A stoppage time goal from the spot by Carlos Vela along with an early goal from Stipe Biuk was enough for LAFC to bag up a 2-1 win against the San Jose Earthquakes.

The three points, plus a 2-0 loss for the Seattle Sounders against the Vancouver Whitecaps have put LAFC back on top of the Western Conference, with two games in hand.

They now prepare for their domestic derby against the LA Galaxy in the US Open Cup, next Tuesday.

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**Jose Cifuentes shakes off his recent form by being heavily involved in Saturday night’s win against the San Jose Earthquakes.** Photo Courtesy: William Liang (@wliangphoto)

a well-rested three points

The main objective for Saturday night’s win against the San Jose Earthquakes was to rest the star players, primarily Carlos Vela and Denis Bouanga, and Steve Cherundolo did just that by starting the same squad that entered in the 65th minute of the SKC match (last wednesday). A front three of Opoku, Bougusz, and Biuk were enough to start the game strong as Stipe Biuk scored an early one in the third minute for the 1-0 lead.

Unfortunately, it did not take the Quakes long to respond as a mental mistake from LAFC Goalkeeper, John McCarthy, allowed an awkward cross/volley from Miguel Trauco to go into the net. A rare and bizarre mistake from McCarthy draws the two rivals level as they head into the locker rooms.

It was not until about 30 minutes into the second half until we saw some changes for the Black and Gold as Timothy Tillman and Nathan Ordaz, along with Vela and Bouanga, check into the match as the possible late-sub difference makers. In stoppage time, as Vela dribbles into the box, a pair of deflections off the hands of Earthquakes defender, Tanner Beason, led to a VAR review by the match referee, Ismail Elfath.

The review overturned the initial no-handball call, and gave the opportunity for Carlos Vela to call game from the penalty spot. Vela scores the game winner in stoppage-time, securing the 2-1 victory over the quakes, while reclaiming the top-spot of the West.

They take on the LA Galaxy next Tuesday night at BMO Stadium, in the Round of 16 of the US Open Cup.

**Erik Dueñas has been a key player in LAFC’s rotated squad. Should he see more first-team minutes for the remainder of the season?** Photo Courtesy: William Liang (@wliangphoto)

Dueñas y deseos

It wasn’t the greatest of games from LAFC youngster and midfielder, Erik Dueñas, but definitely a coming-of-age performance. With the latest congested schedule, these matches are giving newcomers and returners the opportunity to adapt to the pitch intensity that MLS provides, granting wishes for homegrown players like Dueñas, Nathan Ordaz, Christian Torres, and a handful of second-teamers to suit up for the senior squad. With the CONCACAF Champions League Final and the next derby being an Open Cup match, I would not be surprised to see Dueñas, and others, make an appearance.

What are your thoughts on LAFC’s rotational squads? Has Cherundolo been laying down the right gameplay? Let me know in the comments!