![MLS: San Jose Earthquakes at Los Angeles FC](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/65tmyW1fjYCutR-oahy7o3GwF04=/0x114:4833x3336/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/70004972/usa_today_16968684.0.jpg)
Facing a must-win match against a tough San Jose side, LAFC put on a show to get the win at home.
We’re in the endgame now. With only six matches left in the season, the objective for LAFC is clear, win. Coming into the match, the black and gold were a handful of points outside of the playoffs, needing a win at home to keep their hopes alive, as well as kickstart a much needed run of form. After a brilliant first half, that’s exactly what LAFC got, beating San Jose Earthquakes, 3-1.
LAFC couldn’t have dreamt up a better start to the match. Even with a rare, mid-day kickoff, the 3252 were in force, supporting the squad. That energy carried onto the pitch, where the team needed only three minutes to find the opening goal, and take the early lead. A gorgeous back-heel pass from Cristian Arango found Danny Musovski on the end of his run, wasting no time in slotting it past the keeper.
Chicho Moose #LAFCvSJ 1-0 pic.twitter.com/fzUFpNHe14
— LAFC (@LAFC) October 16, 2021
After settling into the match, San Jose did well to mitigate damage. For a bit. They even got close to equalizing the match, but a great defensive effort from Kim Moon-Hwan kept the Quakes off the scoresheet. In an effort to slow the attack down, San Jose committed a foul in the box, giving LAFC the penalty in the 28th minute. Cristian Arango was the one to step up to the spot once again, as he was able to double the lead in the first half.
Arango Automático. #LAFCvSJ 2-0 pic.twitter.com/AYgJK4FjCm
— LAFC (@LAFC) October 16, 2021
The second half was controlled mostly by San Jose. The visitors came out for the second half with their foot on the gas, and in the 61st minute, earned a corner kick that would lead to their first, and only, goal of the day.
Game on!
Carlos Fierro and #Quakes74 bring one back. pic.twitter.com/cLsvhrnoRc
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 16, 2021
LAFC put the cherry on top with a goal in the 88th minute, courtesy of an incredible run from Chicho Arango. The goal put an exclamation point on what was a really solid match for the black and gold.
The run ⚡️
The finish ✌️ #LAFCvSJ 3-1 pic.twitter.com/yRKQ0Q9st7— LAFC (@LAFC) October 16, 2021
You can’t understate how important this win was for LAFC. At home, against a team closing the gap from below, while slipping further back in the playoff race, and in need of the full three points, without your two best players. This is the kind of win that the team can build from. Unfortunately, no time to soak in the victory, as the team travel to face FC Dallas, this Wednesday.
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