It took a Giovani Dos Santos show to finally bring the San Jose Earthquakes’ unbeaten home streak to an end.
The Mexican’s brace helped propel the Los Angeles Galaxy to a thrilling 4-2 victory over the Earthquakes at a hostile Avaya Stadium in this season’s first Cali Clasico.
Dos Santos’ first goal of the night came from the spot in the 35th minute after teammate Bradley Diallo drew contact inside the box. The night was far from over for the forward. In the 64th minute he would strike again, recording his fifth goal in four matches. However, it was not all Dos Santos, as brilliant service from French midfielder Romain Alessandrini helped extend the Galaxy’s unbeaten streak to five games.
The second Cali Clasico ever played at Avaya Stadium delivered fireworks from the start, with Earthquakes captain Chris Wondolowski drawing first blood in the 10th minute, taking advantage of Ashley Cole’s marking error, and volleying a lofting ball past Brian Rowe near the far post.
The first half offered a little bit of everything; a pair of first goals in MLS, a penalty kick, a substitution, an own goal, and to top it off, a staggering five goals.
The Galaxy’s winter signing, Joao Pedro, answered back with one of his own after a sublime through ball by Ashley Cole, recording his first goal in MLS.
Danny Hoesen opened his MLS scoring account in the 37th minute putting the Quakes even. Victor Bernanrdez’s own goal a minute before halftime spoiled the momentum. Despite outplaying the Galaxy’s attack by 11 shots in the second half, the Quakes failed to level the scoreline before Dos Santos’ dagger.
After the loss, the Quakes shift their focus to Friday’s road game against the Portland Timbers, while the Galaxy travel East and take on D.C. United Saturday night.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Gio Dos Santos was the significant difference on the field, the Mexican’s brace against the rivals makes it five goals in his last four games.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
Alessandrini’s whipping cross from the left flank, sealed by Dos Santos’ flying header was the icing on the cake for the Galaxy’s three points on the road.
MATCH TO FORGET
Kofi Sarkodie had a headache of a first half and nothing else. The fullback’s clip on Bradley Diallo gave Dos Santos’ a goal from the spot, and minutes later, he failed to apply pressure on the wing which resulted in an own goal.
Referees were absolute garbage. Not the reason the quakes lost, but it was galling to watch. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again Cato is a late game sub to run at tired defenses not a 90 minute option. His weakness shielding the ball on the touch line led to the counter and 4th goal. Alessandrini dove more than Greg Louganis and jabbered at the ref when he didn’t fall for his antics. It was really a disgraceful performance. And Van Damme seemed out to injur players near the end and should have been carded for unsporting conduct when he taunted and tried to intimidate Urena.
Best Galaxy game so far this season. Their quick passing at times was superb. They are playing together very well as a team now. especially noteworthy since they have had so many injuries. If and when they get healthy, they could be a real force in the league.