LAFC at San Jose Earthquakes
Saturday, May 6 at 4:30pm PT
Location: Levi's Stadium - San Jose, California
Radio: 710 AM ESPN, ESPN LA App, 980 AM La Mera Mera
LAFC is on to its second-ever Concacaf Champions League final after defeating the Philadelphia Union 4-1 on aggregate on Tuesday, May 2. The Black & Gold now shift gears back to MLS league play and travel to face Northern California rival San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, May 6 at Levi’s Stadium.
This will be the 14th matchup between the two clubs but the first-ever matchup at Levi’s Stadium. LAFC owns the all-time head-to-head record (8-5-0) but has lost four-straight games to the Earthquakes on the road.
The Black & Gold are the only undefeated team in MLS league so far 2023 and are off to the best start (18 points through eight games) by a defending MLS Champion in MLS history. The record was previously owned by the Earthquakes after starting 2002 with 16 points through eight games.
The Earthquakes currently sit in fifth place in the Western Conference Standings with 15 points though 10 games played.
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EARTHQUAKES IN-DEPTH
Led by head coach Luchi Gonzalez, the Earthquakes are in hopes of making it back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The Club has made the playoffs just once in the last five seasons but are off to a good start in 2023 with a 4-3-3 record and above the playoff line in the Western Conference Standings.
The Earthquakes are proving to be a tough home team to beat as they have yet to lose a game (4-1-0) in 2023 in front of their home crowd.
Forward and Designated Player Christian Espinoza leads the team with six goals and three assists and has been involved in the team’s last five goals (five goals and one assist). Forward Jeremy Ebobisse has contributed five goals and one assist of his own.
The Earthquakes are expected to be without starting defender Nathan, who continues to recover from an ACL injury.
LAFC WILL WIN IF
They can regain focus after a thrilling CCL semifinal. The Black & Gold are unbeaten in their last nine away matches in all competitions dating back to last September and will need to lean on the backline to ensure the record stays intact. LAFC is going up against two of the top goal scorers in the league and need to avoid giving San Jose any opportunities in or around the box.
EARTHQUAKES CAN WIN IF
Christian Espinoza has his way on the field. He has proven he can score from just about anywhere on the pitch and will test the LAFC defense. The Earthquakes most likely will come out with a 4-3-3 formation and will drop to a 4-5-1 low block on defense to limit any opportunities LAFC may have.
