LA Galaxy looking to find their dominance against the San Jose Earthquakes in 96th edition of Cali Clasico

After a 3-1 win against the Sounders in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup midweek, the Galaxy will seek to get consecutive wins for the first time this season versus the San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday evening (6:30 pm.PT). 

The club has lost five of their last six games and needs to accumulate points to not fall behind in the Western Conference — and the Cali Clasico has a way of bringing out great performances in both teams — but the Quakes have been solid this season. 

Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said during his Friday afternoon presser that Sega Coulibaly, Chris Mavinga, and Douglas Costa are ruled out of the game. The club will have Jalen Neal and Julian Aude on the roster as the club decided to not release the defenders for the U-20 World Cup later this month. 

The Quakes, meanwhile, are one of the stories in the league as Luchi Gonzalez has turned the club about from last season's Wooden Spoon form. The club sits in 4th place in the Western Conference with 18 points through 11 games. Their most recent result was a 2-1 win versus MLS Cup champions LAFC in front of over 40,000 fans at Levi’s Stadium. 

MVP candidate Cristian Carlos Espinoza scored twice in the match, and the Quakes gave LAFC their first loss of the MLS season. It’s important to note, though, that San Jose is struggling on the road. In five road games this season, the club has no wins, three losses, and two draws.

With a loss to LAFC earlier in the year and their current spot in the standings, the club is losing its dominance in the Golden State, and a win could help complicate the current narrative. 

Here are the keys to the game for the Gs to come out on top at home in the 96th matchup between these state rivals.

Ebobisse vs. Chicharito

The last time these two teams faced off this past September, it was at Stanford Stadium where the home fans decided to poke the bear. A tifo unveiled by the San Jose supporters called the LA clubs clowns, which club captain Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez used as motivation. He scored twice that night and his clown celebration after both goals made Earthquake fans regret fueling the striker.

Chicharito’s 2023 match sharpness is off in games and his inability to control the ball has led to attacks losing their momentum. In six games against the Earthquakes, he’s scored four times. The Galaxy need to see that finishing touch from Chicharito considering they lead the Western Conference in underperforming xG with -7.2. Getting the Mexican striker in form is a must, with the U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 match versus LAFC coming up on May 23. 

Jeremy Ebobisse has become a reliable scorer for the Earthquakes and against the LA Galaxy. In 11 games versus the Gs, he’s scored eight times – and in the last five games at Dignity Health Sports Park. Vanney has emphasized keeping a clean sheet so the Galaxy don’t chase the game and send numbers forward as they struggle to defend the transition.

Martin Caceres and Neal started midweek and will likely be the center back duo on Sunday. The Galaxy will go up against the likes of Cucho Hernandez and Christian Benteke in the next week, the pair will be dealing with some good strikers starting with Ebobisse. 

One striker will leave their impact on the game and lead their team to victory. The struggling Chicharito will have to round into form or Ebobisse will haunt the Galaxy once again. 

Fullback test

Julian Aude scored a spectacular goal for the Galaxy in the club’s win over Seattle but his focus needs to be on the defensive side of the ball.

He'll be matched up against his in-form compatriot Cristian Espinoza on the wings. The Earthquake's resurgence this season is in part due to his eight goals and three assists this campaign. He’s their engine on the wings as he leads the league in key passes, crosses into the penalty area, and progressive passes received through 11 games this season.

Aude’s ability to go forward is not in question but his defensive abilities will truly be tested. The Argentine’s one-v-one ability and defensive positioning is what Espinoza will target. The NorCal side tends to deploy through balls and attack down the right to create their chances. After notching two goals last week, Espinoza versus Aude matchup will be key to determining who has the most influence in the game.

On the other side of the pitch, Calegari will not face the speedy Cade Cowell as he is in Argentina to prepare for the U-20 World Cup with the U.S. team. The Brazilian fullback’s discipline and positioning is what makes him such a quality player in Vanney’s system.

“They are two young players that have been asked to adapt to the league really quickly, you know, a lot of guys take time to come to MLS or a new league, a new culture, a new place, new way of living, and they take time. And these two guys have kind of hit the ground running,” said Vanney after the Sounders match. Keep an eye on both Aude and Calegari; their potential is going to show in these next few games.

Getting the width

Tyler Boyd and Gini Vivi gave the Galaxy much-needed width to create space for the rest of the team. Vivi was adding space on the left flank that other players on the squad cannot replicate through is positioning and his pace off the ball. Not to mention he has a good defensive work rate to track back. Boyd can play on the other side of the field which is plus for Vanney who can deploy the American where he sees fit.

With Vanney likely implementing the 4-3-3 once again this season, it must work this time around. The width during the Sounders match is exactly what the team is missing this season. Instead of congesting the middle of the field, it gives more space for players to operate in and pass the ball.

The midfield of the Earthquakes is solid with Jackson Yueill, Jamiro Monteiro, and Carlos Gruezo a formidable trio. While the Galaxy midfield will hold its own, the best way to win the middle of the park is to use the entire field. Whether that is a cross-field switch, line-breaking pass, or having the space to let individual brilliance shine – the Galaxy having that width is what allows it all to occur.

The Earthquakes have allowed 14 goals this season and struggle to close out games. With San Jose’s poor road form, this is the best chance to implement the fundamentals that made the LA Galaxy such a good team at the end of last season. If the Galaxy can be consistent with their wide play, they can be consistent as the club prepares for two road games next week. LA needs to win this match for their season and state pride.