Supporters’ Shield contenders conflict when LAFC host the San Jose Earthquakes for Matchday 8’s Sunday Night Soccer introduced by Continental Tire.
- third in Western Conference
- 16 factors, 5W-1L-1D
LAFC took care of enterprise within the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals midweek, eliminating LIGA MX titans Cruz Azul with a 4-1 mixture victory.
Denis Bouanga scored in Tuesday night time’s 1-1 draw at Estadio Cuauhtémoc, and Hugo Lloris made eight saves to knock out the reigning CCC champions. That constructed on LAFC’s 3-0 home victory final week, the place David Martínez netted a shocking brace and Son Heung-Min opened the scoring.
Those outcomes framed the Black & Gold’s first defeat this yr, a 2-1 setback on the Portland Timbers final weekend. Head coach Marc Dos Santos deployed a closely rotated lineup, with an eye fixed on their CCC sequence.
Now, LAFC return dwelling with the possibility to climb the Western Conference desk.
- Son Heung-Min: The South Korean celebrity hasn’t scored in league motion this season, however he leads MLS with seven assists.
- Denis Bouanga: LAFC’s all-time main scorer (110 targets) has 4g/4a as he appears to document his fourth consecutive MLS season with no less than 20 targets.
- David Martínez: The rising Venezuelan worldwide is within the midst of a breakout season, with a number of standout league and CCC performances.
- Hugo Lloris: Rested throughout Matchday 7’s go to to Portland, the legendary French goalkeeper has but to concede a league objective this season and leads MLS with six clear sheets.
- Ryan Porteous: Amid Aaron Long‘s long-term damage, Porteous has stepped in at middle again to command an LAFC protection that is allowed a league-low two targets.
Does LAFC discipline one thing resembling a first-choice beginning XI? They have 4 days of relaxation after enjoying in Mexico midweek.
- 2nd in Western Conference
- 18 factors, 6W-1L-0D
One of MLS’s greatest surprises this yr, San Jose sit firmly among the many league’s prime sides almost 20 % of the way in which by means of the 2026 season.
This is regardless of dropping their prime stars from final marketing campaign. Cristian Espinoza is now with Nashville SC, Josef Martínez performs for LIGA MX’s Club Tijuana and Chicho Arango is on mortgage at Atlético Nacional
Even extra impressively, they’ve gotten outcomes currently with out blockbuster winter signing Timo Werner. The German star has missed their final two video games due to damage.
Most not too long ago, Bruce Arena’s aspect cruised to a 3-1 victory at Sporting Kansas City. And with Werner anticipated again this weekend, the Earthquakes are trying to hold the great instances rolling in SoCal.
- Timo Werner: In simply 200 minutes, Werner has already contributed two assists and given San Jose a confirmed difference-maker within the remaining third.
- Niko Tsakiris: The homegrown midfielder has stepped up this yr, producing 2g/4a in seven video games. He additionally leads MLS with 28 key passes.
- Beau Leroux: After a breakout 2025 season, Leroux has began all seven matches this yr and contributed 1g/2a.
- Daniel: The Brazilian veteran ranks second amongst MLS goalkeepers with 5 clear sheets whereas conceding simply two targets.
- Preston Judd: With 3g/2a, Judd is San Jose’s main scorer and has taken over their beginning striker position.
Arena not too long ago instructed reporters that Werner “should be ready this week.” But is the German playmaker prepared to go the total 90 minutes?
San Jose are excellent on the highway this season, with three wins in as many video games.
However, LAFC have been simply as dominant at dwelling, going 6W-0L-1D whereas outscoring opponents 17-1 in seven video games throughout all competitions.
If the Black & Gold can hold BMO Stadium a fortress, they will have the sting.
