LAFC Edges San Jose 2-1 in Gritty Home Win

Date: April 12, 2025
Competition: MLS Regular Season
Venue: BMO Stadium, Los Angeles
Final Score: LAFC 2–1 San Jose Earthquakes

Match Overview

LAFC snapped a two-game losing streak with a narrow 2-1 win over a feisty San Jose Earthquakes side. It wasn’t the prettiest display, but it was a vital three points that helped LAFC steady their season and climb back into playoff position in the Western Conference.

The match had its drama — early injuries, defensive lapses, and late-game nerves — but LAFC showed enough quality in key moments to get over the line.

LAFC Starting XI vs Earthquakes : @calyaelphotography

First Half: Physical, Scrappy, and Scoreless

Both sides came out aggressive, creating half-chances without any breakthrough.

Key Moments:

8’ — Denis Bouanga fired LAFC’s first warning shot wide of the post.
20’ — Controversy struck when Olivier Giroud collided with San Jose keeper Daniel, who had to leave the match injured. Earl Edwards Jr. replaced him in goal.
San Jose threatened through Cristian Espinoza on the counter but found Hugo Lloris alert.

Despite both teams combining for 13 shots in the opening 45, the first half ended 0-0 with neither side able to capitalize.

Olivier Giroud collision with GK Daniel : @calyaelphotography

Second Half: LAFC Finds Their Goals

LAFC came out sharper after the break, eventually breaking through in the 65th minute.

65’ Goal (1-0 LAFC)

Denis Bouanga forced a save from Edwards, and the rebound fell to Sergi Palencia, who calmly slotted home his first-ever professional goal.

86’ Goal (2-0 LAFC)

A poor San Jose clearance fell to Timothy Tillman, who quickly played in Giroud. His shot was parried, but Bouanga was quickest to react, poking the rebound into the net from a tight angle.

The two-goal cushion looked safe… until stoppage time.

Joseph Martinez vs Eddie Segura : @calyaelphotography

San Jose’s Late Push

90+5’ Goal (2-1)

Josef Martínez linked up with Cristian Espinoza, who drove a low shot past Lloris to pull one back for the Quakes.
It was Espinoza’s 5th goal and 12th assist in 17 career matches against LAFC — a true nemesis for the Black & Gold.

San Jose pushed for a late equalizer, but LAFC’s backline held firm through six minutes of added time.