San Jose Earthquakes 0, LA Galaxy 0 | 2020 MLS Match Recap

The LA Galaxy pushed their unbeaten streak to six games upon Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez’s return from injury, though the San Jose Earthquakes proved difficult to break down during a 0-0 draw Sunday night at Earthquakes Stadium.

San Jose came close to opening the scoring in the 34th minute through Jackson Yueill, though the midfielder’s low shot was parried away by LA goalkeeper David Bingham. Center back Guram Kashia attempted the Earthquakes’ only other shot on target. 

Efrain Alvarez was particularly lively for LA, and the Homegrown midfielder nearly opened the scoring in the 42nd minute. His bouncing shot from 25 yards out beat San Jose goalkeeper Daniel Vega, only to strike the post. The Galaxy also proved dangerous in the 75th minute, but Sebastian Lletget’s near-post header was thwarted by Vega. The US men’s national team midfielder sprung free on a short corner kick.

San Jose thought they had a late game-winner in the 89th minute when forward Andy Rios one-timed home a swooping cross from left back Marcos Lopez. However, the would-be match-winner was quickly called back and deemed offside.

Goals

• None

Three Things

• THE BIG PICTURE: LA entered with four straight victories, so their momentum got halted somewhat in the latest California Clasico. They also reintegrated Chicharito into the squad, bringing the Designated Player on as a 57th-minute substitute for Ethan Zubak. San Jose were shutout at home, but this was a step in the right direction after dropping a 7-1 decision Thursday against the Seattle Sounders. A recovery of any kind was essential from Matias Almeyda's group.
• MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Don’t mind us, we’ll be watching this Efrain Alvarez throughball to Cristian Pavon on repeat. The 18-year-old’s technical ability was on full display.
• MAN OF THE MATCH: While Cristian Pavon and Sebastian Lletget have powered LA on this remarkable run, you can see Efrain Alvarez's confidence growing. He came closest in the 42nd minute, hitting the post with a strong left-footed shot.

Next Up

• SJ: Wednesday, Sept. 16 vs. Portland Timbers (9:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, DAZN in Canada)
• LA: Saturday, Sept. 19 vs. Colorado Rapids (10:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, DAZN in Canada)