LAFC MLS Soccer Highlights

LAFC secured a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes in a Major League Soccer match on April 20, 2026, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, strengthening their position in the Western Conference playoff race.

The win marked LAFC’s third consecutive home victory and extended their unbeaten streak to four matches across all competitions. Goals from Denis Bouanga in the 23rd minute and Carlos Vela in the 67th proved decisive, while Jeremy Ebobisse pulled one back for San Jose in the 82nd minute.

LAFC began the match with high intensity, pressing San Jose deep into their own half. Bouanga opened the scoring after a swift counterattack, finishing low past Earthquakes goalkeeper Jonas Schmid following a through-ball from Diego Palacios. The goal came amid sustained pressure that saw LAFC dominate possession in the opening 25 minutes.

San Jose responded after halftime with increased urgency, creating several chances through the wings. However, LAFC doubled their lead when Vela converted a penalty after Ebobisse was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box. The decision was reviewed via VAR and upheld, prompting protests from the San Jose bench.

The Earthquakes pulled one back late through Ebobisse, who headed home a corner kick from Cristian Castillo in the 82nd minute. Despite a late push, San Jose failed to find an equalizer as LAFC held firm in defense, with goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau making two key saves in stoppage time.

The result moved LAFC to 42 points from 22 matches, placing them third in the Western Conference, two points behind second-place Real Salt Lake and four behind league leaders Seattle Sounders. San Jose remained in 11th place with 28 points, five points outside the playoff cutoff.

Head coach Steve Cherundolo praised his team’s resilience after the match, noting the importance of securing points at home during a congested fixture schedule. “We knew San Jose would come out fighting after the break,” Cherundolo said. “Staying disciplined and taking our chances made the difference.”

Earthquakes head coach Luchi Gonzalez acknowledged the difficulty of breaking down LAFC’s defensive structure but pointed to missed opportunities. “We had moments to hurt them, especially in the second half,” Gonzalez said. “But we didn’t take them, and that cost us.”

The attendance was recorded at 22,417, with a significant contingent of San Diego-based supporters present in the away section, continuing a trend of organized fan travel for MLS matches between Southern California clubs. Chants and coordinated displays were visible throughout the match, particularly during San Jose’s attacking phases.

LAFC will next face FC Dallas on April 27 at Toyota Stadium, while San Jose hosts the Portland Timbers on April 28 at PayPal Park. Both matches carry implications for the final playoff seeding as the regular season enters its closing stretch.