San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy, 2016 MLS: Match Preview

How could you be so scoreless? For the third game running, the LA Galaxy failed to record a single goal as they drew a stalemate with the Colorado Rapids. Now, Bruce Arena's side embark to Northern California to take on the San Jose Earthquakes in the third and final California Clasico of the season.

As is becoming a tradition in MLS, Stanford Stadium will be the setting for this historic rivalry match. In that regard, whether it is Stanford or Avaya Stadium, Northern California is a place that suits the Earthquakes well during Cali Clasicos. In fact, in the last 12 meetings between these two sides, the Galaxy have only managed to win once.

The possible wild factor, though, is neither side is playing good soccer. The Earthquakes are winless in their last four league games, needing a very late Shea Salinas goal to rescue a draw versus Orlando City. Similarly, the Galaxy have not tasted victory in six league games, and have been held scoreless in their last three.

Things are perhaps a bit tougher for the Galaxy. While the San Jose Earthquakes had nearly a whole week of rest, the Galaxy are playing their third game in a week. Wholesale changes weren't made by coach Bruce Arena against the Rapids, and as such, you'd expect fatigue can play a factor on Saturday.

There is also the injuries and recurrent absences through international duty. Robbie Rogers is still a long way from making a return after having surgery one one of his ankles. Gyasi Zardes' will be a welcomed boost for Bruce Arena, but the Hawthorne native won't be due back until after the United States' third-place match. Then there is Robbie Keane, who will have an extended stay in France after  the Republic of Ireland's historic passage to the Euro round of 16.

Of course, this is a Clasico. All of this doesn't matter as soon as the initial whistle blows. Forget scoring a goal, it's all about getting the W if you are the Galaxy.

LAST MEETING

LA Galaxy 1-1 San Jose Earthquakes - May 23, 2016 - MLS

Fatai Alashe scored a late goal as the Earthquakes rescued a 1-1 draw at StubHub Center.

LIKELY LINE-UPS

LA Galaxy (4-4-2): Rowe; DeLaGarza, Steres, Van Damme, Cole; Lletget, De Jong, Gerrard, Magee; Dos Santos Gordon

Colorado Rapids (4-4-2): Bingham; Sarkodie, Wynne, Bernardez, Francis; Perez Garcia, Alashe, Godoy, Quintero; Amarikwa; Dawkins