Round four of the always exciting California Clasico takes place tonight, as the LA Galaxy host the San Jose Earthquakes at the Home Depot Center. The Supporters’ Shield winning Earthquakes will look to continue their 2012 success against the defending MLS Cup champions, having won two of the three matchups this season. (9pm EST, ESPN)
After coming from behind against Vancouver to advance to the semi-finals, the Galaxy will look to get a leg up on the Earthquakes at home. They will welcome defender Sean Franklin back into the starting lineup, after missing the previous match due to a leg injury. Marcelo Sarvas will also be making his return to the starting lineup. However, AJ De La Garza will miss his second consecutive playoff match, as he remains out due to a knee sprain.
For the Earthquakes, they will feature a healthy lineup, as only substitute Alan Gordon will enter the match hampered by injury, but he will still be coming off the bench, even with an ankle sprain. They will look for Golden Boot winner Chris Wondolowski to continue his success against playoff teams this season, as netted 15 goals against playoff clubs this season, more than half of his total on the year. He scored twice in three matches against Los Angeles this season.
SBI will be providing live commentary on tonight’s match so please feel free follow along with the action here. As always, you are welcome to share your own thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.
Enjoy the action (Commentary is after the jump):