The Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) earned the full three points thanks to a Carlos Vela penalty in second half stoppage time, giving them a 2-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes at BMO Stadium. LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo made five changes from the team that drew 1-1 with Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday night, and one of those changes paid off immediately as Stipe Biuk tallied his second goal of the season in just the third minute, giving LAFC an early 1-0 lead.
The Earthquakes equalized in the 52nd minute thanks to a goal from Miguel Trauco and the score would stay that way into second half stoppage time when a video review led to a handball being called in the box on San Jose’s Tanner Beason. Carlos Vela, dispatched the resulting penalty kick into the net, giving LAFC a 2-1 victory.
With the win, LAFC moves into first place in the Western Conference with a 7-1-4 record for 25 points. The club remains unbeaten at home in MLS play this season, going 5-0-1 at BMO Stadium for 16 points from a possible 18.
The Black & Gold are back in action on Tuesday night when they host the LA Galaxy in the Round of 16 of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. That game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. and can be seen live on CBS Sports Golazo Network.
