Lovin’ California: San Jose Earthquakes 1, LA Galaxy 3

Chicharito had a brace as the LA Galaxy continued their perfect form against California opponents in 2021, defeating the San Jose Earthquakes in the Cali Clasico on Saturday at PayPal Park.

The win gives LA two for the week and both on the road, impressive results that continue to keep the team near the top of the standings in the Western Conference, as they generally continue to build week over week under Greg Vanney.

The only changes in the XI for LA coming in was the full return of captain Jonathan dos Santos, back as a starter for the first time since his injury in late May, as he replaced fellow veteran Sacha Kljestan, and hero from Wednesday’s game Efrain Alvarez.

The Galaxy took the lead in the 11th minute, Samuel Grandsir’s cross getting tipped in by Chicharito, once again getting the poacher’s finish to make it 1-0 on the road again.

It was pretty back and forth from there, but the Galaxy were good value for the lead through the first half, as the teams went into the halftime break with LA leading 1-0.

The Earthquakes had a couple close looks in quick succession in the early minutes of the 2nd half, but LA got the second goal, with Chicharito scoring his second of the night in the 50th minute off an assist from Kevin Cabral.

LA made three changes in the 63rd minute, with Kljestan replacing Alvarez, Victor Vazquez entering for Sebastian Lletget, and Cameron Dunbar taking the place of Grandsir, who recorded his first assist in MLS in this game. Adam Saldaña then took over for dos Santos in the 68th minute.

The Earthquakes made it even easier for LA in the 70th minute, with Florian Jungwirth scoring an own goal to make it 3-0.

Right after, the final change on the night was Ethan Zubak, who replaced Chicharito.

San Jose did score a goal, courtesy of substitute Cade Cowell in the 83rd minute, but the Galaxy had done the work prior to that so they didn’t have to worry about the outcome by the time the Earthquakes got on the board.

I’m sure LA won’t be thrilled with conceding late, but this was a pretty routine win for them, all things considered. The Galaxy benefitted from playing an Earthquakes team in a funk, but they are firing right now, and they played well all night. Good work from the G’s.

The Galaxy are next scheduled to play on the 4th of July at home against Sporting Kansas City. Will the holiday match be a festive occasion on and off the field for LA? Should be another great test for the Galaxy.

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