LAFC Look to Even Score Against Lowly Earthquakes
On paper, Los Angeles FC (LAFC) have all the earmarks of being major areas of strength for a to proceed with their new run of progress. Going into their home experience with the striving San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night, LAFC (10-4-4, 34 focuses) are 6-0-1 in their last seven matches, outscoring the resistance by an incredible 13-2. This remembers a 1-1 draw Wednesday night for Austin, where Kei Kamara scored on a 90th-minute header to rescue a point.
“Away from home, we’re always happy with a point when you go down a goal. We’ll take it and we’ll carry this momentum back home and try to win a game Saturday.”
Steve Cherundolo
LAFC’s Impressive Form
LAFC has shown remarkable form recently. Their unbeaten streak includes dominant victories and a solid defensive record, conceding only two goals in their last seven matches. This consistency has been a cornerstone of their campaign, reflecting the team’s strategic discipline and offensive prowess.
San Jose Earthquakes’ Struggles
Meanwhile, San Jose (3-13-2, 11 points) is in a contrasting situation. The Earthquakes are winless in their last six matches, including a 2-1 loss to Portland on Wednesday night. Currently sitting last in the Western Conference, San Jose has allowed a league-worst 45 goals, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.
Missed Opportunities for San Jose
San Jose could have escaped with a draw against Portland, but Cristian Espinoza’s potential tying goal sailed just over the crossbar in stoppage time. Coach Luchi Gonzalez lamented their missed chances: “The game is cruel. Too many times, we’ve been in leads or been in good momentum so it could have or should have or deserve to be winning while we’re creating. I love the excitement our guys play with.”
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Previous Encounter and Key Factors
One of San Jose’s rare victories this year was a 3-1 victory over LAFC on May 4 in Santa Clara, despite the trend of a one-sided victory. The Quakes really possessed a 3-0 lead before Cristian Olivera counted in the 69th moment.
For San Jose to replicate this result on the road, they must tighten up defensively and secure more possession time. Their 44.5% possession rate is 28th out of 29 teams in the league, contributing significantly to their defensive woes.
Key Absences Due to Copa America
Both teams will be short-handed due to Copa America. San Jose will be without midfielder Carlos Gruezo, who is playing for Ecuador, while Olivera will represent Uruguay.
Series History
LAFC boasts a 9-7-2 lead in the all-time series. Despite San Jose’s struggles, their past victory against LAFC serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of soccer.
“We need to play with the same energy and focus that gave us the win last time, it’s about tightening up at the back and making our chances count.”
Cristian Espinoza
Conclusion
As LAFC prepares to face the San Jose Earthquakes, they aim to extend their unbeaten streak and reinforce their position in the standings. San Jose, on the other hand, will look to find some form of redemption and break their winless run. With both teams dealing with key absences, the match promises to test the depth and resilience of their squads.