Bouanga's late goal secures LAFC victory over San Jose

LOS ANGELES -- For the first time this month, LAFC hopped back into the win column with a 2-1 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night at BMO Stadium.

After a scoreless first half for both sides, Sergi Palencia and Denis Bouanga each scored for Los Angeles to give them a 2-0 cushion through 90 minutes. Cristian Espinoza delivered a stoppage time score for San Jose, but it was too little too late as LAFC hung on to secure their fourth victory of the season.

It was Palencia's first goal as a member of the Black and Gold, coming at a big moment to break the ice and give the squad some much-needed life. The defender drilled a screamer into the back of the net past San Jose goalie Daniel, who deflected Bouanga's shot attempt right towards him for the second-chance opportunity.

Bouanga finally delivered his first MLS goal of 2025, sending the BMO crowd into a frenzy with his 85th-minute score to provide the insurance. This time around, it was Bouanga who found himself drilling a second-chance goal into the net as Olivier Giroud's breakaway shot was deflected right to him for an open look.

The goal turned out to be a big one for Los Angeles as Espinoza's stoppage-time goal for the Quakes cut the lead in half late in the contest. 

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris made two saves, helping the squad earn their first MLS victory since March 22 and rise up to sixth in the Western Conference standings. LAFC has found much more success at home than on the road this season, going +3 at BMO stadium. 

In road games, they have just one victory in four tries, allowing nine goals in the process. Los Angeles will look to turn the road woes around in their next match as they travel north for a battle against the Portland Timbers next Saturday. Portland is currently seventh in the Western Conference at 3-2-2 and has not taken a loss since March 8. 

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. PT.