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MLS conference semifinal: LAFC’s rally falls short in penalty shootout loss to Vancouver

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Son Heung-min scored twice, including a stoppage-time equalizer, but LAFC’s season ended in a 4-3 loss on penalty kicks to the Vancouver Whitecaps in a Western Conference playoff semifinal Saturday night at BC Place.

Both teams entered Saturday vying for a spot in the Western Conference final.

Vancouver took a 2-0 lead in the first half on goals from Emmanuel Sabbi and Mathías Laborda. LAFC rallied from two goals down.

In the 60th minute, Son lofted a shot into the back of the net to cut the deficit in half. He struck again in the 95th minute, rocketing a shot into the left corner past a leaping Yohei Takaoka to pull LAFC level in the final moments of stoppage time.

The teams remained tied through extra time before Vancouver advanced 4-3 on penalties.

The defeat marked the final match for head coach Steve Cherundolo and brought LAFC’s season to an end.

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