Held at bay: San Jose Earthquakes 0, LA Galaxy 0

The LA Galaxy’s four-game winning streak was snapped, but they maintained their unbeaten run since the return to local play in the MLS regular season, with a 0-0 draw against California Clasico rival San Jose Earthquakes Sunday at Earthquakes Stadium.

LA didn’t show the same killer instinct that has served them well of late, but even with a bit of an off night, the Galaxy still found a way to pick up a result and continue their positive momentum at this point in the season.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto opted to start the group that’s been flying lately, with Chicharito and Jonathan dos Santos both in the matchday squad on the bench.

The first half was pretty sleepy overall, with the Quakes being up for the game and pushing LA, but neither team really peppering the goal with chances in the first 45. By the Galaxy’s recent lofty standards, they struggled to really put an imprint on the game, and Ethan Zubak, starting up top, was fairly ineffective.

Chicharito entered the game in the 57th minute for Zubak, and Jonathan dos Santos replaced Joe Corona at the same time as LA aimed to raise their intensity. It was the first appearance for Chicharito since the first game at the MLS is Back Tournament, as he had suffered a calf injury in the interim.

The Galaxy attack continued to lack a needed sharpness in the second half, with perhaps the best chance being an attempt by Sebastian Lletget in the 75th minute off a short corner kick routine that was saved easily by Daniel Vega.

The Earthquakes scored in the 89th minute through substitute Daniel Vega, but the goal was waived off for an offside call in the buildup, and the teams were forced to settle for a draw in the end.

The performance was a bit disappointing considering how well LA have been playing and how badly the Quakes were doing of late, but honestly, considering how weird this season has been and how well the Galaxy are doing, I think you can somewhat excuse a sluggish night. If this continues for a few games? Then it’s a concern. For now, not as much in my humble opinion.

The Galaxy have just about a week off until their next scheduled game, Saturday against the Colorado Rapids at Dignity Health Sports Park. With the games coming thick and fast, a six-day gap between games have to be welcomed, and they will look to keep the unbeaten run going while most of the other teams in the Western Conference are faltering left and right.

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