The San Jose Earthquakes entered the Round of 16 with a trip down to Southern California to take on LAFC. As the sun started to set on a warm Los Angeles day, both teams came onto the pitch ready to make their mark, including Olivier Giroud who was expected to make his debut for LAFC after signing in mid-May.
There was a buzz in the air for this game as soon as Giroud took the pitch during pregame warmups. The cameras snapped from fans and the media as he took the pitch as a member of the subs. He joined LAFC in he month prior, and has been showcased around with the club colors, but had yet to make a pitch apparence for his new club after recently departing AC Milan.
San Jose has made a lot of noise throughout their time in this years Leagues Cup as they have been able to knock off some good competition ahead of them. LAFC were able to defeat Club Tijuana and Austin FC to set themselves into the Round of 16. Both clubs have been in good form during the Leagues Cup, and their results have led them to a California showdown. The teams stand 1-1 on the year in their head-to-head matches. Both teams are coming into this tournament with fresh expectations and were looking to capitalize on impressive runs so far.
LAFC were able to take advantage of the home crowd early as BMO Stadium was filled with the chants of the 3252, and it fueled the home team as they took the pitch and as the starting whistle blew. LAFC didn’t need much time to get the score sheet open as Cristian Olivera was able to connect with a goal in the 17th minute of play. Although the first goal was scored, this didn’t change the pace that San Jose were displaying as they seemed eager to get on the scoring sheet as well.
The San Jose Earthquakes were approaching this game in a way that they have been their last few games within Leagues Cup 2024. A strong defensive backline who is contributing with the quick ball movement to see up an aggressive offensive push.
After about 20 minutes of back and forth attempts from both sides, Hernan López was able to get the Earthquakes leveled with a goal. The game was tied 1-1 in the 41st minute, and it looked to have give San Jose the shock factor, and it appeared that they were going to score again as they had the chances being created, but they couldn’t take advantage of them. Unfortunately for San Jose, this would be the only time they would hear an announcer goal call for the remaining of the game.
A penalty kick was given for LAFC right before half time, which appeared to be offside in-person and even on instant replay, and it gave Denis Bouanga his chance to get on the scoring sheet. The Earthquakes protested the call from the moment it was called, but the referee made the ruling for LAFC. He converted his penalty to give the Los Angeles Football Club the lead 2-1 going into halftime. The momentum seemed to swing towards LAFC moving into the half as they Quakes walked off the field. They were clearly upset at the call from the referee.
Coming into the second half, the Earthquakes seemed to have an aggressive approach, but it cost them on the counter attack which is something you can’t afford to do against Los Angeles. They are known for a dangerous counter attack especially with the speed of Bouanga. Although San Jose held majority of the possession, LAFC took advantage of their time with the ball, and made it count when the chances opened up for them.
Two back-to-back chances opened up for LAFC and it allowed Denis Bouanga and Mateusz Bogusz to add to the Los Angeles lead. The score sat 4-1 for the remainder of the night. San Jose did continue to pressure LAFC with their own chances, but just couldn’t connect with any of the chances created.
A key moment was a debut for LAFC as Olivier Giroud did, in fact, make his debut with LAFC in the 71st minute. The 3252 have been awaiting the debut of the French International, and he took the pitch with a shower of applause. He was able to get a few touches on the ball, but San Jose continued to hold possession towards the end of the game while creating their chances. The final result was 4-1 with LAFC eliminating San Jose from the Leagues Cup in 2024.
Although the score was lopsided, this was not a similar performance for San Jose like their last visit to LA. They have been playing a lot better under Ian Russell who has been in charge since Luchi Gonzalez’s departure. LAFC, on the other had, continue to showcase that they are able to adjust with changes in their team, and are continuing to showcase their great form through games in all competitions. They look prime to have a chance to win the Leagues Cup in 2024, and to win in other areas as well.
San Jose will now wait until the MLS season re-starts as they take on Real Salt Lake on August 24th, and LAFC will continue in the Leagues Cup traveling to Seattle to see which team will advance.
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