Prediction: Los Angeles FC vs San Jose Earthquakes

Verdict: Both teams score

Best odds: 27/50

Bookmaker: ZetBet

MLS sides Los Angeles FC and San Jose Earthquakes fight for a place in the North& Central America Leagues Cup quarter-finals. The one-leg knockout contest will be played at BMO Stadium where the hosts impressed this term. Backed by over 20, 000 fans, the LA outfit is expected to pull off another great act that will give them a great opportunity to reach the final.

Los Angeles FC
Coming from an impressive season in the MLS where Los Angeles FC played at the highest level, the hosts are two points behind leaders and bitter rivals of the Western Conference, LA Galaxy. With a guaranteed championship playoff position secured, the Black and Gold Falcons turned their attention to international duties.

Although the team managed by Steve Cherundolo was tipped to win Group 7 following a perfect start with an emphatic 3-0 success against Club Tijuana, Los Angeles FC was forced to settle for 2nd place after a penalty shootout loss against Vancouver Whitecaps.

Returning to home soil proved beneficial as the hosts defeated Austin FC at BMO Stadium following another great performance. Although the visitors dominated the game creating more chances to score, Los Angeles FC’s accuracy in the opposition box proved decisive. Furthermore, Denis Bouanga gave his team an early lead 11 minutes into the game and Cristian Olivera delivered the final blow in the second half (2-0 final score).

Yet, The Black and Gold Falcons’s progress in the competition was expected as the hosts embarked on an impressive undefeated home run from February, suffering a single defeat in front of their fans  (W13D3L1). Furthermore, Steve Cherundolo’s attacking line worked at its maximum capacity netting at least once in all competitive games played at BMO Stadium since 10 October 2023.

Likewise, Los Angeles FC impressed in the MLS fighting for supremacy in the Western Conference with bitter rivals LA Galaxy who ranks top, with a two-point lead, a team they recently defeated in the El Traffico derby (2-1 away win).

Team News
Young and talented centre-back Lorenzo Dellavalle will miss out on the San Jose Earthquakes clash due to a cruciate ligament tear sustained in February. More so, Sergi Palencia and Ryan Hollingshead are at risk of suspension. Except for these minor issues, Steve Cerundolo has all other players fit and ready to help the team progress to the quarter-finals.

San Jose Earthquakes
Despite reaching the knockout stage, San Jose Earthquakes failed to impress in the North& Central America Leagues Cup. The visitors’ single success in the group phase came against Chivas Guadalajara after penalty shootouts, and, despite losing to LA Galaxy in the second match, the Quakes were set up to face Mexican side Necaxa in the last 16.

While the away side performed below expectations in the group phase, knocking out Necaxa was San Jose Earthquakes’ most impressive output this term. This came under the leadership of the interim manager Ian Russel following Luchi Gonzales’ dismissal at the end of June. The new boss has a difficult task ahead pulling his team from the bottom position in the Western Conference and, knocking out Los Angeles FC in the North& Central America Leagues Cup.

Although Quake’s latest outputs were impressive, BMO Stadium is difficult to play at, with the last success stemming from 2020 (1-2). Besides the visitors are keen to avenge the recent embarrassing defeat suffered in June against Los Angeles following a no-contest battle (6-2 final score).

San Jose Earthquakes will continue their busy schedule with another away game, this time in the MLS against Real Salt Lake, testing Ian Russel’s managerial skills and determining if the American coach will get the job permanently.

Team News
Ian Russel can line up a strong formation with goalkeeper JT Marcinkowski being the only sidelined player due to a knee injury. However, three offensive players are facing suspensions in case of bookings.

Key factors to consider

Los Angeles FC defeated Austin (2-0) in the previous round of the North& Central America Leagues Cup
The hosts played at a high level in the MLS (W14D5L5)
San Jose Earthquakes recovered recently following the instalment of Ian Russel as interim coach
The visitors progressed further by destroying Necaxa (5-0)

Conclusion
Los Angeles FC looks favourite to reach the quarter-finals following an impressive run across all competitions. However, despite being bottom of the table in the Western Conference, Ian Russel brought back the confidence in the team following a 5-0 win against Necaxa. With great upfront quality in both camps, we expect an open game and both teams to find the back of the net.

Verdict: Both teams score

Best odds: 27/50

Bookmaker: ZetBet