LAFC entered their week facing all-California opposition with what looked like a tricky match against the San Jose Earthquakes, but in the end it was not the case, as the Supporters' Shield leaders rolled 4-0 at Banc of California Stadium on Wednesday.
The game, as part of Heineken Rivalry Week, extends LAFC's winning streak to five ahead of Sunday's showdown against the LA Galaxy.
LAFC got to work early, as Eduard Atuesta's through ball found Josh Perez, with the youngster forcing a save by San Jose goalkeeper Daniel Vega. But Diego Rossi cleaned up the rebound, slamming home on the second attempt to open the scoring in the opening minutes.
The home side doubled their lead inside of 20 minutes, as a Video Review determined San Jose midfielder Anibal Godoy handled the ball in his team's box. Carlos Vela converted the penalty for his 25th goal of the season in league play. Vela then topped his opening tally with an audacious goal just before halftime, that included a backheel flick, dribbling through traffic and then dribbling around the goal line before finishing the play.
San Jose were without Matias Almeyda for most of the game, as the head coach was sent off during the first half, after he protested a non-call for a handball by LAFC defender Jordan Harvey in the box.
The Earthquakes had a number of good looks and close calls, but nothing doing on the scoring front, as LAFC added a late capper courtesy of Perez, his debut goal in MLS play.
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Goals
- 6' – LAFC – Diego Rossi | WATCH
- 17' – LAFC – Carlos Vela (PK) | WATCH
- 41' – LAFC – Carlos Vela | WATCH
- 81' – LAFC – Josh Perez | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: LAFC have had San Jose's number all season and it continued here, with the Quakes a bit hard done by the multitude of chances failing to land, but LAFC were still dominant throughout. Both teams have another game this week, and for LAFC it's likely the biggest game remaining in their regular season, in El Trafico.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: No question, Vela's second tally was outstanding, a possible MLS Goal of the Year candidate.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Once again plenty of players got in on the action for the winning side, but Vela was truly special in the first half, and deserves the plaudits, especially for his second goal, one of the best you'll see.
Next Up
- LAFC: Sunday, Aug. 25 vs. LA Galaxy (10:30 pm ET | FS1 in US; TSN in Canada)
- SJ: Saturday, Aug. 24 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC (10 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; TSN4 in Canada)
