7:30 at the Home Depot Center, TV: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, Radio: 1330 AM
First it was a game between a green clad LA Galaxy and the San Jose Clash. Then it was decreed that Clash was too nineties (except for The Clash, which are an amazing timeless band) and Galaxies are actually blue, and thus it has been ever since, except for those two years when San Jose didn't have a team.
The rivalry was renewed in 2008, and although the Galaxy have won the Clasico every year since, this year business is looking to pick up.
The Galaxy hold the all-time record in the Clasico: 9-3. The last time the Earthquakes won the cup was in 2006.
Earthquakes-Galaxy Preview - July 21, 2010 - Major League Soccer - CBSSports.com MLS, Champions League
The Los Angeles Galaxy haven't lost when Landon Donovan has been in the lineup this season, and they have done nothing but win when he's contributed to the scoresheet.
LA Galaxy vs SJ Earthquakes - Goal.com
The great news for the Galaxy is the Edson Buddle is still scoring and Landon Donovan is still setting him up. Buddle got his league leading 11th goal last week against DC United, 5 of those goals have been game winners. Landon Donovan leads the league with 10 assists. Per: mlsnet.com/stats
Donovan, who scored the game winner against DC United on a penalty, has scored in the last four editions of the California Clasico, The Galaxy have won each game he's scored in and have not lost any game he's appeared in. Further good news for the Galaxy and Donovan, Commissioner Don Garber said last week that MLS is unwilling to entertain any transfer offers for Landon Donovan, who is arguably the leagues biggest star. This comes as a comfort amid rumors that Manchester City's coach fancies Donovan as an addition to the team.
Meanwhile, Jamaican Donovan Ricketts quietly has the lowest Goals Against Average in the league, only allowing half a goal per game. So all The Galaxy need to worry about is the league changing the rules on half-goals, otherwise they're set. I kid, I kid. He surely glad to have All-Star and last year's ROTY, defender Omar Gonzalez back in the lineup
San Jose has been feeling pretty good after taking Tottenham Hotspur to a nil-nil draw. The clean sheet is something to be proud of, whether it's holding your own against a Premier League team or giving up no goals after flying across an ocean and a continent to play in a college stadium. The Quakes are also excited about the selection of MidfielderBobby Convey to the All-Star team, replacing Jonathan Bornstein.
This is the beginning of a stretch of 5 games plus an All-Star game (featuring Donovan, Buddle, Gonzalez and Rickets)
San Jose is currently 5th place in the West, but holds the last playoff spot at 8th overall.
Galaxy legs are tired, playing a short week with last weeks game on Sunday. However, even on three days rest, the Galaxy should have no problems breaking through San Jose's 4-4-2.
Feel free to check out LA Galaxy insider video on today's match, it's always great to see player interviews, even if it's nothing but rivalry cliches.