A rivalry will be renewed when the Vancouver Whitecaps battle LAFC in Saturday’s playoff match at BC Place. It’s the third consecutive playoff meeting for these two clubs, but the first time that Vancouver will have home pitch advantage.
“Keep the buzz buzzing”
BC Place is sold out for Saturday, as over 53,000 fans will be in attendance.
There’s clearly a buzz in the city for this match.
“The game was sold out after five days, so there was a little bit more buzz,” said Thomas Müller. “I have the feeling that when I go to a hockey game and talk with some guys, they say, ‘The way the Whitecaps play has changed so much.’ It’s very positive and there is a buzz, but you know how it is, you have to play good and you have to win games.
“We want to do our job on Saturday to keep the buzz buzzing.”
Fans in attendance will receive limited-edition playoff rally towels. BC Place is opening gates two hours early to get everyone seated in time for the 6:30 p.m. match.
“When the fans come, they show such great support,” said Whitecaps leading goal-scorer Brian White. “They push us through hard moments. The cheers when we score and have good moments really push us on even more. I think the fans play a huge role. I’m looking forward to having a packed house.”
Trio of Whitecaps stars finally unite
The Whitecaps’ three biggest stars — Müller, White, and Ryan Gauld — will play together for the first time on Saturday.
White has recovered from a hamstring injury and will be available for selection.
Due to injuries to both players, Gauld and White haven’t been on the pitch together since March 8.
“We spoke the other day about how it’s been a long time,” White told Daily Hive. “I enjoy playing with Gauldy more than anything, and I’m really looking forward to being out there with him.”
The Whitecaps are hopeful this trio of stars can put them over the hump after LAFC has ended their season in consecutive years.
“Hopefully the thing is different and we come out winners this time,” Gauld told reporters earlier this week. “We’ve not had luck against LAFC the last few years. We all know how good of a side they are, but if you want to get the trophies, you’ve got to beat the best teams. It’s going to be a good challenge for us. Hopefully we’ll turn things around this time.”
Heavyweights
LAFC has been bolstered by Son Heung-min, as the South Korean superstar left Tottenham in the English Premier League for MLS this summer.
Son and Whitecaps nemesis Denis Bouanga have been leading the LAFC attack, as creativity and scoring largely run through both dynamic players.
“They’re very reliant on Bouanga and Son,” Müller explained. “If they’re not scoring, they don’t score. It’s very tough to keep these two very quiet during the game. If we get that done, we have a good chance.”
Vancouver has had goal contributions from throughout their lineup all year long, but the focus will primarily be on Gauld, White, and Müller to out-duel Son and Bouanaga offensively.
“It’s no secret that their biggest threat is the two up top, Bouanga and Son,” Gauld added. “Trying to keep a lid on them is a big part of the game. A bit will go into what we can do to minimize their threat. It’s really hard to keep good players down for 90 minutes. It’s about being switched on and taking care of that side of it and doing more of what we’re good at when we have the ball.”
Daniel Rios injury status
Daniel Rios has yet to fully train since suffering a calf strain in the series-clinching match against FC Dallas on Nov. 1.
The Whitecaps striker continues to work in the gym.
“It’s going to be difficult,” Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sørensen said regarding Ríos’ status for Saturday. “Let’s see what happens in the last [few] days. It’s always about how much time people need, but yeah, it’s going to be difficult. Let’s see.”
#VWFC training on a partially sunny November afternoon.
Thomas Müller maintenance day, working in the gym.
Rayan Elloumi maintenance day working in the gym.
Daniel Rios is working in the gym.
Gauld, White, Schonlau, fully training. #VANvLAFC#MLS pic.twitter.com/duVOUyAhkB
— Har Journalist (@HarJournalist) November 18, 2025
MLS 3.0
MLS will be switching to a European calendar for the 2027 season, with a two-month winter break from December to February.
What the MLS Competition Calendar is set to look like ☝️ pic.twitter.com/ktsUjllo1n
— X – Vancouver Whitecaps FC (@WhitecapsFC) November 15, 2025
“I think it’s important for the league in terms of growth to try and get aligned with FIFA windows and transfer windows. I think it’s an exciting time for the league and I’m looking forward to seeing how that plays out,” said White, who is the Whitecaps’ MLSPA union rep.
An awkward 14-game mini-season from February to May will precede the calendar switch in 2027, which would kick off in July and run until May 2028.
“We’re going to have to play games regardless,” White said. “I think it’s a bit similar to MLS is Back where you have another chance at a tournament and another trophy. Obviously some things have to give and take to blend into the new calendar window.
“I’m looking forward to it.”
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