It’s an all-MLS matchup in the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions League as the Vancouver Whitecaps host LAFC at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada.
Vancouver is looking to become the first Canadian team since Toronto FC in 2018 to reach the final, but they’ll have to get past an in-form LAFC side to do so. Similarly, LAFC wants to recreate the magic that last year saw the Seattle Sounders win their first CCL title, which would add to the Black and Gold’s already-loaded trophy cabinet.
When is kick off? Wednesday, April 5th, 2023, 10:10 PM EST
Where is the match being played? BC Place. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
TV channel/live stream? Fox Sports 1
What time does TV coverage start? 10:00PM EST
Referee? Fernando Guerrero Ramirez
LAFC comfortably made it into the quarter-finals largely due to Denis Bougana’s hattrick performance in the previous leg vs. Costa Rican side Alajuelense.
Against Vancouver, expect LA to be on the front foot early, similar to their wins in the last round. Since the MLS schedule is so congested, it will be a quick turnaround for both teams. For LAFC, expect them to rotate their starting eleven a bit, with the likes of Jesus Murillo and Jose Cifuentes getting the start.
Goalkeeper Maxime Creapeau is still out with a broken leg, suffered in LAFC’s MLS Cup triumph over the Philadelphia Union. New signing Poland international and midfielder Mateusz Bogusz just arrived at the club and likely won’t feature in the game.
The Vancouver Whitecaps are coming off a phenomenal win in MLS play as they thumped rivals CF Montreal 5-0.
Simon Becher was the big story in that game, with the 23-year-old scoring twice and assisting once, so he will likely be on the field against LAFC. It will be a quick turnaround for Vancouver, and head coach Vanni Sartini will rotate his side a bit.
Designated Player and Scotland international Ryan Gauld will also likely return to the starting lineup after dealing with hamstring tightness, which will give the Whitecaps some extra attacking threat.
Though Vancouver has been excellent in MLS, LAFC is just that good.
The match will be competitive and both teams have stars that can change the complexion of a game, but, LAFC has too much fire power, depth, and team chemistry for Vancouver to potentially win. Vancouver will make it a challenging game for LA, but – in the end, the Black and Gold will take care of business.
LAFC 2-0 Vancouver Whitecaps