:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69907542/usa_today_16585583.0.jpg)
LAFC had a stumble last time out, when some old issues reared their ugly head in a road loss in Portland, but they are back on the horse on Saturday, when they are scheduled to take on the San Jose Earthquakes at PayPal Park.
LAFC’s loss to the Portland Timbers last week stung, to be sure, coming after a three-game winning streak that looked like it was putting the team’s woes in the rearview mirror. I wouldn’t get too hung up on one loss, especially coming during a busy run of games, but that’s only if the team can bounce back quickly and start rattling off more wins in short order.
The Earthquakes have lost two of their last four games, a dip in their form through the summer, but they’re coming off a rip-roaring 4-3 comeback win over Austin FC last weekend. Eduardo “Chofís” Lopez has been on fire, scoring five goals in his last two games. Also, the Quakes have beaten LAFC in the teams’ last three meetings, so they aren’t pushovers anymore.
LAFC’s injury list remains long, with Carlos Vela (quad), Eddie Segura (ACL), and Tristan Blackmon (adductor) headlining those out. Joining them are Erik Dueñas (ACL), Julian Gaines (pelvis), Kwadwo Opoku (knee), and Alvaro Quezada (chest). On the questionable side is Eduard Atuesta, whose ankle injury has been upgraded, and Brian Rodriguez (hamstring) is also questionable for the black-and-gold.
For San Jose, Jeremy Ebobisse (concussion) remains out, while Tanner Beason (thigh) and Shea Salinas (undisclosed) are questionable.
So which team will emerge victorious in this game, if any? For LAFC’s sake, they hope it’s them, of course, and this would be a pretty big “six-pointer” for them.
Odds:
According to our partners at DraftKings Sportsbook, as of Thursday evening, LAFC are (+135), San Jose are (+190) and a draw is (+275), so this one is pretty close to a toss-up.
How to Watch:
Saturday’s match between LAFC and the Earthquakes will be televised locally on My13 KCOP and Estrella TV, and streamed in the rest of the United States on ESPN+. The broadcast is scheduled to start at 7 pm PT with kickoff to come at 7:08.