Match Preview: LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes set to square off in 100th Cali Clasico
The LA Galaxy aims to maintain its lead in the Western Conference by securing a win against the San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday night. It will be a battle between the teams in two different positions on the table - LA at the top while San Jose is at the bottom of the West.
The Galaxy is coming off a 3-1 victory in Vancouver. Joseph Paintsil and Riqui Puig show their dynamic play to get all three points on the road. In contrast, the Quakes are recovering from a 3-0 defeat at home against the Colorado Rapids.
The Storyline
The Galaxy is one of the best road teams in MLS but has yet to rack up wins at home. LA has one win and two draws at home so far this season - not too great of a home record early this season. An extra motivational factor for this game is that it will be the 100th edition of the Cali Clasico.
The elite MLS teams consistently pick up wins at home and make it their fortress for the entire season. The Galaxy needs to secure as many home wins as possible to remain in contention for the Supporters Shield all season long.
It’s expected that the Galaxy will get the win on Sunday night considering how low the Earthquakes are in the table. Expectations are set to rise as LA climbs to the upper echelons of the league standings. Dignity Health Sports Park must become a strong fortress, where LA is consistently securing all three points this season.
Players to watch:
LA: Gabriel Pec, wingerÂ
The Brazilian scored his first LA Galaxy goal in his last game at Dignity Health Sports Park. He’s been quiet in his last two games for the club on the road - a return back on home turf could be what’s needed to ignite his goalscoring.
In the reverse fixture, the Quakes struggled to defend out wide and LA’s wingers had a field day taking up all that space. Paintsil recorded his first goal contribution for the Galaxy in that game - now we’ll see if Pec can put up a similar performance.
SJ: Cristian Espinoza, wingerÂ
Espinoza continues to be the Quakes’ lone bright spot in what’s been such a poor start to the season. He keeps the attacking moving forward and is involved in so much of the team’s chance creation. The Argentine has one goal and four assists in eight games this season.
The Galaxy has done a good job defending in open play but Espinoza will be one of their toughest test. Julian Aude or Miki Yamane will be busy trying to limit his crosses into the box and shots on his right foot. If Espinoza starts to gain momentum during the game, so will the rest of the Earthquakes.
The Winning Edge: Get the Goals
The Galaxy’s attack must exploit the San Jose Earthquakes’ poor defense and goalkeeping situation. The Quakes have allowed at least two goals in every game this season and are projected to have one of the worst defensive records this season.
LA’s John McCarthy leads MLS Goalkeepers in PSxG-GA with a +4.8 rating. San Jose’s goalkeepers have the worst ratings in that category. Daniel (-2.6) and William Yarbrough (-2.6) have led the Earthquakes to a league-worst -5.2 rating.
The Galaxy attack is one of the best in the league as the club ranks third in MLS with 15.4 xG. The question isn't if they will score, but rather when they will score. The expectation is for the Galaxy to get on the scoreboard early and stay in control.