Vancouver Silences LAFC in Olivier Giroud’s Farewell Match with 1-0 Upset

What a night at BMO Stadium—and not for the reasons LAFC fans had hoped. In a surprising and somewhat somber twist, Vancouver Whitecaps edged out Los Angeles FC 1-0, spoiling what was meant to be a memorable send-off for Olivier Giroud. Yes, it was his farewell match, but instead of fireworks, LAFC offered fatigue, miscommunication, and a punchless attack that Vancouver smartly exploited.

Let’s talk about the goal. Emmanuel Sabbi, a player who’s had a tough stretch recently, found his form when it mattered. He not only scored the game’s only goal—his third of the season—but he did it with the kind of composure and creativity that’s been missing in his recent outings. The move was slick: Sabbi held up play, linked with Jeevan Badwal, and calmly slotted it past David Ochoa after a lovely give-and-go. It wasn’t just a goal—it was a statement. And it completely shifted the tone of the game.

Credit has to go to Jesper Sørensen, Vancouver’s head coach. After getting blown out midweek by San Diego, he adjusted tactically and mentally. Bringing back Mathias Laborda and pushing Edier Ocampo higher up the pitch gave the Whitecaps a balanced structure. Pedro Vite, playing centrally, had much more influence, while Laborda completely nullified Denis Bouanga—LAFC’s usual danger man. Laborda was outstanding, racking up seven tackles and showing complete positional discipline.

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And then there’s the LAFC side. Sure, they had some early energy—especially with Igor Jesus trying to feed Bouanga—but once Andres Cubas went off injured early, Vancouver smelled blood. They locked into a defensive mid-block, choked the midfield, and dared LAFC to break them down. The response? Frustration and fruitless crosses. Even after Steve Cherundolo brought on David Martinez and Nathan Ordaz to shake things up, nothing clicked. Ryan Hollingshead hitting the post in the 70th minute was the closest they came.

Meanwhile, Vancouver’s substitutions—like Antoine Coupland, who’s quickly proving he belongs in MLS—brought fresh energy that helped seal the win. Coupland was cheeky and confident, even pulling off a nutmeg on an LAFC midfielder, and gave the ‘Caps an edge down the flank.

And of course, the emotional headline: Giroud, in his final match in black and gold, bowed out with a whimper. He played 60 minutes, had a half-chance or two, but couldn’t find the back of the net. His time in MLS will likely be remembered more for what could’ve been than what was—just five goals in 38 matches. It’s rumored he’ll sign with Lille, and honestly, a return to Europe might be best. He looked like a legend out of place, a name without a moment.

At the final whistle, Vancouver had not only snapped a losing streak—they’d done it on the road, in California, and against a team that hadn’t lost in MLS play for nine straight. This wasn’t flashy, but it was gritty, smart, and effective. Sørensen’s adjustments paid off, Sabbi found redemption, and Laborda may have just submitted his best performance of the season.

For LAFC, it’s a wake-up call. One that says: star power and possession don’t win games without cohesion, urgency, and finishing quality.

And for Vancouver? It’s a launchpad.

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