The Vancouver Whitecaps are off to the MLS Western Conference Final for the first time in franchise history. After slaying the dragon in a back and forth match with LAFC that saw Vancouver advance 4-3 on penalties the Whitecaps will now wait to see who they’ll play next.
“What a night. I’m so proud of the team and [being] part of this group. I’m very happy for the crowds, for the city,” Whitecaps star Thomas Müller said in a video posted to social media post-match. “Thank you everybody for your support.”
Such a unbelievable win!
Absolutely crazy 😆😁
WE ARE IN THE @MLS WESTERN CONFERENCE FINAL!!!! 💪🇨🇦👍🏼#vwfc #mls #Playoffs #esmuellert #tm13 pic.twitter.com/1WkEftCC91
— Thomas Müller (@esmuellert_) November 23, 2025
Sour grapes from LAFC goalkeeper
LAFC goalkeeper Hugo Lloris wasted no time voicing his displeasure with the BC Place turf following LAFC’s exit from the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The 38-year-old, who won a FIFA World Cup with France in 2018, went on a lengthy rant about the playing surface.
“First of all I really want to be honest with you,” Lloris began. “I come to the MLS because I still want to enjoy football. I was really pleased for the semifinal of the conference to see a full stadium, but I think playing on an artificial pitch like this one, it’s almost unacceptable.
“I think the MLS should think about it and the owner of Vancouver should think about it because we all love football. This pitch and this crowd, this stadium deserves a better field, you know.
“In lower divisions in France there’s even better artificial pitches than this one. I think it’s something that we can improve for the MLS.”
Harsh words about the artificial pitch in Vancouver.
“The fans here deserve better. I don’t think it’s good for football” pic.twitter.com/Fn1vBgZ4RJ
— Celso Oliveira (@celsoliveira_) November 23, 2025
“It’s not good,” Lloris continued. “It’s not good and we see it today. They had some injuries and I don’t think it’s good for football, I’m sorry but it’s not in my hands. It’s a question to put on the table for the future of MLS and the future of soccer because it’s important to give the athlete the best tools and I’m sorry to say that, but that’s the truth.”
Whitecaps goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka sympathized with Lloris.
“I think it’s something that’s tough to adjust to for a goalie, natural grass to turf,” Takaoka said. “The second goal, the bounce, is a little tricky. I’m really sorry about that, but it is what it is. When I came here I tried to adjust and I know it’s very hard for goalies.”
Laborda slots home the rebound for our ONE HUNDRETH GOAL 🔥😤
📺 https://t.co/6HDiRE2iYk #VWFC | #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/S8cKMhuarl
— X – Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) November 23, 2025
The Whitecaps are hoping this isn’t the last match of the season played on BC Place’s turf.
Where and when will Whitecaps play Western Conference Final?
The Whitecaps will play the winner of the other Western Conference semi-final, which takes place on Monday between San Diego FC and Minnesota United FC.
If Minnesota can upset San Diego, Vancouver would host the Western Conference Final at BC Place. If San Diego advances, it’ll be a road match for the Whitecaps.
“They’re two good teams,” Emmanuel Sabbi told reporters postgame. “[San Diego is] a strong team and so is Minnesota. You saw how they got to where they are, they’re in the playoffs, it’s football. All highs and lows.”
The conference final will take place Saturday, Nov. 29 regardless of where the match takes place, meaning Vancouver will have an extra two days of rest and recovery over their opponent.
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