Los Angeles FC vs San Jose Earthquakes Prediction, Odds, Picks

• Los Angeles FC currently lead the MLS Supporters’ Shield standings with 26 points from their 13 games, and a two-point lead over the nearest competitors
• San Jose Earthquakes are languishing at 22nd in the Shield standings but are on a four-match unbeaten streak ahead of this weekend’s game
• The Earthquakes have won in four of the last five meetings between these teams, with the most recent result being a win for LAFC

Los Angeles FC vs San Jose Earthquakes Odds

Los Angeles FC vs San Jose Earthquakes Prediction

Los Angeles FC do not have a good record against San Jose Earthquakes in their recent meetings. San Jose have won four times in the last five matches between these two sides.

However, those are the only four matches they have managed to win against LAFC in their history. The two sides have met 11 times, and none of the matches have ended in a draw. Ten of those matches have come in the league, while they faced each other once in the US Open Cup back in 2019, in which LAFC won 3-1.

The last meeting between these two sides was back in October 2021, and it was dominated by San Jose Earthquakes. However, they could not do much with their 63% possession and 15 shots at goal. They ended up losing 3-1 after going down early in the game.

It took just three minutes for LAFC to take the lead as Daniel Musovski managed to get the ball into the back of the net. Cristian Arango doubled LAFC’s lead from the spot in the 28th minute after James Marcinkowski handed them the penalty.

San Jose Earthquakes managed to pull one back via Carlos Fierro and looked set to go for more at the hour mark. They kept pushing for it, but LAFC’s defense refused to give up. Cristian Arango scored his second of the game against the run of play to make it 3-1 with just 2 minutes left on the clock. The game was sealed, and despite having nine minutes added on, San Jose could not get another goal to make it a dramatic finish.

Ahead of this weekend’s game, it’s LAFC who are the team to beat and we expect them to dominate this game at home and maybe even go on a scoring rampage.

Los Angeles FC Go In as the Favorites to Win the Game This Weekend

Los Angeles FC’s form has dipped a little in recent matches, but they still remain the team to beat this season. They are on top of the Supporters’ Shield standings now, with 26 points from 13 games.

Steven Cherundolo’s men have been ruthless in front of the goal and average two goals a game. However, their defense has not been at the same level, and they have kept just four clean sheets this season.

A Splendid Start

They started the season in fine fashion, with Carlos Vela scoring a hat trick against Colorado Rapids. The Mexican is eyeing the Golden Boot this season and helped his side win 3-0 in the season opener at home.

However, they could not follow it up with another win as Portland Timbers managed to seal a draw, despite ending the game with ten men. Yimmi Chará handed the away side an early lead, and LAFC needed a 93rd minute equalizer from Mamadou Fall to get a point from the match. Claudio Bravo was sent off just after the hour mark for Portland, but they managed to hold on to their lead for 30 minutes before they were finally beaten.

After that, they managed to go on a good run with six wins in seven matches. Their only loss was to derby rivals LA Galaxy, which had a controversial end.

A Dip in Form but All’s Well

LAFC’s recent form has not been great, as they have dropped eight points in their last four games. They drew to Philadelphia Union earlier this month in a thrilling match. Dániel Gazdag handed the Union an early lead, and the teams went in at half time at 1-0. Kwadwo Opoku and Franco Escobar scored for LAFC in the second half, but Julián Carranza managed to nick one for Union as well, and the game ended 2-2.

Carlos Vela could not repeat his opening day against Colorado Rapids, and LAFC were beaten 2-0 this time. Gyasi Zardes and Diego Rubio from the spot in the first half as LAFC handed them two penalties and could not get back into the game.

Winless Streak Comes to an End

High-flying Austin FC also managed to spring a surprise and beat LAFC in the next gameweek. Ruben Gabrielsen and Diego Fagúndez handed them a 2-0 lead, and Carlo vela’s late penalty was the only way LAFC managed to get on the scoresheet, ending the game 2-1.

They managed to end their three-match winless streak last weekend with a dominating win over Columbus Crew. While they had just 35% of the ball, LAFC still managed 14 shots and scored twice in the second half via Carlos Vela and José Cifuentes to seal the win.

Injuries and Suspensions

Ryan Hollingshead, Erik Duenas, Eddie Segura, Ismael Tajouri, and Julian Gaines are out, while F. Escobar is a doubt for the game.

San Jose Earthquakes Need a Big Win, and This Week Is a Good Chance

This season, the San Jose Earthquakes made one of the worst starts in MLS history. They were winless in their first seven matches and had managed to pick up just three points.

But, the next six games have seen them pick up some form and have won three matches. Alex Covelo’s side have slowly climbed up the table with three wins, two draws, and just one loss in those games. This week, they have a tough task on their hands as they face the league leaders, LAFC. The confidence in the camp is not at its best, but a win this weekend would do them a world of good.

The Earthquakes Are Unbeaten Over the Last Few Weeks

San Jose are on a four-match unbeaten streak since losing 3-0 to New York City FC. They edged out a 1-0 win over Colorado Rapids at the start of May, thanks to Nathan Cardoso’s goal in the second half. They followed it up with a thrilling 3-3 draw at Vancouver Whitecaps, but that was a game they should have won with ease.  All six goals in the game came in the second half, with neither side able to keep hold of their lead for long. Lucas Cavallini scored for the Canadian side in the 52nd minute, and Jamiro Monteiro equalized just 10 minutes later.

San Jose then took the lead in the 73rd minute, but that lasted just 2 minutes as Ryan Raposo scored for the Whitecaps. Jeremy Ebobisse seemed to have won the game for Earthquakes with a goal in the 81st minute, but Erik Godoy equalized once again in the 90th minute to share the points. San Jose went on to beat Portland Timbers 3-2 in another thrilling game, which saw Jamiro Monteiro score the winner for San Jose in the 80th minute. Once again, they could not carry the momentum into the next match and drew 1-1 against Sporting Kansas City last week.

Injuries and Suspensions

João Paulo and Dylan Teves are ruled out of the game against LAFC, while Yeimar Gómez is a doubt after an ankle injury.

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