California Clásico Preview: San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy | OneFootball

The 105th edition of the California Clásico will be played Saturday evening in the iconic Stanford Stadium. Among the longest and fiercest rivalries in MLS, San Jose Earthquakes will host the fixture in the 50,000+ capacity venue for the 13th time.

Historic Derby

First contested back in 1996, the California Clásico is a match guaranteed to produce top performances and high emotion. In the 104 previous matchups, LA Galaxy holds the advantage with 50 wins. San Jose has won 34 times, with 20 draws. Between 2001 and 2005, both teams won four MLS Cups, representing the peak period of the derby in terms of quality and bragging rights. 

San Jose’s record in this match while at Stanford Stadium is generally positive, with 5 wins, 4 draws and only 3 losses.

The all-time goal scorer in the tie is Landon Donovan, who played four seasons for the Quakes before controversially moving to LA Galaxy, where he played another decade. He has 16 goals. It should be noted that the Earthquakes top goal scorer this season, Preston Judd, did the inverse transfer: starting at Galaxy and moving to Quakes.

San Jose Earthquakes Form

Clearly something was amiss at PayPal Park on Wednesday when the 2nd place team in the West was absolutely thrashed by Orlando City 4-0. While a single game after a two month World Cup break cannot be indicative of “form,” it was a surprise result whose first half was among the best in the league. Quakes captain Ronaldo Vieira accurately summarized his team as “beaten in every aspect of the game” by the visitors who “caught them on a bad day. Which shouldn’t happen.” Coach Bruce Arena put it more succinctly: “We got beat.”

Among the firsts in that loss: first time the Quakes trailed by 2 or more goals, first time conceding a goal from outside the box, first time the Quakes conceded a set piece goal (they would go on to allow two, one from a corner and one from a dead ball cross).

Vieira would go on to add that the quick turnaround between Orlando and Galaxy is: “a good thing that there’s a game in three days. The good thing about football is you can put it right in the next game.”

LA Galaxy Form

Galaxy were also humbled midweek at home, falling to St. Louis CITY 3-1. This followed a stinging 3-0 defeat to cross-town rivals LAFC in the El Tráfico derby on July 17. They will undoubtedly be chomping at the bit to avoid a third straight loss, especially given the history of this tie.

LA Galaxy defender (and California native) Harbor Miller had this to say: “I think the first soccer game I ever went to was Galaxy versus San Jose at home, so I think that’s in the back of my mind. San Jose have a lot young guys and they have a lot of talent, and also a lot of the grit. So, I think that game will come down to are we going to match the grit.” He added: “After these last two performances, I think there is no other option than to come out and show who the Galaxy are.”

Predicted Lineup: San Jose

The Earthquakes are missing DeJuan Jones (ACL). Earl Edwards, Nonso Adimabua and Niko Tsakiris are all recovering from muscle injuries. They will be additionally impacted by Preston Judd’s one-game suspension for yellow card accumulation. New signing Luka Jovanović (the Australian A-League Golden Boot winner last season with Adelaide United) is not expected to replace Judd, as his work permit is still being processed. 

Angus Gunn made a number of critical stops to keep the scoreline at four and will start between the sticks. The usual back four of Jamar Ricketts, Reid Roberts, Daniel Munie, and Benji Kikanović will be ready. Beau Leroux and Vieira play above them. Ousenni Bouda will be on the right wing; Timo Werner on the left (playing against former Germany teammate Marco Reus for the first time). Nick Fernandez might start as the no.10, but don’t be surprised to see Jack Skahan there instead. Darius Johnson might get his first start, and if the paperwork clears Jovanović could see some minutes.

Predicted Lineup: LA Galaxy

Head coach Greg Vanney offered this: “We’re going to be down to maybe 11 guys that are on our 20-man roster for the next game,” before adding, “the guys that you see in there will have to battle and knuckle up.”

Emiro Garcés is out for that red card he drew in the 49th minute against STL. Chris Rindov will probably fill his place in center back. Riqui Puig might be training after extensive knee therapy, but he’s not match ready. Erik Thommy and João Klauss are both out with foot problems.

GK: J. MarcinkowskiD: J. Nelson, J. Glesnes, C. Rindov, M. YamaneM: L. Sanabria, J. Haak, E. WynderF: H. Miller, M. Reus, J. Paintsil

The Hooligan Take

Reeling from recent losses, winning this match will be equally vital to both teams. Fans are sure to be treated to a fast, physical game where no quarter will be given – or expected. San Jose excels at quick starts, and should be on the front foot early. Ultimately, the Quakes will right the ship and emerge triumphant.

Prediction: San Jose 3 – 1 LA Galaxy.