Italy-born Ghanaian-American forward Emmanuel Afriyie Mario Sabbi found the back of the net for Vancouver Whitecaps as they secured a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Los Angeles FC in a thrilling Western Conference semi-final.
The 27-year-old opened the scoring in the 39th minute, expertly lobbing goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to give Vancouver the lead. Mathias Laborda added a second just before halftime, putting the Whitecaps in firm control.
But LAFC’s star forward Son Heung-min turned the tie on its head. He halved the deficit in the 60th minute after Vancouver failed to clear their lines, then forced extra time with a sensational free-kick.
Tensions escalated late in the game when Vancouver defender Tristan Blackmon received a second yellow card, reducing the Whitecaps to ten men. They would later finish the match with nine, but their resilience held firm through extra time.
In the shootout, Vancouver kept their composure, winning 5–3 on penalties to knock out the former champions and book their place in the Western Conference final.
The Whitecaps will face the winner of the clash between San Diego and Minnesota United for a spot in the MLS Cup final.
