Vancouver Whitecaps vs LAFC: A rivalry renewed, but does the advantage rest with Vancouver?

The Vancouver Whitecaps are enjoying what is arguably the best season in their history. But could it all be derailed when they play LAFC in the second round of the MLS Cup Playoffs?

(Image Credit to The Third Sub)

When the fans fill the stands at BC Place on November 22nd, they’ll be in line for what is arguably the biggest game in their clubs’ recent history.

Yes, I’m aware that the Whitecaps recently played a CONCACAF Champions Cup Final.

I say this knowing that the club is enjoying an unprecedented run of success, one that has them not only in the upper echelon of the MLS standings, but that also earned them the signature of one Thomas Müller, who has fit into Vancouver life so well you’d think he’s actually from the coastal Canadian city.

But with the team set to cross paths with their newfound rivals in LAFC for the third consecutive postseason, this time in the second round, there is a considerable chance that all comes crashing down.

This is for two reasons. Firstly, LAFC has had the upper hand on Vancouver in recent years. While Vancouver has started to find success against LAFC in recent times, LAFC has still won a whopping six of the previous ten encounters with the Whitecaps.

Even then, Vancouver has found breakthroughs against LAFC in some big games. Most recently, in the first round of last year’s MLS Cup Playoffs, Vancouver was able to do something they haven’t been able to do in recent playoff ties: beat LAFC when it matters. Game 2 of the three-game series saw the Whitecaps win 3-0 to force a deciding Game 3 in Los Angeles; despite losing 1-0, this was the closest Vancouver had come to eliminating LAFC in their recent-but-storied rivalry.

Secondly, LAFC did just acquire Son Heung-min from Tottenham to reinforce their attacking depth; alongside the likes of Denis Bouanga, the team is set to fight for its second MLS Cup title in four seasons.

With this Round 2 tie being the first time the two teams meet since acquiring their respective superstar talents, it's a fresh slate of sorts in their rivalry.

The big question: can Vancouver establish the upper-hand on their rivals? Or is it status quo in this new chapter of the Whitecaps-LAFC rivalry?

I’m leaning (slightly) towards the former.

While LAFC has a significant advantage in terms of MLS experience, the Whitecaps will certainly benefit from the big-game experience brought by Thomas Müller. With 111 Champions League victories and multiple cup titles under his belt, the Raumdeuter certainly knows how to win in the biggest moments, especially in the single-elimination games. With every MLS Cup round from here on out taking on such a format, the Whitecaps will need that experience if they are to get past LAFC.

I will note that the Whitecaps have won single-game elimination tournaments before, especially in the Canadian Championship, however the MLS Cup is a different beast altogether. And the clubs last single-elimination game against a non-Canadian opponent didn’t exactly go to plan, so they might want to lean on Thomas Müller a little bit for this tie.

Personally, whoever wins this tie is going to represent the Western Conference in this December’s MLS Cup Final. Winning this tie would be a massive confidence booster for either side, which would undoubtedly help to take them over the top in the Western Conference playoff picture.

But with Vancouver looking to take advantage of their strong season and go on a deep run, finally eliminating LAFC is an absolute must.

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Article written by Noah Guttman