When the Quakes take on the LA Galaxy this Saturday, it will mark 21 years and 29 days since the very first California Clásico was played in Major League Soccer. In that time span, the rivalry has gifted us more than 200 goals, an MLS Cup final and countless unforgettable moments. As the Quakes prepare for the latest clash with their archrival, we take a look at three things that stand out going into the match:
A New-Look Clásico
Saturday night’s matchup will be a bit different than any California Clásico in recent history. On the pitch, several Quakes players, including Nick Lima, Florian Jungwirth, Jahmir Hyka, Marco Ureña, Danny Hoesen and Darwin Ceren will be getting their first taste of the heated rivalry. Meanwhile, the Galaxy, now led by former Quakes player Curt Onalfo, go into a Clásico without Bruce Arena at the helm for the first time since Aug. 3, 2008.
One constant, however, is the immutable Chris Wondolowski, who will be facing the Galaxy for a 16th time as a Quakes player. The club captain has scored seven goals in league play against the SoCal outfit, more than any other player in San Jose history, and will be looking to add to his team-leading tally this season.
Leave Early at Your Own Peril
Jahmir Hyka’s game-winning goal at FC Dallas last weekend was the fifth time this season that the Quakes have scored in the final 10 minutes of the match. If that wasn’t enough motivation to stay through the final whistle, consider this: the Quakes and Galaxy have scored 45 goals between them in the final 15 minutes of their matchups (not counting playoffs, which is
a whole 'nother story
), including
this particularly epic comeback
. Don’t be surprised if the trend continues on Saturday.
Avaya Stadium is the Place to Be
As if the natural atmosphere of a California Clásico wasn’t enough, Saturday will be host to the Quakes’ first
Beer Fest presented by Lagunitas
, which will feature beer tastings from 13 breweries, including 10 local to California.
Avaya Stadium will also be one of three sites kicking off the inaugural MLS Summer Beat concert series with a performance from Nortec Collective’s Bostich + Fussible before the match. The Grammy and Latin-Grammy-nominated group is known for a unique style of music coined “Nortec” that combines electronic music with traditional forms of Mexican music. Nortec Collective has performed at various major music festivals, including Coachella, Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, Austin City Limits and Glastonbury.
And if all that wasn’t enough to get you pumped for the match, the first 10,000 match attendees will also receive a free “Cali Clásico” hat.
Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with the match scheduled to kick off at 6:45 p.m. If you absolutely cannot make it out to Avaya Stadium, you can catch the Quakes take on the Galaxy on Univision, Facebook Live via Univision Deportes, KNBR 1050 or KZSF 1370.
