LAFC and Philadelphia start MLS playoff push with wins
Last year's MLS Cup finalists, Los Angeles FC and the Philadelphia Union, launched their bids for a return to the title game with victories in the opening games of the playoffs on Saturday.
Denis Bouanga and Ryan Hollingshead scored two goals each as defending champions LAFC beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 5-2 in game one of their three game, first round series. Philadelphia enjoyed a comfortable 3-1 win at home over the New England Revolution, scoring all their goals in the opening half.
MLS has introduced a three-game series format in the opening round of the playoffs this season with penalty shootouts to determine a winner if the games end level. While aggregate scores and goal difference therefore count for nothing, LAFC certainly sent a clear message with their demolition of Vancouver.
Hollingshead put LAFC ahead in the 18th minute when his header from a corner was saved by Yohei Takaoka but the American reacted swiftly to drill home the loose ball. A cool finish from Brian White brought the Whitecaps level only for French-born Gabon international Bouanga, the top scorer in the regular season, to restore LAFC's lead, cutting in from the left and firing into the corner.
Vancouver responded again though with Sam Adekugbe's glancing header from a Ryan Gauld free kick ensuring the teams went in 2-2 at the interval. But it was all LAFC after the break - Hollingshead slotted home from close range in the 52nd minute and then Bouanga made it 4-2 with a low drive through a crowded penalty area.
Colombian defender Jesus Morillo rounded off a strong performance with a thundering header off the underside of the bar from a Mateusz Bogusz corner.