San Jose Earthquakes 0, Los Angeles Football Club 5 | 2019 MLS Match Recap

Carlos Vela capped his first MLS hat trick with a stunning second-half curler, and LAFC outclassed the San Jose Earthquakes throughout a 5-0 victory on Saturday at Avaya Stadium.

Former Quake Steven Beitashour and Diego Rossi also scored for LAFC, who built upon their Western Conference lead while remaining unbeaten.

San Jose goalkeeper Daniel Vega gave the visitors unnecessary help early with a brutal error trying to clear the ball with his feet, leading to Vela's opener.

The Quakes are now winless in their last 12 dating back to last season and have lost their first four to open the new season under incoming coach Matias Almeyda, conceding 14 goals in the process.

Through 4 games San Jose are on track to concede 119 goals this season. #SJvLAFC
— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) March 30, 2019

Goals

8' - LAFC - Carlos Vela | WATCH
26' - LAFC - Steven Beitashour | WATCH
45'+3' - LAFC - Carlos Vela | WATCH
66' - LAFC - Carlos Vela | WATCH
68' - LAFC - Diego Rossi | WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE:
Few thought Almeyda could lead an immediate turnaround for the worst team in MLS in 2018, but the Quakes' 2019 start is troubling in two ways: 1) The performances have progressively deteriorated since a season-opening
2-1 loss
to Montreal, and 2) All but one of these defeats have come at home.

An almighty challenge now for Matias Almeyda with #quakes74. 3 wins in 36 @MLS games for the team in last 12 months. The Argentine wanted to make a statement in these first few games, but they've only really served to highlight just how much work/reconstruction there is to do.
— Tom Marshall (@mexicoworldcup) March 30, 2019

MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Vela has scored some special goals during his tenure with LAFC, but his third on Saturday may be the best of the bunch. It was his 20th since his arrival in MLS, and sixth this season.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Carlos Vela, who continues to be the early clubhouse leader in the race for the Landon Donovan MLS MVP award, even while failing to receive a call from new Mexico national team boss Tata Martino for the recently passed international window.

Up Next

SJ: Saturday, April 6 vs. Portland Timbers (8 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+, MLS LIVE on DAZN)
LAFC: Saturday, April 6 at D.C. United (3 pm ET | FOX, MLS LIVE on DAZN)

Ian Nicholas Quillen -

@IaqDiesel