CARSON, CA (August 27, 2017) – The San Jose Earthquakes defeated the LA Galaxy on Sunday night in emphatic fashion. They won the match 3-0, winning the 2017 Cali Clasico series 2-1-0 for the MLS season. Three different players scored to help the Quakes keep their playoff hopes alive. The Galaxy are now 0-4-1 with just one goal since Sigi Schmid came on as Head Coach.
San Jose Earthquakes Win 2017 Cali Clasico Finale Against 10-Man Galaxy 3-0
The Galaxy had a good performance throughout the first half despite still missing some key players. Romain Alessandrini was a late scratch due reportedly to expecting the birth of his first child. Just 26 minutes in, outside back Pele van Anholt had to be subbed out due to a knee injury.
The Quakes didn’t have much of the ball in the first half, but they made a late chance count. In the third minute of first half stoppage time, Vako scored on a broken up corner kick play. The half ended 0-1.
LA appeared to be given a lifeline early in the second half. Joao Pedro was tugged on and went down in the box. The officials initially called a PK, but VAR determined that while Pedro went down in the box, but contact occured just outside. Nothing came of the free kick that followed.
The next big call made things go from bad to worse for the home side. In the 57th minute, Nathan Smith was give a straight red card for a stomp on Andrés Imperiale with the ball gone.
After that, the second half was all San Jose. Marco Ureña scored in the 80th minute with a great run to split the centerbacks and a shot that chipped Galaxy Goalkeeper Jon Kempin.
Chris Wondolowski added a goal in garbage time to make the match a 0-3 final.
Scoring Summary:
45’+3′ San Jose – Valeri Qazaishvili, assisted by Shea Salinas
80′ San Jose – Marco Ureña, assisted by Jackson Yueill
90’+2′ San Jose – Chris Wondolowski (unassisted)
Last Word:
The home woes continue for the LA Galaxy. This is by every measurable statistic on pace to be the worst season in club history. The offense continues to be limp at best. Giovani dos Santos and Gyasi Zardes can’t seem to get going. With the departure of Jelle Van Damme, the defense has been leaking goals no matter where they play.
For the Quakes, this game was a job well done. They locked down the Cali Clasico for the year. They won a match to keep pace in the west. Several players contributed to creating and scoring goals. They will continue to be a factor in the Western Conference playoff push.
