After the brief road trip, LAFC are back at home for tonight’s match. Despite the draw a few days ago, the team come into tonight looking to push that unbeaten run to 10 while getting back into the win column in the process. Not only is this a matchup against a California rival, but its a chance at some serious get back, as San Jose Earthquakes were the last team to beat LAFC in a 3-1 rout of the black & gold in San Jose. The loss was so disastrous it served as the catalyst that seemingly woke the team up, kicking off the run they are currently on.
Matchday: #LAFCvSJ
⏰ 7:30PM PT
🏟️ @BMOStadium
🖥️ @AppleTV with #MLSSeasonPass
🎧 @ESPNLosAngeles— LAFC (@LAFC) June 22, 2024
Since they last met
The two sides have been in wildly different form since the last time they faced off on May 4th. San Jose did well enough to follow up the massive win over LAFC with two more, but since then have fallen right back down to earth. Winless in their last seven matches, the NorCal side has lost all but one in that span, funnily enough a 1-1 draw at home to Austin FC. The biggest problem has been the goals drying up, exposing their lackluster defense even more. Where before they would try to shootout with teams, or look for quick goals to overwhelm an opponent – as they did with LAFC – they now have a hard time getting more than one. Not the best form for a team coming into Los Angeles where its notoriously hard to get goals in, especially when the home side is in form like they currently are in.
Since the embarrassing 3-1 loss to San Jose on the road, LAFC haven’t seen another. Unbeaten in their last 10 matches, all wins outside of the most recent 1-1 result against Austin FC. The team have been stingy with the goals allowed, conceding just three goals in that span. Now, they welcome a chance at some revenge and while the team may not harp on it too much, make no mistake they want nothing more than to put on a show at home.
Don’t underestimate the Quakes
The biggest key for LAFC tonight will be how they approach the match. Tonight will be their third match in seven days, meaning it wouldn’t be a surprise to see some of the youngsters brought out for minutes while some of the regulars get some rest. That said, its important not to take this match too lightly. After a tough start to the season, the team have finally turned it around and are fighting for that top spot in the conference, the last thing they need to do is come into this match planning for the draw. Despite their ineptitude as of late, San Jose are still a team that can put goals together, best not to give them confidence throughout the match.
How to Watch
The match is set to kickoff at 7:30pm PT from BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca. The broadcast can be seen on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. Those looking for the radio broadcast can find it on 710 ESPN LA, as well as the ESPN LA App for English and 980 AM La Mera Mera for Spanish.
Will the team get their revenge over San Jose? Leave a comment below!