LAFC faces challenge against San Jose Earthquakes in the Leagues Cup

When Los Angeles FC steps onto the field, especially at home, the expectation is always for a win. And it's no wonder. With a record of 4 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw in the Leagues Cup at BMO Stadium, it's clear that the Black & Gold know how to use home-field advantage to their benefit. With an impressively high goal average, outscoring their opponents 18 to 3, it’s evident that LAFC thrives under pressure, and, truth be told, this pressure seems to fuel the team led by Steve Cherundolo.

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But now, the challenge is different. On Tuesday, August 13, LAFC will face the San Jose Earthquakes, a team that, although having a disastrous season in MLS with just 14 points in 25 games, has found new life in the Leagues Cup. You can’t deny that when a team is struggling in its main league and suddenly shines in a parallel tournament, there’s an element of unpredictability that haunts the opponent. And this is exactly the scenario the Earthquakes want to exploit.

San Jose, under interim coach Ian Russell, is coming off an impressive 5-0 victory over Club Necaxa in the Round of 16. Yes, a team at the bottom of the MLS standings pulled off such a thrashing against a Mexican club, showing that soccer is indeed full of surprises. Jeremy Ebobisse, who leads the Leagues Cup in goals with four in three games, has been the star of this revival. With his dominant performance, he might very well be the executioner that LAFC fears most.

On the other hand, LAFC isn’t desperate. Denis Bouanga, with his eight goals and six assists in the Leagues Cup, has been nothing short of brilliant. He has been the key player in LAFC’s attack, creating chances and, more importantly, capitalizing on them. Bouanga’s efficiency is undeniable. He’s the type of player who can decide the game in the blink of an eye.

And then there’s the defensive question. LAFC, which has conceded only three goals in five games at BMO Stadium during the Leagues Cup, will have to deal with an attack that suddenly seems to have found its confidence. Hernán Lopez, San Jose’s recent signing, has brought new rhythm to the Earthquakes' offense, and his partnership with Ebobisse is one that LAFC needs to watch closely. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who has yet to concede a goal in the competition, will face his toughest test yet in this matchup.

What really stands out is the dynamic of the game. LAFC, with its controlled possession and lethal attacks, is used to dictating the pace. But San Jose, especially after their win over Necaxa, seems eager to disrupt that control. In the last meeting between the teams in June, LAFC steamrolled San Jose 6-2, but we all know that every game tells a different story, and this time, the Earthquakes are out to prove they've learned their lesson.

LAFC’s big advantage, however, is their experience in high-pressure games. Cherundolo knows how to mold his team to perform well in critical moments, and the victory over Austin FC, where LAFC was deadly in counterattacks, shows that the team is comfortable playing under pressure. They don’t need much to create scoring opportunities, and this efficiency could be the deciding factor in the game.

The truth is, San Jose enters the match as the underdog, but in a tournament like the Leagues Cup, where surprises happen all the time, that might be exactly what they need. All the pressure to win is on LAFC, and that could play to the Earthquakes’ advantage, as they have less to lose and much more to gain.

The BMO Stadium, which has been a fortress for LAFC, will be the stage for a clash that promises excitement. And if San Jose can withstand LAFC’s initial surge, maybe, just maybe, they could write a new chapter in what has been a season of ups and downs. On LAFC’s side, the keyword is efficiency. They know they can’t afford to leave room for surprises and need to capitalize on every opportunity they get.

On Tuesday, anything can happen. And that uncertainty is what makes soccer so fascinating. Will LAFC continue their unbeaten home run in the Leagues Cup? Or will San Jose surprise everyone and advance? One thing’s for sure: this is a showdown no soccer fan will want to miss.