From San Jose’s perspective, it all went according to plan. They won 1 – 0 for the second game in a row, both at Buck Shaw Stadium, and both featuring a goal by Chris Wondolowski, who has now scored 8 goals in 17 games for the Earthquakes. They went almost toe to toe with the Galaxy on shots, 16 to the Galaxy’s 18. Jon Busch saved both the Galaxy’s attempts on goal, as the Earthquake back four kept up their reputation as one of the best backfields in the game. With the win, the Earthquakes pulled into a tie with the Seattle Sounders for fourth place in the West.
The Galaxy did a lot of things right, not giving up a second goal after the early 4’ goal, but the chances simply weren’t there. Omar Gonzalez didn’t mix it up too much today, though he did earn a yellow card. Cazumba came in at the 67’ for Michael Stephens and so the end of the game featured all three players from Sao Palo. Landon Donovan moved up to the forward position when Cazumba came in, but it didn’t do much to change the course of the game.
When Giovani came in during the 72’ it marked the first time in San Jose history a Designated Player played in Earthquake match. The Galaxy had 8 corner kicks in the match, to just one for the Earthquakes. It was a game where the Galaxy were forward much of the match, with an early goal to overcome, but unlike the last California Clasico match, the Galaxy just didn’t have the tries to turn into goals. The best chance was a cross from Cazumba into the box with came awkwardly off Edson Buddle’s foot, on a play that looked harder to miss than to make.
With today’s result San Jose will take the California Clasico title, baring a SJ – LA playoff series.