62 games. 5620 minutes. One rivalry.
In MLS history, there is one rivalry that stands above the rest: the San Jose Earthquakes and Los Angeles Galaxy. Since the league debuted in 1996, the battle of the Northern and Southern California teams has raged on. The aptly named California Clasico has created heroes and broken dreams, leaving numerous standout moments in MLS history in its wake.
In the early 2000s, the two teams dominated the MLS landscape, combining for four MLS Cups over a five-year span. The Earthquakes would defeat their cross-state rivals to capture their first MLS Cup in 2001. Two years later, the Quakes eliminated the Galaxy from the playoffs in dramatic fashion, scoring five unanswered goals en route to their second title in 2003. The Galaxy returned the favor in 2005, eliminating the Supporters’ Shield-winning Earthquakes in the playoffs before capturing their second MLS Cup.
Since the Earthquakes returned to San Jose in 2008 following a two-year hiatus, the Quakes and Galaxy have been evenly matched, each tallying an 8-8-8 series record over that time. The Galaxy hold a slight advantage in the goal differential, scoring 41 goals compared to the Quakes’ 32.
The rivalry returns to familiar territory on Saturday, June 25 when the two teams face off at Stanford Stadium for the fifth straight season. The Earthquakes have dominated the previous matchups, recording a 3-1-0 record while scoring 10 goals over that time. In true California Clasico fashion, the matches at Stanford Stadium haven’t been devoid of its typical drama.
In June 2012, Stanford Stadium housed arguably one of the best matches in MLS history between the two clubs. In front of more than 50,000 fans and trailing 3-2, the Earthquakes staged a second half comeback to win the game 4-3. Former Galaxy midfielder David Beckham was involved in several scuffles, including one with Quakes mascot Q, resulting in a one-match ban from the MLS Disciplinary Committee.
A year later, history was made at Stanford Stadium. In another stunning comeback, the Earthquakes scored two goals in stoppage time to win the game 3-2, despite being down man due to a late Victor Bernardez red card. With the come-from-behind victory, San Jose became the first MLS team to win a game in extra time with 10 men and the image of winning goal scorer Alan Gordon celebrating shirtless was forever etched in the MLS history books.
In its 19th year, this storied rivalry has already not failed to disappoint. Both opening matches had their share of drama, which has become a staple when the two teams face off. In their first encounter of the season, the Earthquakes battled back late despite being down a man, producing a dramatic ending that ultimately finished in the Galaxy’s favor. When they met for a second time at StubHub Center in Carson, it was a case of déjà vu, with the Quakes scoring late in the match on a Fatai Alashe header to secure a 1-1 draw.
With the Earthquakes now possessing a permanent home to call their own in Avaya Stadium, expect this rivalry to continue long into the future.
