Stipe Biuk scored on the first shot of the game and Carlos Vela added a goal from the penalty spot in second-half stoppage time as Los Angeles FC edged the visiting San Jose Earthquakes 2–1 on Saturday night, May 20.
Biuk opened the scoring in the third minute for Western Conference-leading LAFC (7–1–4, 25 points), who have won four of their last seven games.
Los Angeles was later presented with the chance to seal the victory when San Jose’s Tanner Beason was called for a hand ball two minutes into second-half stoppage time.
Miguel Trauco scored in the 52nd minute for San Jose to tie up the contest.
Vela then stepped up to the spot in the 95th minute and converted a left-footed shot for LAFC, putting it into the bottom right corner for his fourth goal of the season. The goal proved to be the difference in the game.
JT Marcinkowski made five saves for the Earthquakes (5–5–3, 18 points), who have now dropped back-to-back matches, with both setbacks coming against Los Angeles opponents. San Jose lost 2–1 to the LA Galaxy last Sunday.
The Earthquakes managed 14 shots compared to Los Angeles’ 15. However, LAFC put more shots on goal, recording six. San Jose put three shots on target.
Los Angeles held 56.5 percent of possession, while the Earthquakes held 43.5 percent. LAFC also had a major advantage in corners, getting 15 compared to the Earthquakes’ seven.
Jose Cifuentes recorded an assist for LAFC, who will play their third consecutive home game when they host Atlanta United on June 3. San Jose will host FC Dallas next Saturday.
