CARSON, Calif. (July 12, 2019) – The San Jose Earthquakes have clinched the 2019 Cali Clasico and are one step closer to the MLS Cup Playoffs. Behind some great play from Vako, the Quakes defeated LA Galaxy on Friday night at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Vako and Quakes Comeback to Beat LA Galaxy 3-1
The Galaxy started off as the better team, looking to avenge their loss earlier this season to their in-state rivals.
Just two minutes in, defender Rolf Feltscher scored his first goal of the season. Jonathan dos Santos provided the service on a corner to the near post and Feltscher converted.
After the first 15 minutes, the Quakes were the better team for long stretches of the game. Galaxy goalkeeper David Bingham was forced to make several big saves, with Vako, Chris Wondolowski, and Cristian Espinoza getting chances.
The two sides traded opportunities before Vako tied the game up in the 61st minute with a great move to the top of the box then a low shot that bounced inside the bottom corner. Three minutes later, Vako danced around in the box to find Danny Hoesen for the first time shot to make it 2-1.
Jackson Yueill put the match away in the 85th minute. Galaxy defender Daniel Steres took an knock on the sequence, leaving the middle of the box open. Yueill cleaned up a play after Vako took advantage of the opportunity.
The match ended 3-1, with the Quakes winning the 2019 Cali Clasico with two wins and an aggregate score of 6-2.
DANNY
HOESEN
IS
A
BAD
MAN#BEATLA pic.twitter.com/JG8juc8ocZ
— San Jose Earthquakes (@SJEarthquakes) July 13, 2019
Three Takeaways:
Vako dominates: Vako had a goal and an assist, going up the middle and on the left flank. He contributed on the third goal as well.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic doesn’t: Ibrahimovic was silent for much of the night. The Galaxy didn’t get him involved in the build up play. Ultimately, the Quakes did a great job neutralizing the entire build up for the Galaxy, who’s midfield struggled.
Playoff push: San Jose now find themselves in 4th in the Western Conference. They’re five points above the red line and just three points behind the Galaxy who are second in the west. That’s a fantastic turnaround from their start of the season.
