San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy – Game Recap
Last night’s Californian rivalry was marked by a lot of passion and determination on both teams, which resulted in a high-paced game with several dangerous threats created on each side. However, with tight defenses and outstanding goalkeeping for both San Jose’s Bryan Meredith and LA Galaxy’s David Bingham with a few significant saves for each, the game resulted in a single goal.
Thinks could have ended a lot differently last night at this MLS California Derby, but it takes only one point to win a game.
Hosts San Jose Earthquakes are on a magnificent recovery after a winless July. Last night was the Quakes fourth-winning streak game. San Jose are now ranked sixth in Major League Soccer’s Western Conference (11-10-5) are now tied with FC Dallas at 38 points.
Visitors LA Galaxy are still top of the MLS Western Conference (13-8-7) with 46 points. As confident as the Galaxy was coming after a huge victory 5-1 victory over NYFCF last weekend, it still saw its less-then-perfect away-game record being dented.
The one and only goal of the night was scored in midst of the first half, where Quakes Quincy Amarikwa took powerful header-shot, to be saved by Galaxy defense but then bounced for another header by Omar Gonzales who scored the single, winning goal of the game (18’).
LA Galaxy tried hard to answer the early goal by applying considerable pressure and creating opportunities thereafter, however the Galaxy suffered another setback when Leonardo brought down Quincy Amarikwa outside of the box, and was shown a controversial red card and set off. This was not a clear denying of a goal-scoring opportunity.
Earthquakes captain Chris Wondolowski nearly doubled his team’s lead but was blocked by LA’s defender A.J. DelaGarza. His counterpart, Galaxy skipper Robbie Keane, also made several attempts but was effectively marked all night by San Jose’s defense.
Visitors’ midfielder Steven Gerrard made an impressive 40-yard free kick a minute into stoppage time, but was denied by the post.
San Jose Earthquakes is hosting Philadelphia Union next on Saturday, September 5th, and LA Galaxy will be hosting Montreal Impact on the following Saturday, September 12th.
