Published Nov 12, 4:15am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Nov 12, 4:15am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Nov 12, 4:15am ET
Just three games stand between teams and MLS Cup glory in 2025. Fascinating Western Conference semi-final action is set for Canada on Nov 22, as the Vancouver Whitecaps host LAFC. Find our picks here.
Vancouver secured their spot in the semi-finals with a professional showing against FC Dallas. Their spot in the final four was assured following successive wins, with the most recent coming via penalties at the start of November.
LAFC also only needed two games to secure their passage through to the semi-finals. The Californian club scored six goals across their matches with Austin FC, which included a 4-1 success in Game Two in Texas.
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|
|---|---|
| Vancouver Whitecaps | +117 |
| The Draw | +258 |
| LAFC | +223 |
Courtesy of their higher regular-season finishing position, the Whitecaps will have home-field advantage for their semi-final showdown with LAFC.
The Caps showcased their attacking quality in the opening game of their series against Dallas, dominating the possession and scoring three excellent goals. Home advantage has been a key trademark behind their successful season, with the Caps winning eleven of their 18 matches at BC Place.
Meanwhile, they have scored a remarkable 45 goals in their home fixtures, averaging 2.5 per game. Thomas Müller's arrival has been a statement of intent, with the German legend registering ten goal involvements in nine MLS matches.
Steven Cherundolo's LAFC appear to be peaking at the right stage of the season, and their performances have been getting better and better with every week.
The Californian side needed just two games to see off Austin FC in the opening round. The job was completed following a 4-1 victory on the road at the start of November. Like the Whitecaps, LAFC made a signing with immediate impact, as Heung-Min Son has already scored 10 goals in just 12 MLS appearances.
LAFC's biggest issue in this semi-final may be their record on the road. They have won just seven of their 18 away matches. However, they have scored an eye-catching 2.11 goals per game on their travels.
| TOTAL | Vancouver | LAFC | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 26 | 7 | 13 | 6 |
| Goals | 81 | 29 | 52 |
Home advantage could be crucially important at this stage of the Western Conference Playoffs.
The Whitecaps have dominated at BC Place throughout this season, and that could be the angle worth following when making Vancouver Whitecaps vs. LAFC picks. However, both teams to score could be a logical angle based on LAFC's excellent offensive record on their travels.
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Pick
Vancouver Whitecaps (+117)
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