It may have taken 6 matches, but LAFC is finally done with the Vancouver portion of their 2023 schedule! LAFC dispatches Vancouver, 1-0, behind a Denis goal and another sparkling performance by Maxime Crepeau. It's on to the Western Conference Semis for the Black and Gold!

In a much more tense and nervy affair than we would have wanted, LAFC struck first behind a Denis Bouanga penalty goal. Mario Gonzalez earned the PK for LAFC after being sandwiched in the box by Tristan Blackmon, and Denis did the rest. His 36th goal this calendar year left him alone in 2nd place all-time in MLS, and now just 2 behind Vela's magical 2019 season total. 

The rest of the match saw a wonderful keeper battle between Maxime Crepeau and Yohei Takaoka, with Max needing 5 saves for the clean sheet. Murillo picked up a slight knock in the second half, Carlos Vela came on late, and LAFC got some help in the form of a takedown by referee Timothy Ford in the 1-0 win. Somewhere in Vancouver tonight, Vanni Sartini is still kicking things. 

Also on 284, we look back fondly on the one-year anniversary of winning MLS Cup, we bid farewell to the "Chicharito Era" in Carson, and we look ahead at potential playoff matchups. Filly rants, twice, about an Inter Miami friendly while Scarf looks ahead to the NWSL Final. Here's to a little break before Episode 285!