LAFC Clinches Top Seed in West with Dramatic 3-1 Win over San Jose Earthquakes
Late Goal by Marlon Santos Secures Victory
Marlon Santos scored his first MLS goal in stoppage time on Saturday night to help Los Angeles FC beat the San Jose Earthquakes 3-1 in the regular season finale for both teams.
Eduard Atuesta’s Goal Gives LAFC the Lead for Good
Eduard Atuesta came on in the 75th minute and scored moments later to give LAFC the lead for good at 2-1. This crucial goal proved to be the difference-maker in the match.
San Jose’s Early Lead
Jackson Yuell scored in the ninth minute to give San Jose a 1-0 lead early in the game.
Denis Bouanga’s Equalizer
LAFC’s Denis Bouanga made it 1-1 in the 64th minute, tying the game and setting the stage for the late drama.
Post-Match Insights
With this win, LAFC (19-8-7) earned the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, based on goal differential – a one-goal difference. They will play a best-of-three first-round series against the winner of a one-game wild card between the No. 8 seed Vancouver Whitecaps and the No. 9 seed Portland Timbers.
Conclusion
LAFC’s convincing win wraps up the regular season, and they are now set to face a stiff competition in the playoffs. With a strong team lineup, they look to make a deep run in the tournament and bring home the championship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the current standing of LAFC in the Western Conference?
A: LAFC is tied with the LA Galaxy atop the Western Conference with 64 points.
Q: Who will LAFC face in the first round of the playoffs?
A: LAFC will play a best-of-three first-round series against the winner of a one-game wild card between the No. 8 seed Vancouver Whitecaps and the No. 9 seed Portland Timbers.
Q: How did LAFC secure the top seed in the playoffs?
A: LAFC earned the No. 1 seed based on goal differential – a one-goal difference.
