4 of LA’s targets got here off of nook kicks or set items, as LA blows open an evenly matched sport within the second half.
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The Vancouver Whitecaps did what they needed to do: survive the primary 20 minutes at BMO Stadium.
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Seems the ultimate 40 minutes have been those they wanted to fret about.
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Twice, Los Angeles FC scored to go in entrance within the first half, and twice the Caps rallied to reply. However three second-half targets sealed their destiny in Sport 1 of their MLS playoff collection with LA taking the opener 5-2.
Denis Bouanga and Ryan Hollingshead each scored twice for LA, whereas Jesús Murillo had one. Brian White and Sam Adekugbe replied for the Whitecaps.
5 targets conceded will stick within the Caps’ craws, however the truth 4 of them got here off corners or set items is the half they gained’t be capable of choke down.
Bouanga’s objective was a second of anticipated magic from the Golden Boot winner — holding off Javain Brown earlier than getting separation from Ranko Veselinovic to attain from 20 yards out.
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However each of Hollingshead’s targets got here after the Caps did not clear rebounds on nook kicks. Bouanga’s second, off a free kick cross, skittered by means of 5 defenders earlier than sliding underneath Yohei Takaoka’s frozen hand. Murrilo’s rating, a easy header on a nook kick.
“I feel we bought somewhat bit deflated after the 4 objective. … I feel it killed the sport,” mentioned Vancouver coach Vanni Sartini, whose group had a 12-3 disparity in nook kicks gained.
“In fact it’s fairly easy to make an evaluation that we’ve to do a lot better on defending set performs. We conceded three targets on a nook, guys. It’s unimaginable to win video games should you concede three targets from the nook.
“We have been really doing fairly good recently (defending set items), however right now was certainly one of first the performances of the yr once we have been completely overwhelmed on set performs. And the that’s the sport, on the finish.
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“(Errors) occur, however sadly within the playoffs, you pay for these type of errors as a result of as a result of the standard of the groups are actually excessive.”
Possession was practically equal, with LA holding a slight 50.2 per cent edge, however Vancouver was drastically outshot — 19-8 (6-2 on track).
The house aspect outperformed their xG of 1.4, as did the Caps’ (0.8), however three of LA’s targets have been simply avoidable.
It was the primary time in MLS play the Caps conceded 5 targets this season.
The collection returns to B.C. Place Nov. 5, at 4:30 p.m.
SERIES SCHEDULE
Sport 2: LAFC at Whitecaps
Nov. 5, 4:30 p.m., B.C. Place
TV: Apple TV, TSN, RDS. Radio: AM730.
Sport 3: Whitecaps at LAFC (If mandatory)
Nov. 9, 7 p.m., BMO Stadium
TV: Apple TV. Radio: AM730
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