Earthquakes-Galaxy Preview
The Los Angeles Galaxy kicked off their lengthy unbeaten streak a little more than two months ago with a home win over the San Jose Earthquakes.
The Galaxy will get another chance to face the Earthquakes on their own field Sunday and will seek to come away with the same result while wrapping up this year's California Clasico title.
Los Angeles (5-1-4) was coming off a loss in Colorado when it topped San Jose 3-1 on March 19 with Gyasi Zardes scoring twice in the second half.
The Galaxy were in line for another victory in their latest game May 11 in Philadelphia but settled for a 2-all draw, moving to 4-0-4 in its last eight for its longest unbeaten run since a 10-gamer in 2014.
Los Angeles, 4-0-1 at home, is 3-0-2 in the last five visits from San Jose (5-3-3) and won each of the past two.
"When San Jose comes here, we know that our fans get up for it and how passionate they are for this game. We know how crazy the games can be, and we make sure to come prepared," defender A.J. DeLaGarza told the Galaxy's official website. "When you play a rival, it's usually a team you really hate and I really hate San Jose."
DeLaGarza and the Galaxy will next try to keep the Earthquakes winless on the road. San Jose dropped to 0-3-2 away from home with a 2-0 loss to Seattle on May 7 but bounced back with a 3-1 win over Houston in its latest game May 11.
Alberto Quintero had two goals and an assist after tallying one of each through his first 10 MLS games. San Jose kept that momentum going in at least a small way with a 2-1 exhibition victory over top-flight Spanish club Real Sociedad on Wednesday, and Chris Wondolowski scored both goals.
The league's No. 4 all-time leading goal scorer had another reason to celebrate with Friday's signing of a multiyear contract extension.
"Signing a new contract means the world to me. It's a huge honor," Wondolowski said. "I love this club and I want to be a part of it. I'm excited for the future and where we're headed."
Wondolowski, among the league leaders with seven goals, had the Earthquakes' lone tally in the defeat in Los Angeles but hasn't found the net in his last three MLS games. He did register a pair of assists in the win over Houston.
Wondolowski has four goals and an assist in his last five games against the Galaxy.
Galaxy forward Robbie Keane has four goals in his last two home games versus the Earthquakes and seven in seven all-time meetings in Los Angeles. He has two goals and an assist in two matches since returning from knee surgery.
Former San Jose forward Alan Gordon might sit out for a sixth consecutive game due to an ailing groin. Earthquakes forward Quincy Amarikwa's status is unknown because of an injured right hamstring.