Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Los Angeles FC MLS Playoffs preview and prediction
The Vancouver Whitecaps and LAFC kick off the first set of 2025 MLS Conference semifinals in the West on Saturday at 9:30pm ET. Both teams had impeccable seasons, which should make for an interesting matchup.
The Whitecaps enter their third-ever MLS Conference Semifinals to take on LAFC once again in a pound-for-pound rematch from the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals. LAFC is the only team in MLS history to make five consecutive Semifinals since 2021, and with a rematch on the horizon from last year’s playoffs, the Whitecaps will surely want their payback.
Vancouver is set as a +110 favourite
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. LAFC MLS Playoffs Odds and Betting Trends
The two Western Conference sides have met a total of 26 times in the MLS since 2018, and LAFC has prevailed 13 times compared to the Whitecaps’ seven. While LAFC knocked out their Vancouver opponents from the MLS Cup at the same stage in November 2024 with a 1-0 victory, the squads have competed twice this past year. Their May matchup ended in a 2-2 draw, and their most recent June matchup ended 1-0 to the Whitecaps.
The higher-seeded Whitecaps take home-field advantage this weekend as slight +115 favourites on on the MLS soccer odds board, with a potential draw by the end of regulation set at +250. The visitors of LAFC are priced at +205 to win, with an over 2.5 goals being the most likely game total outcome at -150.
Vancouver Whitecaps
The Whitecaps seek revenge for last year’s bout as they began the MLS playoffs as a No. 2 seed, taking on the wildcards of FC Dallas in the first round. They kicked off their postseason with a 3-0 shutout win over Dallas on October 26, as Daniel Rios, Thomas Muller, and Kenji Cabera all found the back of the net. They fleshed out a 1-1 draw by the end of 90’ in their second leg match thanks to Ralph Priso’s clutch equalizer in the 90+3’, which sent the game to penalty kicks and ultimately ending the series 4-2 in the ‘Caps favour.
Vancouver striker Brian White battled a leg injury throughout much of the regular season, yet still concluded the year with 16 goals in 21 games. He enters the match set to score at +145 anytime, with Daniel Rios following close behind at +200.
LAFC
LAFC entered the MLS playoffs as a No. 3 seed and comfortably swept Austin FC in the first round with a 2-0 series win. LA’s first game on October 29 ended 2-1 at home with the game winner scored in the 79’ by Natham Ordaz. The Black and Golds followed up on away turf with a critical 4-1 victory, as Denis Bounaga netted a brace while Son Heung-min and Jeremy Ebobisse both found the back of the net.
Bouanga ended his regular season campaign with 24 goals and currently leads his team in the postseason with two. He comes in tonight set to score anytime at +145, followed by Heung Min Son at +175.
MLS Playoffs Prediction: Who Will Win Vancouver vs. LAFC?
The Whitecaps and LAFC had two very similar seasons, with Vancouver achieving just one more regular-season win to edge LA in points for a second-place seed. This matchup will be extremely close considering both teams had regular-season goal differentials of 25+, with Vancouver netting 66 total goals compared to LA’s 65.
Heung Min Son (LA) and Thomas Müller (VAN) both have experience in high-stakes European competitions, which will be crucial for leading their team in this matchup. Meanwhile, Brian White (VAN) and Dennis Bouanga (LA) both have high-scoring capabilities.
All factors considered, I’m going with a 2-1 Vancouver Whitecaps victory, which hits the over 2.5 at -150.
