News
April 12, 2025 (Match Outcome)
Road Reopened: LAFC Rekindle Their Path to the Trophy
DISCLAIMER: The below text for this post (April 12, Match Outcome) has been generated by or with substantial assistance from AI tools.
On April 12, LAFC earned a much-needed 2–1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes at BMO Stadium, keeping themselves in the running for the 2025 El Camino Real Trophy. It was their first win of the tournament and a critical response after falling to San Diego FC in the opener.
There was a real sense of urgency coming into this one. LAFC had played four matches in just two weeks and were dealing with the wear and tear that comes with that kind of schedule. But instead of rotating the lineup, the coaching staff stuck with their experienced core. Hugo Lloris, Olivier Giroud, and Denis Bouanga all started. Their leadership helped steady the side.
The match remained tight through the first hour, with both teams trading half-chances and looking for space in a crowded midfield. Things finally broke open in the 65th minute when Sergi Palencia stepped into a loose ball outside the box and rifled it past the goalkeeper to put LAFC ahead. The moment seemed to energize the home side. A second goal followed late in the half. Bouanga pounced on a mistake by San Jose’s backup keeper, who had entered the game after Daniel de Sousa Britto was forced off in the first half due to a head injury. Cristian Espinoza pulled one back for San Jose in stoppage time, but LAFC had already done enough.
Despite the loss, San Jose actually outshot LAFC 18 to 10 and held a near-even share of possession. But they lacked sharpness in the final third, managing just four shots on target. Their game plan, to stretch a tired LAFC side with movement and width, was sound in theory. However, they didn’t execute in front of goal. LAFC, on the other hand, stayed compact, picked their moments, and finished the chances that mattered.
This result brings LAFC to three points in the standings and gives them the head-to-head edge over a direct trophy rival. San Jose, playing their first match of the tournament, now has work to do to stay in contention. With LA Galaxy still looking for their first win and San Diego FC sitting on six points, the table is already starting to take shape.
What made the difference here wasn’t anything flashy. It was experience, poise, and a willingness to stick to a game plan even when legs were heavy. LAFC trusted their big names and got the performance they needed. San Jose had the energy, but not the execution.
Looking ahead, LAFC will travel to face LA Galaxy on May 18.
END DISCLAIMER: Text below this point is human generated.
April 12, 2025 2:30pm PT (Pre-Match)
A Long Road Ahead: The Competition for the El Camino Real Trophy Coalesces
DISCLAIMER: The below text for this post (April 12, 2:30pm PT Pre-Match) has been generated by or with substantial assistance from AI tools.
The 2025 El Camino Real Trophy resumes tonight with LAFC hosting the San Jose Earthquakes in Match #3 of the competition. With each of the four California clubs playing only six matches, every result carries significant weight. San Diego FC currently leads the standings with 6 points from their opening two games, having earned early wins against both LA Galaxy and LAFC. That strong start puts pressure on the remaining teams to respond, and tonight’s fixture is an opportunity for both LAFC and San Jose to gain ground.
LAFC enters the match already behind the pace, having lost their opener to SDFC, and another defeat would leave them chasing with just 3 games left to close the gap.
San Jose begins their campaign with this opening fixture. The Earthquakes have the advantage of a full six-match schedule ahead, giving them more potential points to chase. LAFC, on the other hand, will look to make the most of their home fixtures and bounce back from a closely contested opening loss against SDFC. While LAFC’s schedule has been demanding in recent weeks – tonight’s match is their fifth game in fifteen days - the squad has shown resilience in managing match congestion.
This match offers more than just three points—it’s an early chance to shape the evolving title race. The outcome will influence not only the standings but also the momentum each team carries into the heart of the competition. In a tightly packed tournament with no room for complacency, tonight’s performance could quietly become a defining moment in the race for California’s crown.
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March 29, 2025
SDFC's Run of Form Continues: LAFC falls in a ferocious battle
While not technically an upset, as the home team is often expected to always win in MLS, the manner in which San Diego FC seized its second victory of the El Camino Real Trophy surprised many. Jumping to three goals in the first half, San Diego seemed to have the visitors on the backfoot. Then seemingly moments after the third goal, LAFC answered back with one of the goals of the season. A perfectly struck ball from a significant distance outside the box was placed perfectly, glancing off the underside of the cross bar and destroying SDFC goalkeeper CJ Dos Santos' clean sheet. The goal was so perfect, no one could have saved it, not opposing goalkeeper Hugo Lloris, nor global legends like Mike Maignan or Gregor Kobel. Minutes later, as the added time expired, LAFC connected on a cross in the box, bringing the game to within one goal. The equalizer remained in reach for the second half as LAFC, playing a man down for much of it. LAFC's attempt to contain Tverskov's midfield movements led to a second yellow on LAFC's Igor Jesus. Despite playing with only 10 men, LA maintained a press and nearly equalized, while SD failed to add to their lead. SD Fans rejoice about not only adding points along the road to the El Camino Real Trophy but also initial goals from Alex Mighten and Chris McVey.
All eyes remain on LAFC, as they continue their California supporters trophy campaign by playing at home against San Jose on April 12. San Diego's next El Camino Real Trophy match is at home on May 24 against LA Galaxy.
March 25, 2025
San Jose Joins the El Camino Real Trophy: Faultline's Supporters Group
Faultlines, independent supporters group of San Jose Faultline, has agreed to join the board of the El Camino Real Trophy, a California non-profit organization, as the representative for San Jose. The El Camino Real Trophy and many fans from San Diego are grateful to San Jose and the Faultlines group especially for their visionary leadership, and continuous support and encouragement throughout this process. From the beginning of the conceptualization of the California MLS Supporters' Trophy, when it was only an idea and before a specific name, the Faultlines team indicated their support for the idea. The Faultlines leadership team provide critical information and guidance, gained from their direct experience creating and managing the Heritage Cup.
Moving forward, all material decisions, including the design and creation of the trophy silverware itself, shall be done in concert and with the mutual approval San Jose representative. As of this time, half of the seats of the El Camino Trophy board have been filled, with participation from both San Diego and San Jose. The remaining two board seats, reserved for LAFC and LA Galaxy, will remain vacant until a representative from those teams has been designated.
We cordially invite LAFC and LA Galaxy to join the El Camino Real Trophy. Please email to info@elcaminorealtrophy.org or reach out through Riptides SG to advance this process.
February 21, 2025
Growing Excitement: SDFC vs. LA Galaxy Preview
Excitement grows over the inaugural match of the El Camino Real, which will take place on Feb 23, 2025. While the Galaxy are favored, San Diego is riding high off a recent dominant performance at the Coachella Valley Invitational.
Led by Anders Dreyer and Chucky Lozano, veteran DP's with a wealth of major league playing experience in Europe, a flood of goals ensued. Captain Jeppe Tverskov lobbed a long ball in transition to USMNT national Luca de La Torre, who deftly controlled the ball, outpaced the defenders and beat the keeper at point blank range. His experience in Eredivisie for Heracles and La Liga for Celta Vigo showed through brightly. Lozano made a nice goal, Dryer claimed a brace, Marcus Ingvartsen tallied his first goal and Boateng notched a thunderous penalty passed the keeper's outstretched arms. Confidence is high on both sides of the pitch, as both teams have something to prove on the opening day of the season. A rash of injuries leaves Galaxy without some of its major players, making the initial contest more interesting.
In partnership with Riptides, Independent Supporters Group of SDFC, the El Camino Real Trophy has been organized as a non-profit California Corporation. SDFC and fans are excited to compete against Galaxy. The winner will advance in the standings towards claiming the El Camino Real Trophy in 2025.
February 23, 2025
An Incredible Start: SDFC defeats defending MLS Cup Champions LA Galaxy
In an astounding upset, SDFC overcame the 2024 MLS Cup Winners, LA Galaxy, with an exciting 2-0 win. Headline star Chucky Lozano earned his first goal contribution, assisting Anders Dryer's first goal in the 52nd minute. Dryer stole the show with a last minute goal in extra time (assisted by Tomas Angél), to make this a true statement win and etch San Diego's name in the history books from the first game. In a packed stadium, thousands of fans from both teams cheered on their sides. The San Diego supporters showed up nearly 500 strong and carried the excitement and energy of the match through its entirety. The Galaxy fans, eager to celebrate their status of defending champions, found themselves questioning the start of the new season. Notably, Galaxy was missing big name stars Joseph Paintsil and Riqui Puig among other players. However, German international Marco Reus played 72 minutes and Gabriel Pec logged a full 90. The presence of these top players further elevates the achievement of the SDFC squad in their inaugural match.
Maya Yoshida captained the match for Galaxy and Jeppe Tverskov for San Diego.
The quest for the El Camino Real Trophy continues, with San Diego facing LAFC next on March 29th (in SD). Galaxy will face LAFC on May 18 in the first leg of the El Trafíco derby.