The California Classico in Los Angeles observed an absolute master class for the LA Galaxy. A strong and intelligent LA Galaxy was able to dispatch state rivals the San Jose Earthquakes 3-0 on a warm and muggy evening in Carson. The Galaxy went into the interval with a commanding 2-0 lead against San Jose. The Earthquakes in fact were able to probe the galaxy fairly effectively but could not turn any of their ventures into clear opportunities. A fantastic display from both captain Robbie Keane and vice captain Landon Donovan gave way the floodgates.

The warm muggy night began slow as both teams slowly tested each other’s strengths and weaknesses. In fact the first open opportunity fell to unmarked Wondolowski in the 10^th minute on a corner kick. Chris fired the shot from his first touch at close range, but Jaime Penedo was able to parry away Wondo’s effort. The match began to open up for the Galaxy, as Robbie Keane was able to maneuver himself into a prime shooting position but scuffed his attempt wide in the 20^th minute. The Galaxy struck in the 26^th minute Omar Gonzalez came up on top of an Earthquakes set piece and set Sarvas up in a open position to play the ball to Robbie Keane. Robbie was calm and cool to see Landon on his run and timed the pass perfectly to play Landon in on goal to round Jon Busch and to take the lead, 1-0. The Los Angeles midfield was hard at work when it came to soaking pressure from the Earthquakes in order to regain possession and create opportunities on goal. Near the closing minutes of the first half saw the Galaxy push forward in attack. Landon Donovan was able to pick out Gyasi Zardes on a run in the box and with the little contact drawn from Steven Beitashour, Zardes sold the contact well with referee Kevin Stott pointing to the spot. Robbie Keane stepped up to the spot, took his time and despite Busch getting a hand to his low penalty it found its way to the back of the net.

The first half ended at 2-0 and the San Jose Earthquakes looked slow, weak, and unresponsive to the LA Galaxy’s incursions. The second half was no different from the first as the Galaxy pressed the San Jose goal. The Earthquakes conceded a third goal in the 67^th minute when Zardes floated his cross into the box for Franklin to node back into play for Keane to strike the ball on the volley into the net, 3-0. Robbie Keane found himself to be in rare form, Keane and Donovan were fantastic going forward in attack. Franklin, Juninho and Sarvas enjoyed a hard fought night, as none were exempt of defensive duties throughout the game. An evident display of dominance by the LA Galaxy who currently sits second in the MLS and are now serious title contenders. The Earthquakes lacked a response from the inform players coming from Los Angeles. In fact found it rather difficult to trouble Penedo’s goal after the first 10 minutes.

A terrific display of mental and physical fortitude was depicted on the night, as the LA Galaxy proved to be a far more assertive and clever, now in the latter stages of the season. The win placed the Galaxy in a very important position on the league table, second in the League, along with their form and depth to the squad. All will be crucial in the looming days of the MLS play-offs.