Henry Tran - The Sporting Tribune
LAFC Forward Mateusz Bogusz in action against the Vancouver Whitecaps. November 8, 2024. BMO Stadium
LAFC defeated the Whitecaps to advance in the MLS Cup Playoffs
LOS ANGELES -- LAFC slid into their semifinal round slot of the MLS Cup Playoffs with a 1-0 win against the Vancouver Whitecaps in Game 3 of the first round of the playoffs once again knocking the Whitecaps out of the postseason, like last year.
The sole goal of the night came from the versatile and humble Mateusz Bogusz who netted his 16th goal of the season with the feat. It was also his first-ever MLS Playoffs goal. Bogusz, a thorn in Vancouver Whitecaps side all year, scored in two regular-season matchups and a 95th-minute equalizer in the Leagues Cup. Tonight, he pierced their heart with his goal ending their season. But, unlike last year, this time it took three matches to send them home.
“I’m really proud of the performance of the guys. On the three games. I don’t think we were, we were worse than them. We won the aggregate 4-3,” Vancouver's coach Vanni Sartini said.
Winning the elimination match of a first round postseason game doesn't quite have the same ring as winning a final, but for LAFC and their fans, as they celebrated the accomplishment, it certainly felt like it. It meant that LAFC have not lost at home in a playoffs match since 2019 and they intend to keep it that way. It meant LAFC had recovered from the double-blow of being shut out in a postseason match for the first time in club history and suffering its first loss in over a month. It means they can start with a clean slate in their next round against the Seattle Sounders.
The goal that clinched the dub. 👌 pic.twitter.com/3YZhiiMas4
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 9, 2024
Pushing Bogusz into the wings to allow him more freedom of movement, bringing in Eduard Atuesta into the midfield/backliine foray, adding in Olivier Giroud, and switching from a 4-man midfield to a 3-man midfield, changed the momentum on the pitch, increasing their creativity and forcing Vancouver to try to respond.
Finally, in the 62nd minute, LAFC found their opening as Aaron Long sent a ball out to an unmarked Bogusz who simply ran out towards the goal, beating Vancouver defenders and their goalkeeper with a chip. The execution as he sent the ball past a helpless defender and around the goalkeeper was flawless.
"Credit to Mati. He understands our tactics, he listens, he adapts to them, but he still uses his tools that he has in different areas of the field. And I think that makes it very difficult to defend. He took his goal very well, every touch was perfect, and his idea that he had in his head, he implemented very well. And he implemented at the highest pace possible at that moment, which gave him great advantage, and just a class finish," head coach Steve Cherundolo said.
Working as a team, the Black and Gold were able to finish the night off with a clean sheet, even as the Whitecaps attempted to equalize through the final 15 minutes. There simply was no way LAFC were letting a ball through.
LAFC next face the Seattle Sounders in the Semifinal Round of the MLS Cup Playoffs on November 23/24 with the long break due to the upcoming FIFA international window in which Bogusz has a rightful place with Poland.
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