LAFC Hold Off San Jose Earthquakes in 4–2 Thriller

By Adam Luna

The Los Angeles Football Club earned a decisive yet hard-fought 4–2 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes in a match that swung wildly with goals, defensive mistakes, and a late push from the home side that kept the game alive until the final whistle.

First-Half Fireworks

The game exploded into action within the opening minute. LAFC immediately pressed forward, and it took just 55 seconds for Heung-Min Son to make his mark. Assisted by Artem Smolyakov and Marco Delgado, Son slotted home a clinical finish from the center of the box with an xG of 93%, giving LAFC a dream 0–1 lead.

The visitors doubled their advantage in the 9th minute, again through Denis Bouanga, who continued his rich vein of form. The winger cut in from the left and drilled a right-footed strike into the bottom left corner (xG 21%). San Jose’s backline looked rattled, and just minutes later Bouanga struck again. In the 12th minute, Sergi Palencia set him up for his second of the night—another well-placed finish into the bottom corner (xG 24%). Suddenly, LAFC were 0–3 up and in complete control.

San Jose, however, found a response. In the 18th minute, Preston Judd pulled one back for the Earthquakes, finishing confidently with his left foot from the center of the box (xG 35%). That goal gave the home crowd hope, though LAFC maintained a 1–3 lead at halftime despite San Jose’s attempts to claw closer.

Second-Half Tension

The second half began with the Earthquakes pushing higher up the pitch, Cristian Espinoza orchestrating most of their attacks. San Jose peppered Hugo Lloris’s goal with shots, including headers from Josef Martínez and Judd, but the French goalkeeper stood firm.

San Jose’s aggression left them exposed, and in the 87th minute, LAFC punished them once again. Bouanga completed his hat trick in ruthless fashion, finishing from the center of the box (xG 91%). The move was beautifully constructed, with assists from Palencia and Tafari. That goal stretched LAFC’s lead to 1–4 and appeared to seal the contest.

Late Drama

Yet the Earthquakes refused to give in. In the 90th minute, Josef Martínez was fouled just outside the box, leading to a sustained spell of pressure. From that attack, Sergi Palencia unfortunately turned the ball into his own net, giving San Jose a lifeline at 2–4. Moments later, Espinoza and Martínez both came agonizingly close to reducing the deficit further, but their shots either missed the target or were blocked.

Despite the spirited push in stoppage time, San Jose’s late rally fell short.

Key Performers

• Denis Bouanga (LAFC): A hat trick of the highest quality. Bouanga’s movement and clinical finishing (21%, 24%, and 91% xG strikes) made the difference.

• Hugo Lloris (LAFC): Produced several key saves in the second half to prevent San Jose from staging a comeback.

• Cristian Espinoza (San Jose): Tireless in attack, creating numerous chances, though without the final product.

• Josef Martínez (San Jose): Brought energy and drew fouls in dangerous areas, but lacked precision in front of goal.

Final Thoughts

The 4–2 scoreline tells the story of a night where LAFC’s clinical finishing proved decisive. San Jose created plenty of opportunities but were repeatedly denied by a combination of poor finishing, strong LAFC defending, and Lloris’s saves.

For LAFC, this was another statement of intent with Bouanga stealing the spotlight. For San Jose, the performance showed fight and spirit, but also highlighted defensive lapses that ultimately cost them against one of MLS’s sharpest attacks.

Final Score: San Jose Earthquakes 2–4 Los Angeles Football Club