Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Luckster
Two sides who find themselves battling it out at the top of the Western Conference standings, Los Angeles will welcome local rivals San Jose to the BMO Stadium in the early hours of Monday.
Los Angeles FC
Starting with the hosts, eventually forced to settle for a bronze medal finish in the Western Conference last season, Los Angeles have their sights set on mounting a genuine title charge this time around. Extending on their Champions Cup adventure earlier in the week as they secured a 4-1 aggregate win against Mexican outfit Cruz Azul, Marc Dos’ Santos’ side will be excited by a return to California. Seeking an immediate MLS response following on from a 2-1 loss away at Portland last weekend, LAFC have gained a fearsome reputation for their dominance on home soil. Including a sensational 6-0 romp against Orlando when returning from March’s international break, Dos Santos’ men have won their last three straight showdowns at the BMO Stadium by an aggregate score of 11-0.
Los Angeles FC Team News
Both dealing with respective knee injuries, Los Angeles will once again be without the duo of Brazilian midfielder Igor Jesus and former Juventus starlet Lorenzo Dellavalle. Likewise, dealing with a recent muscle issue, LAFC are sweating over the fitness of Swedish youngster Amin Boudri.
Bagging a consolation strike away at Portland last weekend and registering a maiden MLS strike, 17-year-old Jude Terry should get some more minutes under his belt. Completing a permanent switch from Watford last year, Scotland international Ryan Porteous will start at the heart of Los Angeles’ defence.
San Jose Earthquakes
As for the visitors, flying out of the traps since opening up the 2026 campaign, San Jose are enjoying what has become a sensational purple patch. Extending on their US Open Cup adventure earlier in the week as they secured a routine 2-0 victory at home against USL outfit Phoenix Rising, the Earthquakes certainly find the mood in their camp at a red-hot high. Rightfully receiving a string of plaudits, Bruce Arena’s high-flying squad should be excited by a trip to their local rivals here. Last seen in MLS action securing an impressive 3-1 win away at Sporting KC, San Jose have won their previous four appearances across all competitions by an aggregate score of 9-1. In fact, remarkably bagging 18 points from their first seven MLS showdowns, Monday’s guests find just their goal difference keeping them off top spot in the Western Conference standings.
San Jose Earthquakes Team News
Making a speedy return from a muscle injury, new recruit and former Chelsea striker Timo Werner will be looking to open his MLS account here. However, USA international DeJuan Jones will miss out in the early hours of Monday with an Achilles tendon injury.
Enjoying what is becoming a breakout campaign, 20-year-old Niko Tsakiris will start in the middle of the park and partner former Sampdoria star Ronaldo Vieira. Handed a full US Open Cup rest in midweek, Brazilian goalkeeper Daniel will return between the sticks.
Los Angeles FC vs San Jose Earthquakes Key Factors to Consider
- When the California rivals last met for an MLS showdown back in September, LAFC secured a thrilling 4-2 victory at PayPal Park.
- Los Angeles are unbeaten in their previous six meetings against their local foes (five wins, one draw).
- LAFC have won each of their last three showdowns at the BMO Stadium by an aggregate score of 9-0.
- San Jose have remarkably won six of their first seven MLS appearances so far this season.
- Each of the last 13 straight meetings between Los Angeles and San Jose have finished with both teams finding the net.
Conclusion
With California bragging rights up for grabs in the early hours of Monday, we could be treated to another MLS classic. Watching Los Angeles secure a thrilling 4-2 victory when they travelled to PayPal Park back in September, the local rivals have a habit of producing fireworks when they meet. In fact, on what is a remarkable run, each of the previous 13 straight meetings between LAFC and San Jose across all competitions have finished with both teams finding the net.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Luckster
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