playoff exits to LAFC.

Overview

  • BC Place is sold out for Saturday’s Western Conference semifinal, with more than 53,000 fans expected and early gate openings with playoff rally towels planned.
  • Vancouver expects to field Thomas Müller, Ryan Gauld, and Brian White together for the first time, with White available after recovering from a hamstring issue.
  • Striker Daniel Ríos remains doubtful for the match after a Nov. 1 calf strain, as head coach Jesper Sørensen says he has not fully trained this week.
  • LAFC enters with Son Heung-min and Denis Bouanga leading the attack after a 17-8-9 regular season and a two-game sweep of Austin FC in the first round; Bouanga finished the regular season with 24 goals, second-most in MLS.
  • This is the third straight postseason meeting between the clubs and their 15th matchup since April 2023, with LAFC having eliminated Vancouver in 2023 and 2024.