STANFORD, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes fell to the LA Galaxy 3-2 on Saturday night in the California Clasico at Stanford Stadium. The Clasico was attended by 44,200 fans, sixth most of any MLS match during the 2022 season. The match featured the MLS debut of Miguel Trauco and the first MLS start for 17-year-old Homegrown Niko Tsakiris.
The LA Galaxy jumped out to a 2-0 first-half lead on goals by Javier Hernandez and Gaston Brugman in the 12th and 42nd minute, respectively. LA then added a third, also by Hernandez, in the 69th minute.
San Jose pulled a goal back in the 74th minute when Cristian Espinoza successfully converted his penalty kick. The Quakes then scored a second goal in second-half stoppage time, but their comeback attempt was cut short when the final whistle came moments later.
The Earthquakes will next host Minnesota United FC for their last home match of the 2022 MLS season on Saturday, Oct. 1. The match will kick off at 7 p.m. PT and will be broadcast live on NBC Sports California, KNBR 1050 (English), and 1370 KZSF (Spanish).
GAME NOTES
The Earthquakes currently hold a 7-15-10 record (31 pts.) during the 2022 MLS regular season.
San Jose is now 28-35-16 all-time vs. LA Galaxy, including a 5-2-2 record at Stanford Stadium.
The Earthquakes are now 7-11-7 in MLS play under interim head coach Alex Covelo.
Midfielder Niko Tsakiris made his first MLS start, playing 78 minutes.
Defender Miguel Trauco made his MLS debut, playing 31 minutes in the second half.
MATCH INFORMATION
2022 MLS Regular Season
San Jose Earthquakes 2 – 3 LA Galaxy
Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022 – Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif.
Attendance: 44,200
Scoring Summary:
LA (1-0) – Javier Hernández (Julian Araujo, Marky Delgado) 12’
LA (2-0) – Gaston Brugman (Marky Delgado) 42’
LA (3-0) – Javier Hernández (Efrain Álvarez) 69’
SJ (3-1) – Cristian Espinoza (penalty kick) 74’
SJ (3-2) – Nathan (Miguel Trauco) 90+5’
Misconduct Summary:
SJ – Judson (caution) 29’
LA – Javier Hernández (caution) 31’
SJ – Niko Tsakiris (caution) 47’
LA – Samuel Grandsir (caution) 56’
LA – Jonathan Bond (caution) 73’
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES: JT Marcinkowski; Tanner Beason (Miguel Trauco 59), Rodrigues, Nathan, Paul Marie (Tommy Thompson 70); Judson (Eric Remedi 59), Niko Tsakiris (Shea Salinas 78), Jackson Yueill ©, Cade Cowell (Benji Kikanović 70), Cristian Espinoza; Jeremy Ebobisse.
Substitutes not used: Oskar Ägren, Matt Bersano (GK), Jan Gregus, Jack Skahan.
SHOTS: 13; SHOTS ON GOAL: 3; FOULS: 13; CORNER KICKS: 4; SAVES: 1
LA GALAXY: Jonathan Bond; Julian Araujo, Derrick Williams, Sega Coulibaly, Raheem Edwards; Gaston Brugman (Victor Vázquez 75), Riqui Puig (Daniel Aguirre 84), Marky Delgado; Kevin Cabral (Efrain Álvarez 69), Samuel Grandsir (Dejan Joveljic 75), Javier Hernández ©.
Substitutes not used: Nick Depuy, Chase Gasper, Jonathan Klinsmann (GK), Sacha Kljestan.
SHOTS: 11; SHOTS ON GOAL: 4; FOULS: 9; CORNER KICKS: 6; SAVES: 1
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES INTERIM HEAD COACH ALEX COVELO
On takeaways of tonight’s atmosphere at Stanford Stadium:
“The atmosphere was spectacular. The team pushing hard in the second half was also due to the atmosphere, and the fans who came out to support and push the team to win until the end.”
On Niko Tsakiris making his first start at the California Clasico:
“Fantastic, that’s why he played. He is a player that is going to be the future of San Jose, MLS, and maybe Europe. That’s why we put him in. We didn’t put him in because I just woke up this morning and said let’s put in Niko. I think it was a good opportunity for him and he deserves it. He did well.”
SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES MIDFIELDER NIKO TSAKIRIS
On the atmosphere at Stanford Stadium:
“The fans always create an unbelievable atmosphere for us, and every little thing – good or bad – gets us going and gets the group motivated. Having the fans out tonight, unfortunately the result didn’t go our way, but we felt supported which was the most important.”
On his pass that set up the penalty kick:
“As a No. 10, and it being my first start, you want to try and create as much as you can but also keep it simple. The opportunity came and it just felt right. We ended up improving and scoring from it, which was helpful for the group and our momentum. The opportunity was there so I took it.”
