San Jose Earthquakes delivered a devastating away performance to defeat Los Angeles FC 4-1 in an MLS encounter that exposed fundamental defensive frailties in the hosts' setup. Despite LAFC dominating possession and registering 16 shots, their clinical finishing proved wanting; they managed just three shots on target and generated only 1.29 expected goals, whilst their goalkeeper's 66.67 per cent save rate masked deeper structural issues. San Jose's efficiency was striking by contrast—their 12 shots yielded five on target and 2.0 xG, with Ousseni Bouda bagging a brace and Timo Werner adding another as the visitors' 4-2-3-1 formation systematically dismantled LAFC's midfield. The home side's goalkeeper faced 1.29 xG conceded against 0.87 post-shot xG, suggesting poor positioning and coverage from the backline rather than individual shot-stopping deficiency. This comprehensive defeat represents a significant setback for LAFC's playoff ambitions this season.