Los Angeles, Calif. — After a six-goal rout of Vancouver earlier in the week, LAFC hosted in-state rivals San Jose Earthuakes. In a season where LAFC have struggled to find consistency, hosting the last place San Jose side was the perfect opportunity to string wins together. However, much like their geological counterparts, the Quakes rolled in to rattle Los Angeles.
San Jose Quakes Rattle LAFC In Upset of The Season
In what has been a rollercoaster season, the high of a six goal shutout was followed by a drop-off. It was clear early on that the passing and finishing in the final third wasn’t as it was against Vancouver. While part of that is down to the man-pressure marking style of Matías Almeyda, it was also on LAFC’s poor form. The majority of the first half was like a chess match, with neither side doing anything too risky.
However, there were chances to be had.
In the final moments of the half, LAFC’s Mark-Antony Kaye broke the deadlock. On the end of a pass that was deflected around the box, he took his time for the calm finish. The second half went much the way of the first, with both sides starting off a bit slow. However, it was clear San Jose had taken their halftime pep-talk to heart, coming out firing in the second half.
While they didn’t outperform LAFC by any stretch, they were persistent with their pressure and never gave up. In the 80th minute, that persistence paid off with a Shea Salinas equalizer. It would be the catalyst they needed to set-up a stunner late. Jackson Yueill was rewarded on his great run late, with a cross that found him with the ball just feet from goal. With defenders all around, he got his foot to it giving him the goal.
For San Jose it was the biggest upset of the season.
Three points. #BeatLA pic.twitter.com/PBn2zobB4W
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) September 28, 2020
Takeaways
Final Third Frustrations
For as good as the Vancouver match was in terms of passing, and finishing build-ups in the final third, last night was a struggle. Early on San Jose made it clear they were going to shutdown the crosses, and passes within the final third. LAFC struggled, finishing the match with just three shots on target. However, they still had opportunities early that they missed, and this season scoring early has been key. The longer the match went on without any real threat from LAFC, the easier it was for San Jose to keep their faith, and composure, which led to their late-game surge.
Inconsistency
Head Coach Bob Bradley summed up the night best in his post-match press conference. “It’s a bad loss. Not enough commitment on certain situations,” he said with his opening remarks. He’s right. While this loss in particular hurts the most, it continues a startling trend for LAFC. In a season that many are quick to write off as just a ‘weird year,’ Los Angeles have failed to consistently do what’s needed to put together wins. From MLS is Back, to now, this team hasn’t been playing up to their capabilities.
The time has come to accept this year’s team is not the same as the record-breaking 2019 side. However, they aren’t a bad side, which makes their continued struggles so frustrating to watch. This is a team that has the talent, and coaching, to perform better than they have been. The biggest key in any postseason run is going to be consistency. The ability to stack together wins is the entire goal of a playoff system, and LAFC need to find their form if they still hope to life the Cup.
The Last Word on Earthquakes vs. LAFC
This is a team that is struggling, no way around it.
Whether those struggles are more mental, than actual issues with tactics or play style, can only be answered by the players. However, it is clear this team isn’t where they need to be. With the final slate of matches now confirmed, the road ahead doesn’t get any easier. After last night’s loss, it is clear no team is going to be an easy win, and with teams like Portland, Seattle, RSL and Galaxy ahead, they have their work cut-out for them.
As it stands, LAFC are in the playoffs, but with nine matches left, and only four points clear of last place, anything can happen. While the goal coming into the year was MLS Cup, the focus now shifts to just making the postseason. The push for the playoffs has well and truly begun in earnest.
