Members of both the San Jose Earthquakes and LAFC meet in the run way in preparation for their match at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles on Sun Apr 19, 2026 (San Jose Earthquakes X photo)

By William Espy

The San Jose Earthquakes’ dominant start to the season continued on Sunday evening.

The Earthquakes traveled south to Los Angeles, specifically BMO Stadium to play the third-place team in the Western Conference and state rivals, LAFC.

After a scoreless first half, the Earthquakes’ offense came to play in the second 45 minutes. Shortly after Beau Leroux got a yellow card in the 51st minute, Ousenni Bouda scored his third goal of the season to give the Quakes a 1-0 lead in the 53rd minute.

Just a few minutes later, the Quakes’ big-name signing from over the winter made his presence felt, as Timo Werner scored his first career MLS goal in the 56th minute.

LAFC defender Ryan Porteous accidentally extended the Earthquakes’ lead even further during the 58th minute, scoring an own goal and giving the Quakes a 3-0 lead.

The Earthquakes would eventually return the favor though, as Reid Roberts got LAFC on the board with an own goal of his own in the 74th minute, breaking the shutout.

Bouda then bookended the night with his fourth goal of the season in the 80th minute, securing a 4-1 victory for the Earthquakes.

The Earthquakes will return home for a midweek match on Wednesday against Austin FC before heading back on the road on Saturday.