Whitecaps Battle Back to Draw LAFC 2–2, Stay Atop MLS Standings in Pacific Rivalry Thriller

Photo credit: Megan Swain/GATG

The Vancouver Whitecaps hosted the Los Angeles FC on May 11, 2025 in a pacific rivalry matchup. 

The Whitecaps looked to continue their success and stay atop the Supporter’s Shield and the MLS Western Conference, which they managed to do with a 2-2 comeback draw against LAFC.

The draw did not come easy for the Whitecaps as they saw themselves down 2-0 by the 19’ of the game. 

Whitecaps goalie, Yohei Takaoka, made two saves early into the match. However, LAFC broke through and opened the scoring 8’ into the game. In the 19’ minute of the game, LAFC doubled their lead on a penalty kick, making the game 2-0.

In the 26’ Brian White got the Whitecaps within one of LAFC with a header past the LAFC goalie. The assist went to Sebastian Berhalter, marking his seventh goal contribution in his last 5 appearances across all competitions.

The score remained 2-1 in favour of LAFC at halftime. This was the first time this MLS season where the Whitecaps headed into the second half at a deficit. 

The Whitecaps came out strong in the second half scoring the equalizer in the 70’. The goal came from another header by White with the assist going to Ali Ahmed.

White’s second of the night marked his thirteenth goal across all competitions and his eighth in the MLS. With his eighth in the league, he is now tied for the MLS lead. 

Ahmed’s assist marked his sixth across all competitions this season, tying him for the team lead with Pedro Vite and Jayden Nelson. 

With the 2-2 draw, head coach Jesper Sørensen set an MLS record and became the first coach in league history to record 27 points within his first 12 MLS matches.

The Whitecaps hit the road for 2 games before returning to BC Place on May 28, 2025 when they take on the Minnesota United FC. The match against Minnesota is the last game before they head to Mexico to play Cruz Azul in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final on June 1, 2025.