LAFC returns to MLS action against San Jose

After advancing to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals, the Black & Gold host the Earthquakes on Sunday.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:37pm

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LAFC, currently in 3rd place in the Western Conference, will host 2nd-place San Jose on Sunday after a busy stretch that included a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal win over Cruz Azul. Canadian midfielder Stephen Eustáquio is set to return to the lineup after missing the last eight games, with Mathieu Choinière filling in admirably during his absence. The match is part of a congested schedule for LAFC, who will play three MLS games and resume CONCACAF play over an 11-day span.

Why it matters

This match is an important one for LAFC as they look to maintain their position near the top of the Western Conference standings. The return of Eustáquio should provide a boost, while the continued strong play of Choinière has helped LAFC weather his absence. The Earthquakes, currently in 2nd place, will provide a tough test as LAFC looks to protect their home field advantage.

The details

LAFC went 5-0-0 and outscored opponents 13-1 when Eustáquio was in the lineup earlier this season. His departure was met with concerns, but Choinière has stepped up, scoring two goals and providing assists in his absence. LAFC is coming off a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal win over Cruz Azul, but suffered their first league loss last weekend against a heavily rotated squad. San Jose, at 6-1-0 and 18 points, is second in the West and will be looking to become the first MLS team to score on and take points off LAFC at home this season.

  • LAFC last played on Tuesday, advancing to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals with a win in Mexico.
  • Eustáquio rejoined LAFC on Friday and trained with the team on Saturday, and is expected to be available for Sunday's match.
  • The CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal series begins on April 29 in Los Angeles, with the second leg on May 6.

The players

Stephen Eustáquio

A 29-year-old Canadian international midfielder who is on loan to LAFC from FC Porto. He had been sidelined for the last eight games but is now fully fit and ready to rejoin the lineup.

Mathieu Choinière

A 27-year-old Canadian midfielder who has stepped up in Eustáquio's absence, starting seven of the eight games he missed and contributing two goals and assists.

Marc Dos Santos

The head coach of LAFC, who has guided the team through a busy stretch that included the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals.

Timothy Tillman

An attacking midfielder for LAFC who has discussed the different qualities that Eustáquio and Choinière bring to the team.

San Jose Earthquakes

The second-place team in the Western Conference, who will be looking to become the first MLS opponent to score on and take points off LAFC at home this season.

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What they’re saying

“Both of them have their own qualities. I think Steph is someone who brings a lot of control. Yeah, just helps us having possession, finding those pockets really well, has good passing. He controls and dictates the game a lot.”

— Timothy Tillman, Attacking Midfielder

“I think a lot of Mathieu's qualities are that he is someone that is always pushing, pushing and running wherever he's needed. He's always going there and always running there. Especially this year, he's had some good games offensively.”

— Timothy Tillman, Attacking Midfielder

“What is important, and what we spoke about, is to switch on again.”

— Marc Dos Santos, Head Coach

What’s next

LAFC will host the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal series on April 29, with the second leg taking place on May 6 in Mexico.

The takeaway

LAFC's depth has been tested by their congested schedule, but the return of Eustáquio and the continued strong play of Choinière have helped the team maintain their position near the top of the Western Conference. This match against the second-place Earthquakes will be an important test as LAFC looks to protect their home field advantage.