Vancouver Whitecaps 2, LAFC 1 | 2020 MLS Match Recap

The Vancouver Whitecaps kept their playoff hopes alive with a second win in a row, riding two goals by star striker Lucas Cavallini to a 2-1 victory over LAFC on Wednesday in Portland.

The Whitecaps now occupy the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference with five matches to go and they sit just three points behind LAFC in 4th place in the conference standings.

Vancouver started strong with two shots in the opening minutes of the match, maintaining that momentum until they scored the game's opening goal in the 30th minute. From midfield, Fredy Montero sent the ball towards Cristian Dajome in the box. Then, Dajome sent a square pass towards Cavallini, who hit the back of the net from close range. It was the highlight of a strong first half for the Whitecaps, who had nine shots and four on target.

LAFC started the second half with the urgency of a team looking for an equalizer, and their first shot on target. But that mission was disrupted when Cavallini scored a second in the 59th minute. The trio that combined for the first goal did the same for the second, with Dajome sending the ball to Montero on the right side of the penalty area. Montero then crossed to Cavallini in front of goal, and he punched it home to make it 2-0.

LAFC continued pushing for a goal, though they struggled to record a shot on target despite dominating possession. The chance to get on the board came through an 83rd minute penalty kick that was awarded after a handball infraction by Vancouver's Jake Nerwinski. Although 'Caps goalkeeper Evan Bush made a save on Eduard Atuesta's first attempt, the kick was retaken due to goalkeeper encroachment and he scored on his second try. 

Despite their best efforts, however, there was no equalizer to come from LAFC, who have lost their seventh match of the season after only dropping four in a record-setting 2019. 

Goals

• 30' - VAN - Lucas Cavallini | WATCH
• 59' - VAN - Lucas Cavallini | WATCH
• 83' - LAFC - Eduard Atuesta - PK | WATCH

Three Things

• THE BIG PICTURE: Just when everyone's ready to write off the Whitecaps after four straight losses, they show the heart of a team that is far from ready to concede no matter the adversity they continue to face in 2020. They gutted out their second straight victory against a weakened, but still very capable LAFC side, making it clear they will be scrapping until the very end. LAFC look forward to welcoming their South American stars back from national team duty and subsequent quarantine for the final stretch run.
• MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Lucas Cavallini, Fredy Montero, and Cristian Dajome were crucial to the Whitecaps' success, and on the second goal provided stellar passing and in Cavallini's case, a standout finish. MAN OF THE MATCH: Lucas Cavallini was the Whitecaps' key to success, scoring both of the team's goals and recording four shots overall.

Next Up

• VAN: Sunday, October 18 at LA Galaxy (10:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+; TSN 1/4 in Canada)
• LAFC: Sunday, October 18 at Portland Timbers (10 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)