SAN JOSE, Calif. - The greatest rivalry in MLS continues Friday as the Quakes host the LA Galaxy for the first time in regular season play at Avaya Stadium. After splitting their first two matchups in June and July, both clubs look to continue their hot form heading into the month of September. With a season series win on the line, we take a look at three match storylines ahead of the final leg of the 2015 California Clasico.
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Star power:
Popular Mexican superstar Giovani dos Santos will make his Avaya Stadium debut when the Galaxy visits the surging Earthquakes. Dos Santos had a goal and an assist in his MLS debut, a 3-1 win over Seattle on Aug. 9. Dos Santos, 26, has three goals and two assists in three games with the Galaxy. He helped Mexico to the 2012 Olympic gold medal, and has played for FC Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur. Dos Santos and fellow ex-EPL stars Robbie Keane and Steven Gerrard will give Friday's game a celebrity Walk of Fame quality. The Quakes might not have the big-name stars, but they have been marching in lockstep, including winning the last three in a row by shutout. Chris Wondolowski leads San Jose with 12 goals, having scored in back-to-back games, and Panama international Anibal Godoy scored his first MLS goal in a 5-0 romp over Sporting Kansas City at Sporting Park. Wondolowski and Shea Salinas scored with pinpoint precision in a 2-0 win over DC United on Saturday at RFK Stadium.
Red-hot rivals:
The Quakes and Galaxy split their two MLS games this season. The Galaxy's lopsided 5-2 win on July 17 at the StubHub Center was highlighted by Robbie Keane's hat trick and Gerrard's goal and two assists in his MLS debut. Newcomer Quincy Amarikwa offered a glimpse of what was to come with a brace for San Jose. The game served as a stark contrast to the Quakes' 3-1 win on June 27 at Stanford Stadium, when San Jose rallied for a 3-1 win behind goals from Wondolowski, Clarence Goodson and Cordell Cato.
Impressive partnerships:
The Quakes' switch to a 4-4-2 formation has showcased the new midfield partnership of Godoy and U.S. under-23 player Fatai Alashe, along with the up-front pairing of Wondolowski and Amarikwa. Coach Dominic Kinnear likes creating tactical advantages by pairing athletic players in specific areas. Godoy's ability to hold the ball and distribute has made the puzzle more complete. Salinas, who scored his second goal of the season against D.C. United, was named as one of three MLS Players of the Week from the Quakes, along with Godoy and Amarikwa. Meanwhile, Marvell Wynne, a physical specimen at right back, is proving adept at reading and overpowering wings who dare challenge him. Keeper David Bingham made two big stops against United in his third straight clean sheet.
