LA Galaxy offense sputters against reeling San Jose Earthquakes: "It just wasn't our night"

The LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes combined for four shots on target in Sunday evening’s 0-0 draw, a performance where both offenses never quite reached second gear.

But it was particularly notable for LA, since Guillermo Barros Schelotto’s team entered with a four-game winning streak where they’d scored three goals in three straight. Plus, San Jose were coming off a 7-1 beatdown last Thursday at the Seattle Sounders, a result of historic proportion.

Form mattered little as LA’s offense sputtered, even if they reached six games unbeaten.

“I think it just wasn't our night,” center back Daniel Steres said afterwards. “We had our chances still to get some goals. [Cristian] Pavon had three shots that he usually buries and just for some reason tonight went over. It was just one of those days, but it's good to show that as a team when that happens we can stick to it and get our zero, get our shutout.”

The Galaxy came closest in the 42nd minute when Efrain Alvarez struck the post with a long-range shot. Sebastian Lletget, coming off a two-goal performance, also nearly snuck a header past Daniel Vega. 

Highlights: San Jose Earthquakes 0, LA Galaxy 0

Head coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto said LA didn’t move the ball well from side-to-side, which usually opens prime goal-scoring options. They even beat San Jose 3-2 back on August 29 at home, but couldn’t pick the lock this go-around.

“I think it's more because we couldn't get the option to create a [chance] and we don't play really good in the offense,” Schelotto said. “But sometimes you have to run, you have to fight and we did that.”

One spark could’ve come through Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, who returned from a calf injury suffered at the MLS is Back Tournament nearly two months ago. He subbed on for Ethan Zubak in the 57th minute, and was involved in the buildup on several occasions. Schelotto expects more once Chicharito’s fitness levels improve. 

“We as a team don't give him the possibility for a score, but I think it's good to have him in [our] 18 players and getting better, I think, every day,” the manager said. “He will get better and better, and I hope to have him the best version very soon.”

They’re not wanting to get over-eager, with LA’s next match Saturday at home against the Colorado Rapids (10:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, DAZN in Canada).

“I think it's important for him to get his fitness back and we don't rush him back because we don't want any setbacks,” goalkeeper David Bingham said of Mexico’s all-time leading scorer. “Like you said, we have a tight schedule coming up, really condensed, so we need to keep everyone healthy – no different than anyone else. But when he's healthy and firing on all cylinders, he's definitely a weapon."