It was another quick turnaround for a team that has only seen quick turnarounds as of late. Such is life for a team looking to win all the competitions. Tonight, LAFC remained at home, this time playing host to the team that handed them their first loss of the MLS season, San Jose Earthquakes.
🥁🥁🥁#LAFC | #AAPIHM pic.twitter.com/ZjIH6U8O6H
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 21, 2023
While the team wasn’t fully focused on vengeance, they were focused on coming away with the three points at home. That meant they were gunning for that opening goal, and it didn’t take long for them to get it. Some gorgeous passing around the box ended at the feet of Stipe Biuk who put a move on the defense to free up space for the shot and score. In just three minutes the black & gold had gone on top.
Get it started, Stipe. 💪🇭🇷 pic.twitter.com/VfonwFNw3l
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 21, 2023
San Jose did well to settle into the match after conceding the early goal. Despite getting on the board within the first five minutes, LAFC were held to just five shots total, with two on target, when the whistle blew for halftime break. The visitors finished the first half strong, with six shots of their own, nearly coming away with the equalizer. It was a, not-so-convincing, lead for the home side going into the break, who felt both in control of the match, and one moment away from splitting points. A second goal would be welcome for insurance purposes.
San Jose came out for the second half searching for that equalizer. After several close calls, including one off the post just moments before, the Earthquakes found the goal they were looking for. It was a moment of brilliance in the 52nd minute for Miguel Trauco. The veteran defender took his shot from deep, and the attempt seemed to catch out LAFC goalkeeper John McCarthy, who couldn’t judge it well enough to keep it out the back of the net. It was suddenly game on in Los Angeles.
Miguel Trauco from wayyy out ☄️@SJEarthquakes are level in LA. pic.twitter.com/HPJNnIvfkf
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 21, 2023
The goal woke up the home side, who shifted into another gear and started finding more opportunities of their own. Biuk, Palacios, and Jose Cifuentes all came within inches of taking the lead, but the San Jose defense was doing well, albeit a bit desperate, to keep LAFC from scoring, for now. As it was, LAFC was racking up the corner kicks, finding their 11th of the match in the 80th minute. The black & gold were knocking, and had ten minutes and added time to knock the door down and snatch all the points.
In added time, San Jose got a bit too desperate on defense, and got caught with their hand in the cookie jar. Well, a hand in the box and away from the body at least, leading to a penalty being awarded to the home side and it was down to none other than Carlos Vela. El Capitan stepped up to the spot, and slammed it home for the lead and eventual win for the black & gold. They had snatched victory from the jaws of shared points.
VELA CALLED GAME. pic.twitter.com/loTXHSeeIP
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 21, 2023
The win puts LAFC back atop the Western Conference, for now, as they add to their stellar home record. Just like there was no time to dwell on the disappointment from a few days ago, there is virtually no time to enjoy this win. The team will be back in action this Tuesday, when they host their bitter rivals, LA Galaxy, in the Round of 16 of the U.S. Open Cup.
What do you think of tonight’s win? Leave a comment below!