Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1, LAFC 0 | 2019 MLS Match Recap

Vancouver Whitecaps FC notched their first win of the 2019 MLS regular season on Wednesday, and it came against an unlikely opponent, in league-leading LAFC, by a 1-0 scoreline at BC Place.

With games coming up at the weekend, both teams opted for some lineup rotation, with LAFC making radical changes in the back, replacing three starters on the backline, and handing youngsters Peter-Lee Vassell, Niko Hamalainen and Shaft Brewer, Jr. their first career MLS starts.

The Whitecaps broke the deadlock in the 27th minute, as PC's shot clanged off the post, followed by Inbeom Hwang opening his MLS account with a well-taken finish off the rebound.

The second half was choppy and neither team really found flow in the game, and while LAFC battered Vancouver's defense in the final 20 minutes, the Whitecaps held firm to seal the win.

Goals

• 27' – VAN – Inbeom Hwang | WATCH

Three Things 

THE BIG PICTURE: The first win must come as relief to the Whitecaps, who can build on this and get their season on track. LAFC struggled throughout, and an early exit by Latif Blessing due to injury could prove costly if he has to miss time moving forward. Bob Bradley's group will have to regroup ahead of a showdown against Seattle.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: Hwang's goal was both a pleasant finish and also good reward for his good play this season to date.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Hwang had the moment of magic to secure three points for his side, and for a team struggling to score, this could be the tally that really gets him and the team going.

Next Up

• VAN: Saturday, April 20 at Orlando City SC (3 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; TSN1/5 in Canada)
• LAFC: Sunday, April 21 vs. Seattle Sounders (7 pm ET | FS1 in US; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)