PALO ALTO, Calif. (June 29, 2019) – The San Jose Earthquakes are rolling through the MLS Western Conference. In one of their biggest home games of the year, the first Cali Clasico of 2019, they destroyed the LA Galaxy 3-0 at Stanford Stadium. After a close game for 80 minutes, Shea Salinas and the Quakes broke open the game and started the party in the Bay Area.
Shea Salinas Goal Helps San Jose Earthquakes Blowout LA Galaxy
San Jose got things going early off a set piece. Just 11 minutes in, Vako scored off a set piece. From just outside the box, the Quakes had some good passing through the LA Galaxy defense, setting up Vako. With a seeing-eye shot to the bottom corner inside the far post, Vako made it 1-0.
The Galaxy had a great chance in the 19th minute. Zlatan Ibrahimovic tried a back heel to Emma Boateng. Full back Tommy Thompson intercepted the pass, dribbled it towards the goal line, then cleared his line.
Towards the end of the first half, Dave Romney nearly scored on a half volley off a chested down cross by a teammate. Goalkeeper Daniel Vega made the save.
The two sides traded half chances in the second half as the Galaxy pushed, desperate to get back in the game.
Chris Wondolowski nearly made it 2-0 in the 64th minute. Magnus Eriksson danced around and got the ball to the captain, but he was off-sides.
Shea Salinas broke the game open in the 82nd minute with a great touch and shot inside the post on a pass from Vako. Thompson made it 3-0 in the 85th minute.
In the final minutes, Danny Hoesen appeared to make it 4-0 but was called offside.
The match ended 3-0 with the Galaxy unable to muster a final chance to prevent the shutout.
SHEA SALINAS WHAT A STRIKE!!!!
2-0 NORTHERN CALIFORNIA!!!!!#BeatLA | @SutterHealth pic.twitter.com/MyXkw5sV1p
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) June 30, 2019
Three Takeaways:
Vako pulls the strings: Vako scored the opening goal and had the primary assist on the Shea Salinas goal. He was the center of the offense throughout the night.
Zlatan goes quietly: After a lot of talk about Ibrahimovic’s emotion and frustration, the Galaxy No. 9 didn’t do much for his team. The Galaxy are clearly struggling with several players missing and Ibra hasn’t been able to make that up.
Playoffs!?: At time of publishing, San Jose are officially above the red line, in 5th with 25 points. After a horrible start, Matias Almeyda has his side playing good winning soccer.
