LA Galaxy outlasts San Jose Earthquakes 3-2 to Win Two in a Row.
Los Angeles, CA – In a beautiful 68-degree evening at Dignity Health Sports Park the Galaxy pulled off yet another win this season. The first was a 2-0 win over their arch-nemesis, LAFC. The 5-time MLS champions came back home this time to face-off against the San Jose Earthquakes. This original California rivalry is commonly known as the Cali Clasíco.
For this installment of the Cali Clasico, San Jose came out attacking. They struck early in the first half, scoring in the 11th minute thanks to a goal by Valeri Qazaishvili. The smooth goal shot from his left foot went from the center of the box to the bottom left corner of the net. The assist came from Tommy Thompson. Los Angeles is still trying to find its team identity as they are still without Mexican superstar Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, out due to an injury.
The game wasn’t dominated by either team as they constantly traded ball possession. In the 33rd minute, Scheletto’s team managed to score and even up the game at 1-1. Sebastian Lletget earned the assist after a free-kick from a set-piece with Daniel Steres being the one to head in the equalizer. In the 59th minute, Almeyda’s team took the lead with a goal scored by Cade Cowell. His shot from outside of the box was low but with just enough curve and power to be out of the reach of the Galaxy goalkeeper.
The second half seemed to have opened up for both teams as they both managed more shots on goal. In the 72nd minute, Los Angeles tied the game at 2. Cristian Pavón converted a penalty with a right-footed shot to the center of the goal. In this half Jonathan Dos Santos and young star, Efrain Flores, both saw action as substitutes. By this time the 5-time MLS Champions appeared to control the pace of the game. They dictated the passes to precise angles as they dominated their opponent. Then came the dagger as Sebastian Lletget scored the third goal for his team with an attempt from very close range following a corner kick. Los Angeles would end up stunning San Jose with a 3-2 victory.
