Carlos Vela capped his first MLS hat trick with a stunning second-half curler, and LAFC outclassed the San Jose Earthquakes throughout a 5-0 victory on Saturday at Avaya Stadium.
Former Quake Steven Beitashour and Diego Rossi also scored for LAFC, who built upon their Western Conference lead while remaining unbeaten.
San Jose goalkeeper Daniel Vega gave the visitors unnecessary help early with a brutal error trying to clear the ball with his feet, leading to Vela's opener.
The Quakes are now winless in their last 12 dating back to last season and have lost their first four to open the new season under incoming coach Matias Almeyda, conceding 14 goals in the process.
Goals
- 8' - LAFC - Carlos Vela | WATCH
- 26' - LAFC - Steven Beitashour | WATCH
- 45'+3' - LAFC - Carlos Vela | WATCH
- 66' - LAFC - Carlos Vela | WATCH
- 68' - LAFC - Diego Rossi | WATCH
Three Things
THE BIG PICTURE:
Few thought Almeyda could lead an immediate turnaround for the worst team in MLS in 2018, but the Quakes' 2019 start is troubling in two ways: 1) The performances have progressively deteriorated since a season-opening
2-1 loss
to Montreal, and 2) All but one of these defeats have come at home.
Up Next
- SJ: Saturday, April 6 vs. Portland Timbers (8 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+, MLS LIVE on DAZN)
- LAFC: Saturday, April 6 at D.C. United (3 pm ET | FOX, MLS LIVE on DAZN)
