LOS ANGELES — It’s been 12 weeks since the 2024 MLS season began and LAFC are still seeking their first win on the road after falling to the San Jose Earthquakes 3-1 at Levi Stadium in front of 43,774 fans.
The Earthquakes, currently in last place in the Western Conference, were in control of the majority of the match against their California rival, steamrolling over them to take a 3-0 lead, their largest lead of the season, before LAFC were even able to respond with their own, a goal by Cristian Olivera. The lack of a win away from BMO Stadium (1D,4L) ought to raise eyebrows yet head coach Steve Cherundolo barely batted an eyelid.
“The good thing about this league, is that it’s built on parity,” he explained. “So, even though teams are maybe in last place, there isn’t a whole lot of differences in quality in this league. Anybody can beat anybody at any game.”
The Quakes defender Rodrigues was first on the scoreboard as he headed in a corner kick from Cristian Espinoza past Hugo Lloris in the fifth minute. Espinoza was just getting started. His next assist came in the second half, in the form of a perfectly aimed pass to Amahl Pelligrino who dribbled past Lloris and scored in the 55th minute. A near-post deflection by Rodrigues on another set piece from Espinoza in the 59th minute led to an own goal by Denís Bouanga. LAFC were able to finally reply to the earth shaking score line in the 69th minute when Cristian Olivera scored after an interception.
Yet there was simply no turning the game around by that point. “On the road this year, I think this sums it up kind of for us, we seem to find ways to beat ourselves,” Cherundolo bemoaned, but quickly shook off the loss and moved towards a vision for the future. “All of the tools we need to correct the situation are in our locker room.” LAFC start their US Open Cup run on Wednesday, facing Cherundolo’s former club, Las Vegas Lights, LAFC’s former USL affiliate, then return for a home match next weekend as they host the Vancouver Whitecaps.
