LAFC faces big test against coach Bruce Arena and his Earthquakes

TL;DR

The San Jose Earthquakes, led by coach Bruce Arena, are off to their best start in franchise history with a 6-1-0 record. They face LAFC, who have a 5-1-1 record, in a crucial match at BMO Stadium.

Key points

San Jose Earthquakes have a 6-1-0 record this season
Bruce Arena is the most successful coach in MLS history
LAFC holds a 5-1-1 record
Match takes place at BMO Stadium
Earthquakes face a crucial test against LAFC

Mentioned in this story

Bruce Arena

San Jose EarthquakesLAFC

Coach Bruce Arena has guided the San Jose Earthquakes to a 6-1-0 record, the franchise's best start to a season. (Scot Tucker / Associated Press)

No one has coached or won more MLS games than Bruce Arena, so when Arena speaks about the league, it’s probably wise to listen. Except, maybe, when he’s trying to downplay his own team, the San José Earthquakes, which is off to the best start in franchise history heading into Sunday’s game with LAFC at BMO Stadium.

“Well, you know, it’s very early in the season,” said Arena, whose team is 6-1-0 and entered the weekend tied for the MLS lead in wins and points. “You don’t get too crazy in the early going.”

Wins in April count just as much as wins in October, however, and Sunday’s matinee against LAFC (5-1-1) looms as an important test for Arena’s team, which has just two victories over teams with winning records.

When Arena returned to manage in the league for the fourth time last season — he has never actually retired — he took over a team that last had a winning record in 2013 and one that was put up for sale midway through that first season, which only added to the instability around the franchise.

Yet the coach has been able to block that out.

“There’s a lot of things that are going to probably happen here in the next year,” Arena said. “There’s a possibility of having new ownership and who knows where that takes us. So my focus is on this team at this time and the next game. I’m not trying to dictate a five-year plan at the moment.”

Q&A

What is Bruce Arena's coaching record in MLS?

Bruce Arena holds the record for the most wins in MLS history, making him the most successful American soccer coach.

How is the San Jose Earthquakes' current season performance?

The San Jose Earthquakes are currently 6-1-0, marking their best start to a season in franchise history.

What is LAFC's record this season?

LAFC has a record of 5-1-1 so far this season.

Why is the match between LAFC and the Earthquakes significant?

The match is significant as it serves as an important test for the Earthquakes, who have only two victories against teams with winning records.