Sorensen delighted to 'strike back' after Vancouver edge past LAFC

Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Jesper Sorensen was delighted his side were able to "strike back" after two losses with a 1-0 win over Los Angeles FC in MLS on Sunday.

The Whitecaps had slipped out of top spot in the Western Conference after back-to-back defeats against the Columbus Crew and San Diego FC, with the latter moving above them after their 5-3 victory.

However, Vancouver bounced back on Sunday, edging to victory against LAFC, who were playing their first league match after returning from the Club World Cup, thanks to Emmanuel Sabbi's 20th-minute goal.

LAFC attempted to find an equalizer, with Olivier Giroud squandering a big chance on his final appearance for the club, while substitute Ryan Hollingshead struck the woodwork in the 71st minute from inside the box.

The Whitecaps scored with their only shot on target, having five attempts overall, as they ended their hosts' nine-match unbeaten streak in MLS.

"It was a tough game, of course. We were up against a good team, and we also had some difficulties on the way," Sorensen said in his press conference.

"In the first half, we exploited the opportunities down the right side decently, and we played also with some quality. We played solidly most parts of the game, we defended our lead a little bit too much, and we could've been better in possession.

"When they opened up, we should've been able to create more chances. We had to rely on last-second actions in our box, but I'm glad we were able to strike back.

"This is not a place where we have a history of winning a lot of games, so I'm very happy for the win. Also, because it comes after two losses, so it's good getting back to winning ways."

Vancouver remain second in the West, but are now just one point behind San Diego, having played a game fewer, while LAFC are seventh, one of three teams on 26 points.

Meanwhile, Eastern Conference leaders Philadelphia Union suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Columbus Crew.

Mohamed Farsi got the all-important goal for the hosts at Lower.com Field, turning in Lassi Lappalainen's delivery from inside the box in the second minute of first-half stoppage time.

Philadelphia could not mount a comeback, failing to have a single shot on target throughout the match, doing so for the first time since September 2023.

In fact, the Union only managed six shots overall (worth just 0.4 expected goals), their lowest total of the MLS season so far.

Columbus remain fourth in the East, but are now just three points behind Philadelphia, who saw their lead at the top cut to one point by FC Cincinnati this weekend.