SOCCER: Timo Werner's 1st MLS goal leads San Jose's road rout of LAFC

Timo Werner made an immediate impact for the San Jose Earthquakes, scoring a goal and providing an assist in a three-minute stretch, helping his team secure a 4-1 road victory over Los Angeles FC on Sunday. This victory continued the Earthquakes' impressive franchise-record start to the season.

Ousseni Bouda was the standout performer for the Earthquakes, netting two goals in a commanding five-minute spell in the second half. Bouda opened the scoring in the 53rd minute to give San Jose a 1-0 lead, followed by Werner's goal in the 56th minute. Just two minutes later, LAFC handed the Earthquakes a third goal as an own goal from defender Ryan Porteous made it 3-0.

San Jose goalkeeper Daniel made three key saves to help preserve the lead, as the Earthquakes (7-1-0, 21 points) moved level with the Vancouver Whitecaps at the top of the Western Conference.

Werner, who joined San Jose from Germany’s RB Leipzig in January, was making only his second MLS start after a lower-body injury sidelined him since March 21. Despite the lengthy layoff, he made an immediate impact, scoring his first-ever MLS goal in the 56th minute after intercepting an LAFC turnover near midfield and finishing just outside the 6-yard box.

For LAFC (5-2-1, 16 points), the defeat marked their second consecutive loss in MLS play, following their midweek CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal advancement. It was also the first time this season that the club conceded more than two goals in an MLS match.

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, who had previously kept a club-record scoreless streak of 593 minutes, saw that streak come to an end with Bouda’s opening goal. Lloris made two saves during the match but could do little to stop the Earthquakes' clinical performance.

Bouda’s first goal came off a well-timed cross from Werner, with Bouda blasting the ball past Lloris at the near post. The Earthquakes then added to their lead when Ricketts sent a cross that Porteous inadvertently deflected into his own net.

LAFC pulled one back with a goal of their own, as defender Reid Roberts deflected a ball into his own net, reducing the deficit to 3-1. However, Bouda sealed the victory for San Jose with his second goal in the 80th minute, scoring on a short side shot past a flat-footed Lloris.

With the win, the Earthquakes continue to impress, moving into a tie at the top of the Western Conference standings.

-Field Level Media/Reuters