Getting worse: San Jose Earthquakes 1, LA Galaxy 3

The San Jose Earthquakes’ winless run has extended to seven games, after they lost the Cali Clasico against the LA Galaxy 3-1 on Saturday at PayPal Park.

While the margin of defeat was smaller than the Quakes’ last match, that comes as scant consolation for a team that did score late, but after the game was already decided.

Matias Almeyda opted for a three-man midfield in this game, with Eric Remedi returning to the XI alongside both Judson and Jackson Yueill. Shea Salinas also got the start, at left back.

The game didn’t start well for the Earthquakes, with Chicharito opening the scoring for LA just 11 minutes in, the tricky forward beating the defender to tip in a cross.

It was fairly even for the rest of the first half, but the Quakes’ attack still sputtered, as they failed to register a shot on target through 45 minutes, so they were in a unfortunately similar position at halftime, down 1-0.

The only notable highlight for the Earthquakes in the first half was Almeyda kicking the ball towards play during a stoppage in play and getting a yellow card for his troubles.

San Jose had a great look in the 49th minute off a set piece, but Chris Wondolowski at the far post could only cushion the bouncing ball off his chest before he ran out of room. Moments later, Chofís Lopez had a sharp shot that beat LA goalkeeper Jonathan Bond that clanged off the post.

Those misses were costly, because the Galaxy went right down to the other end and Chicharito scored his second goal of the night.

Almeyda went to his bench early in the 2nd half, bringing in Cade Cowell for Judson to try and get the attack jumpstarted.

It didn’t work, as the Galaxy got another goal in the 70th minute with Florian Jungwirth misplaying the ball and it bounced right into the net.

Cowell gave one highlight on the night, with his goal in the 83rd minute to make it 3-1.

Andy Rios replaced Jungwirth and Benji Kikanovic entered for Paul Marie, both in the 85th minute.

Needless to say, it was a bad night. The Quakes are getting worse and the wheels are now falling off defensively in addition to the attacking problems. We saw them make an improbable comeback last year, but can we count on that happening this year? Seems like this slump may be even more concerning considering how many games there are left to go this season.

San Jose will be back in action next Saturday, when they will face Minnesota United FC on the road, for the teams’ first meeting since the MLS is Back Tournament quarterfinals last year. The Loons have tended to have the Quakes’ number, so we’ll see if some time apart will improve their prospects.

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