San Jose Earthquakes vs. Los Angeles FC Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 14 September 2025

Looking ahead to the Major League Soccer showdown on 14 September 2025 between San Jose Earthquakes and Los Angeles FC, it’s poised to be a significant clash at Levi’s Stadium. The Earthquakes, sitting at 19th place with 35 points, are hoping to hold onto the last playoff position, while LAFC, currently 14th with 41 points, are aiming to solidify their spot.

San Jose has struggled defensively, conceding an average of 1.7 goals per match and failing to secure a clean sheet in their last five games. Conversely, LAFC has shown resilience, scoring in 85% of their matches this season.

Josef Martinez will spearhead the Earthquakes’ attack, aiming to add to his 12 goals, while LAFC’s Denis Bouanga, with 15 goals, looks to exploit San Jose’s weaknesses, especially in the 31-45 minute interval.

Weather and refereeing details might not be clear yet, but fans can expect a dynamic encounter. Our match tip is to bet on over 3.5 goals, given both teams’ recent offensive form and defensive vulnerabilities.

San Jose Earthquakes vs Los Angeles FC Prediction & Betting Tip

Given both teams’ trends, our betting tip for this match is Over 3.5 goals. This recommendation stems from several key facts:

1. San Jose Earthquakes’ inconsistency, conceding 1.7 goals on average per match this season.
2. LAFC’s offensive strength, scoring in 85% of their matches.
3. Historical high-scoring encounters between these sides.

San Jose Earthquakes vs Los Angeles FC Prediction
Betting tip	Odds
Over 3.5 goals	1.96

• San Jose Earthquakes have conceded an average of 1.7 goals per game this season and haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last five games.
• Los Angeles FC has an impressive scoring rate, finding the net in 85% of their matches.
• Past encounters between these teams have often been goal-fests.

Expect a dynamic and high-scoring affair at Levi’s Stadium this time around.

San Jose Earthquakes vs Los Angeles FC Odds

The odds for the upcoming clash between San Jose Earthquakes and Los Angeles FC suggest a tight contest, with the bookmakers favouring LAFC. Here’s a closer look at the betting odds:

San Jose Earthquakes vs Los Angeles FC Betting Odds
Bet	Odds
San Jose Earthquakes	2.96
Draw	3.72
Los Angeles FC	2.14

These odds imply that Los Angeles FC is expected to come out on top, but there’s still a decent chance of a San Jose Earthquakes victory or a draw.

• LAFC’s scoring proficiency and strong away form make them the favourites.
• San Jose’s inconsistent performances add an element of unpredictability.
• A high-scoring encounter is on the cards, presenting numerous betting opportunities.

Given these odds and considering both teams’ recent form and stats, it promises to be an exciting match at Levi’s Stadium.

San Jose Earthquakes Team Analysis

San Jose Earthquakes Recent Performance

San Jose Earthquakes have had a rollercoaster of a season, shown clearly by their recent form which sits at LWLWL. Over their last five matches, they have experienced alternating wins and losses with victories against Houston Dynamo FC and Vancouver Whitecaps and losses against Austin FC, San Diego FC, and Real Salt Lake.

A deeper look at the stats reveals that San Jose has struggled defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five games while conceding an average of 1.7 goals per match. Offensively, they have been slightly better, averaging 1.40 goals per game in the same period.

The top scorer for San Jose, Josef Martinez, has been a bright spot with 12 goals to his name. Despite this, the team’s inconsistent performances place them at the risk of missing out on a playoff spot.

The upcoming match against LAFC will be crucial for Bruce Arena’s side as they aim to solidify their position in the standings.

San Jose Earthquakes Key Players

For San Jose Earthquakes, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Josef Martinez, who has been their most prolific scorer this season with 12 goals. His ability to find the net will be crucial against LAFC’s strong defensive lineup. Another key player to watch is Preston Judd, who complements Martinez in attack and can create opportunities from the flanks.

The expected lineup for San Jose Earthquakes is:

• Goalkeeper: Daniel
• Defenders: Reid Roberts, David Romney, Daniel Munie
• Midfielders: DeJuan Jones, Ian Harkes, Ronaldo Vieira, Jamar Ricketts
• Forwards: Cristian Arango, Josef Martinez, Preston Judd

Their midfield duo of Harkes and Vieira will have to step up to control the game, providing support to both defense and attack. Key individual battles to watch include Martinez versus LAFC’s Nkosi Tafari Burgess and Arango against Ryan Porteous.

San Jose Earthquakes Suspensions & Injuries

As of the upcoming match, San Jose Earthquakes are relatively fortunate in terms of player availability with minimal injuries and no suspensions. The only noticeable absence is Vitor Costa, who is sidelined with a muscle injury but is expected to return by mid-September 2025.

This means head coach Bruce Arena will have almost his full squad at his disposal to select from. However, the absence of Costa could impact their defensive setup, especially considering their struggle to maintain clean sheets.

Given the importance of securing points to hold onto their playoff spot, having a mostly healthy squad is a significant boon for the Earthquakes. Martinez and the attacking lineup will need to capitalize on LAFC’s potential gaps, particularly with their form being unpredictable.

San Jose Earthquakes Tactics and Formation

San Jose Earthquakes Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-3
• Key Forward: Josef Martinez
• Midfield Duo: Ian Harkes, Ronaldo Vieira
• Defensive Setup: Reid Roberts, David Romney, Daniel Munie

San Jose Earthquakes have been utilizing a 3-4-3 formation, which emphasizes attacking prowess and aims to exploit the wings. With Josef Martinez spearheading the attack, supported by Preston Judd and Cristian Arango on the flanks, the Earthquakes are designed to pressure the opposition’s defense continuously.

The midfield, anchored by Ian Harkes and Ronaldo Vieira, provides the necessary balance between defense and attack. However, the Earthquakes have been vulnerable defensively, conceding an average of 1.7 goals per game. Despite this, their attacking style often focuses on exploiting opponents in the final fifteen minutes of the first half, where LAFC has shown vulnerabilities.

This offensive tactic, while risky, could pay dividends against a team like LAFC who are known for their scoring ability.

Los Angeles FC Team Analysis

Los Angeles FC Recent Performance

Los Angeles FC has been demonstrating a decent run of form lately, which can be summed up by their recent performance record of WDWDL. In their last five matches, they secured victories against New England Revolution and Tigres, while drawing with FC Dallas and Chicago Fire FC. Their only recent setback came from a 1-2 loss against San Diego FC.

Statistically, LAFC has averaged 1.60 goals per game in these fixtures, showcasing their attacking capabilities. Defensively, they have managed to secure just one clean sheet out of the last five matches, implying some vulnerability at the back.

Despite this, LAFC’s goal-scoring consistency is a highlight, with Denis Bouanga leading the charge, tallying 15 goals this season. The team’s ability to score in 85% of their matches this season makes them a formidable opponent in the upcoming contest against San Jose Earthquakes at Levi’s Stadium.

Los Angeles FC Key Players

For Los Angeles FC, Denis Bouanga stands out as their top scorer with 15 goals this season. His knack for finding the net will be pivotal against San Jose Earthquakes’ shaky defense. Heung-Min Son, another key asset, brings international experience and flair to LAFC’s lineup, making him a critical player to watch.

The expected lineup for Los Angeles FC is:

• Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris
• Defenders: Sergi Palencia, Nkosi Tafari Burgess, Ryan Porteous, Artem Smolyakov
• Midfielders: Mathieu Choiniere, Eddie Segura, Marco Delgado
• Forwards: Yaw Yeboah, Heung-Min Son, Denis Bouanga

With injuries affecting several players, including star forward David Martinez, LAFC will rely heavily on their available forwards to break down San Jose’s defense. Look out for key battles such as Bouanga versus Reid Roberts and Son against David Romney, critical duels that could define the match’s outcome.

Los Angeles FC Suspensions & Injuries

Los Angeles FC are heading into this match with a number of injuries that could affect their performance. Key players such as Lorenzo Dellavalle, Jeremy Ebobisse, and Timothy Tillman are all sidelined with leg injuries, with potential returns ranging from mid to late September 2025. Additionally, Aaron Long is out for the season with an Achilles tendon injury, and David Martinez is dealing with a shoulder injury expected to keep him out until early October 2025.

The absence of these players, especially in the attacking roster, places additional pressure on the likes of Denis Bouanga and Heung-Min Son to perform. However, the depth in LAFC’s squad, especially with seasoned players like Hugo Lloris in goal, might help offset these absences to some extent.

Los Angeles FC Tactics and Formation

Los Angeles FC Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-3-3
• Key Forward: Denis Bouanga
• Midfield Trio: Mathieu Choiniere, Eddie Segura, Marco Delgado
• Defensive Setup: Sergi Palencia, Nkosi Tafari Burgess, Ryan Porteous, Artem Smolyakov

Los Angeles FC has been traditionally playing a 4-3-3 formation, focusing heavily on an attacking style of play. Denis Bouanga, the team’s top scorer with 15 goals, leads the frontline, supported by Heung-Min Son and Yaw Yeboah on the flanks.

In the midfield, Choiniere, Segura, and Delgado form a solid trio capable of initiating attacks and providing defensive cover. With Hugo Lloris as the goalkeeper, the defensive back four is tasked with maintaining a high line, aiding the team’s pressing game.

Despite recent injuries, LAFC’s depth allows them to maintain their tactical approach, focusing on quick transitions and exploiting wide areas to create scoring opportunities. This formation could challenge San Jose’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in the midfield battles.

San Jose Earthquakes vs Los Angeles FC Head-to-Head Statistics

Analysing the last five encounters between San Jose Earthquakes and Los Angeles FC reveals a trend heavily favouring the visitors. LAFC have emerged victorious in four of their past five matches against San Jose, scoring at least two goals each time.

Recent results include:

• 13 April 2025, Los Angeles FC 2-1 San Jose Earthquakes
• 20 October 2024, Los Angeles FC 3-1 San Jose Earthquakes
• 14 August 2024, Los Angeles FC 4-1 San Jose Earthquakes (Leagues Cup Final Stage)
• 23 June 2024, Los Angeles FC 6-2 San Jose Earthquakes
• 4 May 2024, San Jose Earthquakes 3-1 Los Angeles FC

In these fixtures, LAFC have demonstrated their strong offensive capabilities, which will likely be a focal point again. San Jose’s sole recent win came at home, indicating that while LAFC may have the upper hand, the Earthquakes can pull off a surprise, especially on their turf. Expect another thrilling chapter in this matchup at Levi’s Stadium.

Odds accurate as of 09.12.2025 01:31, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.