LAFC Outlast San Jose in Stoppage-Time Frenzy
- Adam Luna
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
By Adam Luna
Los Angeles Football Club 2-1 San Jose EarthquakesBMO Stadium – April 10, 2025
In a match that started with a slow burn and exploded into a stoppage-time thriller, Los Angeles Football Club held on to a nervy 2-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes at BMO Stadium. A late surge from the visitors nearly stole a point, but LAFC’s first-half resilience and second-half clinical moments proved just enough to secure all three points.
Stalemate to Statement: The Second-Half Spark
The first half was a cagey affair, both sides probing without incision. Possession changed hands frequently, and while there were chances — notably a Cristian Espinoza effort denied by Hugo Lloris and a Denis Bouanga volley flying over — neither side could find a breakthrough.
But in the second half, LAFC took control.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 65th minute when Sergi Palencia, often a defensive presence, ghosted into the box and rifled home a right-footed effort into the top left. A 10% xG finish, but placed with the precision of a seasoned forward.
Momentum surged for the home side, and in the 86th minute, Denis Bouanga got the reward his persistence deserved. He latched onto a left-sided pass, darted past his marker, and slotted the ball into the bottom left corner with a composed finish and an impressive 84% xG — a true striker’s goal.
San Jose's Late Fury
Just as it looked like the game was heading for a comfortable LAFC win, the Earthquakes flipped the switch.
Substitute Josef Martínez set up Cristian Espinoza in the 90'+5 minute with a clever layoff. Espinoza made no mistake, curling a left-footed shot into the top right corner to give San Jose hope and inject tension into the dying minutes.
From there, the match turned into chaos.
90'+11: Ousseni Bouda fired over the bar with a speculative effort.
90'+12: A San Jose corner nearly found its mark.
90'+13: LAFC nearly iced the game through Cengiz Ünder, who pulled his shot just wide from the left wing.
Time finally ran out for San Jose after an intense 13 minutes of stoppage time, where they came perilously close to snatching a dramatic equalizer.
Key Moments & Player Highlights
Denis Bouanga (LAFC): A goal and constant threat. Earned multiple fouls and had the Earthquakes' backline chasing shadows.
Cristian Espinoza (San Jose): San Jose’s brightest spark. His goal was a moment of class that gave his side a lifeline.
Hugo Lloris (LAFC): Vintage composure and several key saves kept the visitors at bay in a nervy first half.
Olivier Giroud (LAFC): Involved but frustrated, the veteran had two shots saved and one off target — not his night in front of goal.
Final Stats Snapshot
Shots: LAFC 16 – 21 San Jose
On Target: LAFC 7 – 6 San Jose
xG: LAFC 1.83 – 1.22 San Jose
Possession: LAFC 52% – 48% San Jose
Fouls: A scrappy affair with 28 fouls in total
What This Means
LAFC climbs further up the Western Conference table with a vital home win, continuing their strong form. For San Jose, it’s another painful lesson in the cost of a slow start — despite dominating in late stages, they leave empty-handed.
Both teams now look ahead to a busy MLS schedule, but tonight will be remembered for its chaotic closing act — a reminder that no match is over until the very last whistle.
Next Matchday:
LAFC vs. Sporting KC
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Portland Timbers
