Timo Werner scored a goal and provided an assist in a quick three-minute span as the San Jose Earthquakes secured a 4-1 away win against Los Angeles FC on Sunday. This victory marks a strong start to their season for the Earthquakes.
Ousseni Bouda netted two goals for San Jose, who took control of the match during a dominant five-minute period in the second half. Bouda opened the scoring in the 53rd minute, followed by Werner’s goal in the 56th minute. LAFC then contributed an own goal in the 58th minute, bringing the score to 3-0.
Goalkeeper Daniel made three saves as San Jose (7-1-0, 21 points) matched the Vancouver Whitecaps at the top of the Western Conference.
Werner, who joined from RB Leipzig in January, made only his second MLS start and was returning from a lower-body injury after not playing since March 21.
LAFC (5-2-1, 16 points), coming off a semifinal appearance in the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Tuesday, conceded more than two goals in an MLS match for the first time this season, losing their second straight league game.
Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who had a scoreless streak of 594 minutes, made two saves but allowed Bouda’s first goal, ending his club-record streak. LAFC began the season with an MLS-record six consecutive shutouts.
Bouda’s first goal came from a cross by Werner, where he placed a shot into the net. Werner scored his first MLS goal shortly after by taking advantage of an LAFC turnover and maneuvering through the defense to finish from near the 6-yard box.
The Earthquakes’ lead extended to 3-0 when Jamar Ricketts crossed the ball, leading to an own goal by LAFC defender Ryan Porteous.
LAFC managed to reduce the deficit to 3-1 when defender Reid Roberts inadvertently sent the ball into his own net.
Bouda sealed the game in the 80th minute, scoring his second goal past a flat-footed Lloris, making it 4-1.