The defending MLS Cup Champions are back in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Denis Bouanga’s first-half penalty kick goal was all that LAFC needed to claim a 1-0 road victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday night, eliminating the Canadian club from the postseason. LAFC will next meet either the Houston Dynamo or Real Salt Lake in the final four of the Western Conference.

Bouanga stepped up to the spot in the 24th minute and roofed his penalty kick into the top-right corner for a 1-0 LAFC advantage. Former LAFC defender Tristan Blackmon was the guilty party, fouling Mario Gonzalez in the box to hand his former club the spot-kick opportunity.

It marked Bouanga’s seventh goal against Vancouver in all competitions this season.

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LAFC came close to extending their lead before halftime with Timothy Tillman being denied twice by Yohei Takaoka.

Vancouver began upping its pressure after the interval with Richie Laryea and Brian White both forcing Maxime Crepeau into his first saves of the match.

LAFC thought they had sealed the win in second-half stoppage time when Bouanga slotted into an empty net on a counterattack. However, VAR waived off the goal due to offsides, keeping the Whitecaps alive for the final few moments.

Ryan Gauld’s last-gasp effort was denied by Crepeau, sealing the shutout victory for LAFC at BC Place.

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LAFC’s quest to repeat as MLS Cup winners continues while the Whitecaps campaign ends with one trophy to show for it.