Los Angeles FC vs San Jose Earthquakes: Betting Preview, Team News, and Key Stats
📅 2026-04-17Two Western Conference contenders, Los Angeles FC and the San Jose Earthquakes, will clash at BMO Stadium in the early hours of Monday in a highly anticipated MLS showdown.
**Los Angeles FC**
The hosts, who finished third in the Western Conference last season, are determined to mount a stronger title challenge this year. Fresh off a 4-1 aggregate victory over Mexico’s Cruz Azul in the Champions Cup, LAFC returns to home soil with momentum. Despite a 2-1 loss to Portland last weekend, Marc Dos Santos’ side has been formidable at home, including a dominant 6-0 win over Orlando in March. They have won their last three home matches by a combined score of 11-0.
**Team News**
LAFC will be without Brazilian midfielder Igor Jesus and former Juventus prospect Lorenzo Dellavalle due to knee injuries. Swedish youngster Amin Boudri is also a doubt with a muscle issue. Seventeen-year-old Jude Terry, who scored his first MLS goal against Portland, is expected to feature again, while Scotland international Ryan Porteous will anchor the defense.
**San Jose Earthquakes**
The visitors have started the 2026 campaign in stellar form, extending their unbeaten run with a 2-0 US Open Cup win over Phoenix Rising. Bruce Arena’s side, buoyed by a 3-1 victory over Sporting KC in their last MLS outing, has won four consecutive matches across all competitions, scoring nine goals while conceding just once. With 18 points from seven league games, San Jose sits near the top of the Western Conference on goal difference.
**Team News**
Former Chelsea striker Timo Werner, recently recovered from a muscle injury, will aim to open his MLS account. However, U.S. international DeJuan Jones remains sidelined with an Achilles issue. Twenty-year-old Niko Tsakiris, enjoying a breakout season, will partner Ronaldo Vieira in midfield, while goalkeeper Daniel returns after being rested in midweek.
**Key Factors to Consider**
- LAFC defeated San Jose 4-2 in their last MLS meeting in September. - Los Angeles is unbeaten in their last six encounters against San Jose (five wins, one draw). - LAFC has won their last three home matches by a combined 9-0 scoreline. - San Jose has won six of their first seven MLS matches this season. - Both teams have scored in each of their last 13 meetings.
**Conclusion**
With local pride at stake, Monday’s clash promises to deliver another thrilling encounter. The two sides have a history of high-scoring matches, with both teams finding the net in their last 13 meetings.
**Verdict:** Both teams to score **Best Odds:** 2/3 **Bookmaker:** Luckster