LAFC gets revenge on SJ Earthquakes

San Jose Earthquakes defender Miguel Trauco (21) plays for the ball against Los Angeles FC defender Erik Duenas (18) during the first half at BMO Stadium. (Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports)

Two weeks ago, the San Jose Earthquakes stunned Los Angeles FC at Levi’s Stadium handing the first-place Western Conference team their first loss of the season.

But Los Angles rebounded at home, earning a 2-1 victory over the Earthquakes on Saturday night.

“It was definitely not the start we wanted,” head coach Luchi Gonzalez conceded after LAFC’s Stipe Biuk scored in the third minute. “I thought that we got into the game at the 20th minute controlling their momentum and creating our own.”

The Earthquakes got back into the match with Miguel Trauco’s strike in the 52nd minute.

“Second half, I thought we were fantastic, we created chances, we pushed the lines up, and the guys showed great energy and protagonism to push to tie the game, and we earned that,” Gonzales said.

However, the Quake’s Tanner Beason conceded a late penalty with a handball in the 95th minute that Carlos Vela converted for the final 2-1 scoreline.

“This one hurts because we were close. We were really close,” explained Gonzalez. “There are things that we will review as a team, that we know that we can do better in the little details to see the game out. And then we have an opportunity next week against FC Dallas and channel our energy and focus into that.”