LAFC's unbeaten streak snapped in shutout loss to Whitecaps

LOS ANGELES -- With their nine-game unbeaten streak on the line, LAFC were shut out 1-0 by the Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday evening at BMO Stadium. The loss moved the Black and Gold to 7-5-5 on the season, currently holding seventh in the Western Conference. 

It was the final game with LAFC for 38-year-old forward Olivier Giroud, who agreed on Friday to terminate his contract and join French club Lille. He got the start in front of the home crowd, officially ending his campaign with Los Angeles following the side's opening 17 games of the season.

"I've been a bit emotional because it's always tough to leave in the middle of the season," said Giroud. "I want to thank everyone at the club for having me and making me feel like part of the family from the first day."

Giroud came out aggressive, trying to leave his mark for the final time as a member of LAFC. He fired a shot early on in the fourth minute that was comfortably saved by Yohei Takaoka before letting one go from long range in the 16th that just sailed over the top of the post.

Getting the start in goal for the first time was 24-year-old David Ochoa, stepping in for starter Hugo Lloris, who sat the contest out for rest. He did not record a save in the contest, allowing Vancouver's lone shot on goal to sneak past him in the 20th minute for the only score of the match.

Emmanuel Sabbi was the one to break through for Vancouver, using two impressive touches to maneuver around the defense and send it through the net. It was his third goal of the season and first since April 12.

"The first 20 minutes, I was a little shaky, but then after I got into the flow of the game," said Ochoa following his performance. "He [Sabbi] took a great touch...I just thought to make myself as big as possible since he's so close, but unfortunately, it still goes in the back of the net."

Despite holding possession of the ball for nearly 63% of the time and firing 13 shots, LAFC was unable to come up with an equalizer against Takaoka and the Vancouver defense. Nathan Ordaz had one final clean look in the 89th minute from just beyond the box, but Takaoka was able to snare it and turn away the last-minute try.

Los Angeles, now having dropped the season series to Vancouver following a 2-2 draw on May 11, will hit the road for a matchup against Austin FC on Saturday, July 5. Austin currently holds ninth in the Western Conference with a record of 7-5-8, and took home a 1-0 victory over LAFC back on March 15.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. PT.