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California Clásico

California Clásico
LocationCalifornia, U.S.
TeamsLA Galaxy
San Jose Earthquakes
First meetingApril 28, 1996
MLS regular season
LA 2–1 SJ
Latest meetingJuly 31, 2024
Leagues Cup
SJ 1–2 LA
Statistics
Meetings total102
Most winsLA Galaxy (50)[1]
Top scorerLandon Donovan (16)[1]
All-time seriesLA: 50
Drawn: 19
SJ: 33
Largest victoryLA 0–4 SJ
MLS regular season
(October 14, 2020)

The California Clásico[2] is the name given to the soccer rivalry between the LA Galaxy and the San Jose Earthquakes. This Major League Soccer rivalry reached its zenith from 2001 to 2005, during which time the Earthquakes and the Galaxy combined to win four MLS Cup titles. The term "Clasico" is commonly used to refer to other rivalries in Spanish-speaking countries, most prominently, the Spanish Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, or the Argentine Superclásico between Boca Juniors and River Plate.

Los Angeles and San Jose is considered to be one of the most historical rivalries in U.S. soccer.[3][4] The British daily newspaper The Guardian rates "the California Clasico is perhaps the most historic and intense rivalry the league has."[5] Todd Dunivant, the retired U.S. national team and MLS player, when asked about the rivalry stated "I think it's the best rivalry in MLS, I think it's got the most history, it's got the most meaningful big games".[6]

The rivalry originated from the historical Northern California vs. Southern California sporting and cultural rivalries, as well as from the relative proximity of the cities, which are about 360 miles (580 km) apart, which allows rival fans to attend each other's games.

History

1996–2005

Donovan with the San Jose Earthquakes at the 2003 MLS Cup

Unified as one single state, Northern California and Southern California share a notorious rivalry. Historically, rivalries have manifested prominently in the state's professional sports including MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL. For some fans, it is traditional to hate teams from Northern or Southern California.

Both clubs were charter members of Major League Soccer in its inaugural season, with the San Jose Clash hosting the very first MLS game, shortly before their first home Clásico against the Los Angeles Galaxy in a match that drew 31,728 fans to Spartan Stadium, setting the record for attendance at a sporting event in the city of San Jose.[7] The Clash became the Earthquakes on October 27, 1999, in readiness for the 2000 season. In 2001, both teams reached the MLS Cup 2001, with San Jose posting a 2–1 overtime victory on goals by Landon Donovan and Dwayne DeRosario. While next season, Carlos Ruiz led Los Angeles to its first MLS Cup title over the New England Revolution after San Jose was previously upset in the playoffs by the Columbus Crew. While there have been several players to play for both teams beforehand, the rivalry intensified after the Anschutz Entertainment Group (owner of the Los Angeles Galaxy) took sole ownership of the San Jose Earthquakes in December 2002.

The two teams squared off again in the first round of the 2003 MLS Cup playoffs in what would become an epic series. Los Angeles won the first game at home 2–0 in the two-game aggregate-goal series. The Galaxy led by four goals after the first two minutes of the second game in San Jose, but San Jose responded with five unanswered goals to take the game and the series, 5–4. That contest was regarded as the best in league history by many impartial MLS analysts at the time. After eliminating the Galaxy, San Jose went on to defeat the Kansas City Wizards en route to winning its second MLS Cup title (over the Chicago Fire) in three years.

After a rumored buyout of the Quakes by Mexican soccer side Club América in January 2004, Earthquakes general manager Johnny Moore resigned prior to the 2004 season and was replaced by former U.S. and Galaxy defender Alexi Lalas. Under Lalas, 2004 ended up being a down year for the Quakes as it barely made the playoffs on the final day of the regular season. Both San Jose and Los Angeles were eliminated from the playoffs by Kansas City. Afterward, when Earthquakes star player Landon Donovan briefly returned to German club Bayer 04 Leverkusen after his loan agreement with San Jose expired, Lalas traded away his return rights, after which Donovan returned to play for the Galaxy. Many Earthquake fans felt betrayed and welcomed Donovan with a hostile reception when Galaxy would play at Spartan Stadium, he would be often referred to as the "American Luís Figo" as to when Figo made a hugely controversial move from Barcelona to bitter rivals Real Madrid. Several San Jose fans altered their Donovan jerseys name on the back to read "Donowho". They also brought signs with explicit messages like "Landon Judas Donovan", "PrimaDonovan Traitor" and "Donovan Is Traitor Scum."[8]

Following the departure of Lalas to become the general manager of the MetroStars early in 2005, San Jose returned to form and captured the MLS Supporters' Shield, awarded to the league's best team during the regular season. The two clubs met again in the playoffs, with Los Angeles finally winning a playoff series against San Jose thanks largely to the play of Donovan on its way to defeating New England in MLS Cup 2005.

On hiatus

The Earthquakes took a two-year hiatus from the league in 2006 and 2007 due to stadium and ownership issues. During that period, the Quakes' players and head coach were relocated to Houston, where they won two additional MLS Cup titles as the Houston Dynamo. Meanwhile, shortly after Lalas' brief stint with the MetroStars, he moved on to become the general manager of the Galaxy, who failed to make the playoffs during both years of San Jose's hiatus from the league.

2008–present

The Earthquakes on the field at the O.co Coliseum in 2008 Clasico

The San Jose Earthquakes franchise was revived by Lewis Wolff and Earthquakes Soccer, LLC, restarting the rivalry in 2008.[9] Ignominiously, both the Quakes and Galaxy tied for the worst record that season. The Quakes lost the series and thus received the dubious distinction.

On June 25, 2011, Josh Saunders came in for injured goalie Donovan Ricketts. Saunders received a red card for what appeared to be an intentional elbow to the face of Steven Lenhart. Galaxy had no more substitute goalies and were forced to use forward Mike Magee as a last resort. Magee kept a shutout as the game ended 0-0.[10]

Scuffles between the two teams in 2012

The rivalry further intensified in 2012 when the Galaxy hosted the Earthquakes at The Home Depot Center with Galaxy taking the lead 2–0 but with 15 minutes left the Earthquakes came back and won the game 3–2. In late June, the Earthquakes played the Galaxy in front of 50,391 spectators at Stanford Stadium marking an attendance record for the Earthquakes franchise.[11] Once again the Galaxy took the lead 3–2 at half time but the Earthquakes managed to score two goals to defeat the Galaxy 4–3, David Beckham was involved in scuffles during and after the match, he was handed a one-match ban by the MLS Disciplinary Committee.[12] The match itself was credited as one of the best MLS games in history.[13] Galaxy's Omar Gonzalez expressed that the Earthquakes were "embarrassing", "obnoxious" and "a bunch of jokes" after a 2–2 draw.[3]

The two teams met again in the Western Conference Semi-finals. San Jose defeated Los Angeles 1–0 in the first leg but the Galaxy came back and defeated the Earthquakes 3–1 at Buck Shaw Stadium, (3–2 on aggregate). It was the Earthquakes only loss at Buck Shaw all season.

In June 2013, the Clásico returned to Stanford Stadium and in stunning comeback fashion, the Earthquakes defeated the Galaxy with two goals by Shea Salinas and Alan Gordon in stoppage time (92',93') to win the game 3–2. San Jose became the first MLS team ever to win a game in extra time with 10 men after Víctor Bernárdez was red carded in the 77' minute.

For the first time, the California Clásico was hosted in Fresno, California, as part of the inaugural Central California Cup on February 15, 2014. The preseason exhibition match marked the first time two MLS franchises played each other in the city of Fresno.[14]

In June 2015, the Earthquakes hosted the Galaxy at Stanford in front of 50,422 spectators. The June 2016 match set a new attendance record of 50,816.

The first Clásico of 2017 took place during preseason, at Cashman Field in Las Vegas on February 11, and San Jose won after Olmes García, acquired by San Jose in the Waiver Draft but released later on during preseason, scored in the 89th minute.[15] The Earthquakes lost the first regular season Clásico of 2017 at home by a score of 4–2. During this match, new Earthquake Danny Hoesen scored his first goal for the club, Giovani dos Santos scored a penalty after a foul in the box by Kofi Sarkodie, and Víctor Bernárdez scored an own goal to give Los Angeles the 3–2 lead just before halftime.[16] The two teams met again a month later at Stanford on July 1 in front of a crowd of 50,617. Jelle van Damme opened the scoring for LA in the 11th minute off of a corner kick set piece, and LA remained in the lead until the 75th minute, when San Jose goalkeeper David Bingham earned an assist on Chris Wondolowski's equalizer. Shea Salinas scored the winner in the third minute of stoppage time, bringing his total of stoppage time Clasico winners up to two, and he received a yellow card for taking off his shirt in celebration as a tribute to former teammate and fellow stoppage time hero Alan Gordon.[17] The third official Clásico was fought just a week later on July 10, when San Jose and Los Angeles met again at Avaya Stadium, this time in the quarterfinals of the U.S. Open Cup. LA captain van Damme once again opened the scoring off of a corner kick, and once again San Jose came back to win, this time 3–2, on a Chris Wondolowski brace assisted entirely by Tommy Thompson and Hoesen's winner scored on a counter launched by Jahmir Hyka, with LA's second tally coming after an own goal that deflected off the back of San Jose keeper Andrew Tarbell. San Jose advanced to the semifinals of the tournament for the first time since 2004 and only the second time in franchise history. This match also saw Wondolowski tie Ronald Cerritos for the team's top goalscorer in the Open Cup.[18]

On April 21, 2024, the Galaxy survived a late resurgence from the Quakes to win the 100th edition of the Clásico in LA.[19] The Galaxy, leading for much of the game with a two/three goals cushion, played with 10 men for the final 27 minutes of the game after Eriq Zavaleta was sent off for a foul in the penalty area.[20] Despite scoring in the 70th minute, San Jose weren't able to score another and the match ended 4–3 with Riqui Puig scored the winning goal for LA in the 56th minute.[20][21][22]

Supporter groups

Although historically there have been rivalries between Northern California and Southern California supporters, a bitter rivalry exists between the San Jose Ultras and the Angel City Brigade, who support Los Angeles. Supporters from both teams taunt each other with elaborate tifo displays and chants due to the passion and hate there is. Heightened security is used to ensure no violence between the opposing groups.[23] Social networking sites such as Facebook have also been used to jeer rival fans ensuring the rivalry continues outside of soccer.

Due to the relative proximity of the cities, which are about 360 miles (580 km) apart, charter buses and shuttle vans are used to allow rival fans to attend each other's games.

Incidents

On October 21, 2012 during a regular season game at Buck Shaw Stadium, several LA Galaxy fans were arrested after violent altercations erupted in the stands and smoke bombs were set off during half time. In fear of causing a riot, Santa Clara and Sunnyvale police officers, some dressed in riot uniforms, arrived and cleared the Galaxy supporters section during the game.[24]

Crossing the divide

Player transfers

While the transfer of Landon Donovan from San Jose to Los Angeles caused an uproar amongst the fans, the rivalry between the two teams has not prevented players from switching teams.[25]

Landon Donovan playing for Los Angeles
  • United States Curt Onalfo – with Galaxy: 1996; with San Jose: 1997
  • United States David Kramer – with Galaxy: 1996–1997; with San Jose: 1997–1999
  • Armenia Harut Karapetyan – with Galaxy: 1996–1998; with San Jose: 1998, 2000
  • United States Dan Calichman – with Galaxy: 1996–1998; with San Jose: 2000
  • United States Eddie Lewis – with San Jose: 1996–1999; with Galaxy: 2008–2010
  • United States Lawrence Lozzano – with San Jose: 1997–1998; with Galaxy: 1998–1999
  • United States Gabe Eastman – with Galaxy: 1999; with San Jose: 2000
  • United States Adam Frye – with San Jose: 1999; with Galaxy: 2000–2002
  • United States Zak Ibsen – with Galaxy: 1999–2000; with San Jose: 2001–2002
  • United States Joe Cannon – with San Jose: 1999–2002, 2008–2010; with Galaxy: 2007
  • New Zealand Simon Elliott – with Galaxy: 1999–2003; with San Jose: 2009
  • United States Danny Califf – with Galaxy: 2000–2004; with San Jose: 2005
  • United States Ian Russell – with San Jose: 2000–2005; with Galaxy: 2007
  • United States Brian Ching – with Galaxy: 2001; with San Jose: 2003–2005
  • United States Brian Mullan – with Galaxy: 2001–2002; with San Jose: 2003–2005
  • United States Craig Waibel – with Galaxy: 2001–2002; with San Jose: 2003–2005
  • United States Landon Donovan – with San Jose: 2001–2004; with Galaxy: 2005–2014, 2016
  • Turks and Caicos Islands Gavin Glinton – with Galaxy: 2002–2003, 2006–2007; with San Jose: 2008
  • Venezuela Alejandro Moreno – with Galaxy: 2002–2004; with San Jose: 2005
  • United States Todd Dunivant – with San Jose: 2003–2004; with Galaxy: 2005–2006, 2009–2015
  • United States Chris Aloisi – with Galaxy: 2004; with San Jose: 2005
  • United States Jovan Kirovski – with Galaxy: 2004–2005, 2009–2011; with San Jose: 2008
  • United States Ned Grabavoy – with Galaxy: 2004–2006; with San Jose: 2008
  • United States Alan Gordon – with Galaxy: 2004–2010, 2014–2016; with San Jose: 2011–2014
  • United States Kelly Gray – with San Jose: 2005, 2008–2009; with Galaxy: 2007
  • Trinidad and Tobago Cornell Glen – with Galaxy: 2006; with San Jose: 2009–2010
  • United States Ty Harden – with Galaxy: 2007; with San Jose: 2013–2015
  • United States Brandon McDonald – with Galaxy: 2008; with San Jose: 2009–2011
  • United States Dan Gargan – with San Jose: 2013; with Galaxy: 2014–2015
  • United States David Bingham – with San Jose: 2011–2017; with Galaxy: 2018–2020
  • United States Matthew Hoppe – with Galaxy: 2014–2015;[26] with San Jose: 2023[27]
  • United States Preston Judd – with Galaxy: 2022–2023; with San Jose: 2024–present[28]

Staff

Frank Yallop is the second coach to have coached both teams
  • Germany Lothar Osiander – coached Galaxy 1996–1997; coached San Jose 1999–2000
  • Canada Frank Yallop – coached San Jose 2001–2003, 2008–2013; coached Galaxy 2006–2007
  • United States Dominic Kinnear – coached San Jose 2001–2003, coached San Jose 2004–2005, 2014–2017; coached Galaxy 2017–present, interim coach at Galaxy 2018

Record

Games

As of July 31, 2024
Including penalty kick wins from 1996 to 1999 seasons
Competition LA wins Draws SJ wins LA goals SJ goals
MLS regular season 40 17 28 134 117
MLS Cup playoffs 5 1 4 16 12
U.S. Open Cup 4 1 1 9 5
Leagues Cup 1 0 0 2 1
Total 50 19 33 161 135

Trophies

As of December 7, 2024
Team MLS Cup Supporters' Shield U.S. Open Cup Champions' Cup Total
LA Galaxy 6 4 2 1 13
San Jose Earthquakes 2 2 0 0 4

Results

MLS regular season

April 28, 1996 LA Galaxy 2–1 SJ Clash Pasadena, California
Vasquez 26'
Cienfuegos 44'
Report Bravo 77' Stadium: Rose Bowl
Attendance: 40,347
May 12, 1996 SJ Clash 1–2 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Bravo 75' Report Hurtado 9'
Vanney 82'
Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 31,728
September 1, 1996 SJ Earthquakes 1–1
(1–3 p)
LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Espinoza 26' Report Jones 53' Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 26,184
September 15, 1996 LA Galaxy 4–2 SJ Clash Pasadena, California
Karapetyan 12'
Armas 32'
Hurtado 78', 83'
Report Bravo 69'
Wynalda 86'
Stadium: Rose Bowl
Attendance: 14,179
April 12, 1997 SJ Earthquakes 4–1 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Kinnear 9'
Doyle 61'
Cerritos 70'
Urbanyi 89'
Report Cienfuegos 38' Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 17,628
May 18, 1997 LA Galaxy 1–1
(3–2 p)
SJ Clash Pasadena, California
Melo 32' Report Lozzano 47' Stadium: Rose Bowl
Attendance: 10,338
August 17, 1997 LA Galaxy 2–3 SJ Earthquakes Pasadena, California
Lozzano 15'
Baicher 27', 36'
Report Machón 48'
Cienfuegos 80'
Stadium: Rose Bowl
Attendance: 22,621
September 21, 1997 SJ Clash 2–3 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Cerritos 22'
Lewis 68'
Report Vasquez 71', 76', 80' Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 20,117
March 21, 1998 LA Galaxy 3–3
(3–1 p)
SJ Clash Pasadena, California
Machón 17'
Hurtado 27'
Melo 48'
Report Lozzano 43'
Mella 61'
Wynalda 78'
Stadium: Rose Bowl
Attendance: 36,281
June 27, 1998 SJ Clash 1–2 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Gough 15' Report Caligiuri 64'
Karapetyan 85'
Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 22,694
September 16, 1998 SJ Earthquakes 0–0
(3–4 p)
LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Report Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 15,893
September 20, 1998 SJ Clash 1–0 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Cerritos 41' Report Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 11,123
April 3, 1999 SJ Earthquakes 1–1
(4–2 p)
LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Arce 9' Report Mathis 86' Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 12,017
April 24, 1999 LA Galaxy 1–0 SJ Clash Pasadena, California
Caligiuri 58' Report Stadium: Rose Bowl
Attendance: 16,700
August 7, 1999 SJ Earthquakes 1–4 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Cloutier 84' Report Ibsen 14'
Jones 74'
Cienfuegos 79'
George 82'
Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 15,648
September 1, 1999 LA Galaxy 3–1 SJ Clash Pasadena, California
Myers 2', 58'
Vanney 71'
Report Sequeira 59' Stadium: Rose Bowl
Attendance: 8,662
May 17, 2000 SJ Earthquakes 0–0 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Report Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 12,692
May 27, 2000 LA Galaxy 1–1 SJ Earthquakes Pasadena, California
Elliott 22' Report Solís 32' Stadium: Rose Bowl
Attendance: 17,831
August 26, 2000 SJ Earthquakes 0–3 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Report Elliott 29', 61'
Hernández 75'
Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 15,683
August 30, 2000 LA Galaxy 2–1 SJ Earthquakes Pasadena, California
George 40'
Vorbe 93'
Report Brose 89' Stadium: Rose Bowl
Attendance: 11,974
April 7, 2001 LA Galaxy 2–3 SJ Earthquakes Pasadena, California
Victorine 80'
Frye 83'
Report Dayak 9'
Cerritos 24'
De Rosario 27'
Stadium: Rose Bowl
Attendance: 17,386
June 9, 2001 SJ Earthquakes 3–1 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Donovan 31', 91'
Russell 55'
Report Victorine 68' Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 13,361
July 4, 2002 LA Galaxy 2–1 SJ Earthquakes Pasadena, California
Ruiz 34', 87' Report Lagos 30' Stadium: Rose Bowl
Attendance: 55,234
July 7, 2002 SJ Earthquakes 1–0 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Donovan 35' Report Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 12,528
September 14, 2002 LA Galaxy 1–0 SJ Earthquakes Pasadena, California
Ruiz 94' Report Stadium: Rose Bowl
Attendance: 32,874
September 21, 2002 SJ Earthquakes 0–1 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Report Ruiz 94' Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 26,229
April 26, 2003 SJ Earthquakes 1–0 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Donovan 54' Report Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 9,187
June 18, 2003 LA Galaxy 1–1 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
Victorine 21' Report Walker 63' Stadium: Home Depot Center
Attendance: 13,867
October 18, 2003 LA Galaxy 3–0 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
Moreno 6', 35'
Elliott 61'
Report Stadium: Home Depot Center
Attendance: 27,000
October 25, 2003 SJ Earthquakes 1–1 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Walker 80' Report Moreno 56' Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 16,282
May 22, 2004 SJ Earthquakes 4–2 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Ching 45', 48'
Mullan 54'
De Rosario 79'
Report Herzog 61'
Ngwenya 74'
Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 12,207
July 4, 2004 LA Galaxy 2–1 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
Ruiz 45', 55' Report De Rosario 41' Stadium: Home Depot Center
Attendance: 27,000
September 11, 2004 LA Galaxy 2–1 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
Victorine 36'
Torres 75'
Report Ekelund 77' Stadium: Home Depot Center
Attendance: 27,000
September 25, 2004 SJ Earthquakes 0–0 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Report Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 27,030
May 21, 2005 LA Galaxy 2–1 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
Kirovski 39'
Vagenas 77'
Report Cerritos 69' Stadium: Home Depot Center
Attendance: 22,207
June 25, 2005 SJ Earthquakes 3–0 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Moreno 37'
Umana 65' (o.g.)
Marshall 68' (o.g.)
Report Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 15,917
August 27, 2005 SJ Earthquakes 2–1 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
17:00 PDT Moreno 23'
Califf 75'
Report Donovan 37' Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 24,112
October 15, 2005 LA Galaxy 1–3 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
16:00 PDT Donovan 68' Report Chung 42'
De Rosario 45'
Ching 51'
Mullan 77'
Stadium: Home Depot Center
Attendance: 27,000
April 3, 2008 LA Galaxy 2–0 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
19:30 PDT Beckham 9'
Donovan 37'
Report Stadium: Home Depot Center
Attendance: 27,000
June 14, 2008 SJ Earthquakes 0–3 LA Galaxy Oakland, California
19:00 PDT Report Buddle 6', 63', 68' Stadium: McAfee Coliseum
Attendance: 39,872
August 3, 2008 SJ Earthquakes 3–2 LA Galaxy Oakland, California
12:00 PDT Álvarez 8'
Huckerby 40'
Cochrane 90'
Report Donovan 42'
Buddle 76'
Stadium: McAfee Coliseum
Attendance: 26,701
April 18, 2009 SJ Earthquakes 1–1 LA Galaxy Santa Clara, California
19:30 PDT Campos 5' Report Jordan 76' Stadium: Buck Shaw Stadium
Attendance: 15,862
June 20, 2009 SJ Earthquakes 2–1 LA Galaxy Santa Clara, California
13:30 PDT Campos 6'
Johnson 54'
Report Kirovski 65' Stadium: Buck Shaw Stadium
Attendance: 17,128
October 24, 2009 LA Galaxy 2–0 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
19:30 PDT Burling 24' (o.g.)
Donovan 77'
Report Stadium: Home Depot Center
Attendance: 27,000
July 22, 2010 LA Galaxy 2–2 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
19:30 PDT Buddle 58'
Donovan 90'
Report Convey 1'
McDonald 71'
Stadium: Home Depot Center
Attendance: 17,712
August 21, 2010 SJ Earthquakes 1–0 LA Galaxy Santa Clara, California
13:00 PDT Wondolowski 4' Report Stadium: Buck Shaw Stadium
Attendance: 10,799
June 25, 2011 SJ Earthquakes 0–0 LA Galaxy Santa Clara, California
15:30 PDT Report Stadium: Buck Shaw Stadium
Attendance: 10,872
Referee: Juan Guzmán
August 20, 2011 LA Galaxy 2–0 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
Keane 21'
Magee 90'
Report Stadium: Home Depot Center
Attendance: 27,000
Referee: Andrew Chapin
May 23, 2012 LA Galaxy 2–3 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
Jiménez 3'
Magee 73'
Report Lenhart 76'
Stephenson 82'
Gordon 90'
Stadium: Home Depot Center
Attendance: 16,512
Referee: Jair Marrufo
June 30, 2012 SJ Earthquakes 4–3 LA Galaxy Stanford, California
Lenhart 7'
Bernárdez 44'
Cronin 47'
Wondolowski 61'
Report Beckham 31'
Hernandez 36' (o.g.)
Donovan 41'
Stadium: Stanford Stadium
Attendance: 50,391
Referee: Hilario Grajeda
October 21, 2012 SJ Earthquakes 2–2 LA Galaxy Santa Clara, California
Chávez 61'
Wondolowski 73'
Report Keane 59'
Buddle 69'
Stadium: Buck Shaw Stadium
Attendance: 10,744
Referee: Jair Marrufo
June 29, 2013 SJ Earthquakes 3–2 LA Galaxy Stanford, California
Gordon 68', 93'
Salinas 92'
Report Sarvas 20'
Jiménez 65'
Stadium: Stanford Stadium
Attendance: 50,028
Referee: Armando Villarreal
August 31, 2013 LA Galaxy 3–0 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
Donovan 26'
Keane 43', 67'
Report Stadium: StubHub Center
Attendance: 27,000
Referee: Kevin Stott
October 20, 2013 LA Galaxy 0–0 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
Report Stadium: StubHub Center
Attendance: 25,418
Referee: Baldomero Toledo
June 28, 2014 SJ Earthquakes 0–1 LA Galaxy Stanford, California
Report Zardes 61' Stadium: Stanford Stadium
Attendance: 50,006
Referee: Baldomero Toledo
August 8, 2014 LA Galaxy 2–2 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
19:30 PDT Zardes 29'
Gonzalez 49'
Report Wondolowski 18'
Pérez García 31'
Stadium: StubHub Center
Attendance: 19,719
Referee: Alan Kelly
September 14, 2014 SJ Earthquakes 1–1 LA Galaxy Santa Clara, California
12:00 PDT Wondolowski 65' Report Gonzalez 28' Stadium: Buck Shaw Stadium
Attendance: 10,525
Referee: Sorin Stoica
June 27, 2015 SJ Earthquakes 3–1 LA Galaxy Stanford, California
19:30 PDT Wondolowski 28'
Goodson 53'
Cato 72'
Report Juninho 17' Stadium: Stanford Stadium
Attendance: 50,422
July 17, 2015 LA Galaxy 5–2 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
20:00 PDT Keane 30', 64', 80'
Gerrard 37'
Lletget 90+2'
Report Amarikwa 22', 25' Stadium: StubHub Center
Attendance: 27,000
Referee: Alan Kelly
August 28, 2015 SJ Earthquakes 1–0 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
20:00 PDT Salinas 18' Report Stadium: Avaya Stadium
Attendance: 18,000
Referee: Jose Carlos Rivero
March 19, 2016 LA Galaxy 3–1 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
19:30 PDT Zardes 56', 62'
Keane 90+1'
Report Wondolowski 89' Stadium: StubHub Center
Attendance: 25,667
Referee: Ismail Elfath
May 22, 2016 LA Galaxy 1–1 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
16:00 PDT Wynne 83' (o.g.) Report Alashe 87' Stadium: StubHub Center
Attendance: 27,162
Referee: Kevin Stott
June 25, 2016 SJ Earthquakes 1–1 LA Galaxy Stanford, California
19:00 PDT Barrett 90' Report dos Santos 69' Stadium: Stanford Stadium
Attendance: 50,816
Referee: Kevin Stott
May 27, 2017 SJ Earthquakes 2–4 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
19:00 PDT Wondolowski 10'
Hoesen 37'
Report João Pedro 19'
dos Santos 35', 64'
Bernárdez 44' (o.g.)
Stadium: Avaya Stadium
Attendance: 18,000
Referee: Ricardo Salazar
July 1, 2017 SJ Earthquakes 2–1 LA Galaxy Stanford, California
19:30 PDT Wondolowski 75'
Salinas 90+3'
Report Van Damme 11' Stadium: Stanford Stadium
Attendance: 50,617
Referee: Allen Chapman
August 27, 2017 LA Galaxy 0–3 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
16:00 PDT Report Vako 45+3'
Ureña 80'
Wondolowski 90+2'
Stadium: StubHub Center
Attendance: 19,237
Referee: Chris Penso
May 26, 2018 LA Galaxy 1–0 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
20:00 PDT Alessandrini 82' Report Stadium: StubHub Center
Attendance: 23,118
Referee: Kevin Stott
July 1, 2018 SJ Earthquakes 3–3 LA Galaxy Stanford, California
19:00 PDT Wondolowski 15', 69'
Vako 39'
Report Ibrahimovic 1', 25'
Alessandrini 20'
Stadium: Stanford Stadium
Attendance: 50,743
Referee: Jose Carlos Rivero
June 29, 2019 SJ Earthquakes 3–0 LA Galaxy Stanford, California
19:00 PDT Vako 11'
Salinas 82'
Thompson 85'
Report Stadium: Stanford Stadium
Attendance: 50,850
Referee: Kevin Stott
July 12, 2019 LA Galaxy 1–3 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
20:00 PDT Feltscher 2' Report Vako 61'
Hoesen 63'
Yueill 85'
Stadium: Dignity Health Sports Park
Attendance: 22,508
Referee: Nima Saghafi
August 29, 2020 LA Galaxy 3–2 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
19:30 PDT
Report
Stadium: Dignity Health Sports Park
Attendance: 0[a]
Referee: Victor Rivas
September 13, 2020 SJ Earthquakes 0–0 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
20:00 PDT Report Stadium: Earthquakes Stadium
Attendance: 0[a]
Referee: Timothy Ford
October 3, 2020 SJ Earthquakes 2–1 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
19:30 PDT
Report Lletget 4' Stadium: Earthquakes Stadium
Attendance: 0[a]
Referee: Robert Sibiga
October 14, 2020 LA Galaxy 0–4 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
19:30 PDT Report
Stadium: Dignity Health Sports Park
Referee: Alex Chilowicz
May 29, 2021 LA Galaxy 1–0 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
16:00 PDT Beason 70' (o.g.) Report Stadium: Dignity Health Sports Park
Referee: Joseph Dickerson
June 26, 2021 SJ Earthquakes 1–3 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
20:00 PDT Cowell 82' Report
Stadium: PayPal Park
Attendance: 18,000
Referee: Armando Villarreal
August 20, 2021 LA Galaxy 1–2 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
19:30 PST Vázquez 65' Report Stadium: Dignity Health Sports Park
Attendance: 17,568
Referee: Armando Villarreal
July 13, 2022 LA Galaxy 2–3 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
18:30 PDT Joveljić 48', 88' Report
Stadium: Dignity Health Sports Park
Attendance: 18,453
Referee: Allen Chapman
September 24, 2022 SJ Earthquakes 2–3 LA Galaxy Stanford, California
19:00 PST
Report
Stadium: Stanford Stadium
Attendance: 44,200
Referee: Alex Chilowicz
May 14, 2023 LA Galaxy 2–1 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
18:30 PDT
Report
Stadium: Dignity Health Sports Park
Attendance: 16,035
Referee: Joe Dickerson
July 1, 2023 SJ Earthquakes 2–2 LA Galaxy Stanford, California
19:30 PDT
Report
Stadium: Stanford Stadium
Attendance: 42,823
Referee: Ramy Touchan
August 30, 2023 SJ Earthquakes 2–3 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
19:30 PDT
Report
Stadium: PayPal Park
Attendance: 16,224
Referee: Lukasz Szpala
March 2, 2024 SJ Earthquakes 1–3 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
19:30 PST
Report
Stadium: PayPal Park
Attendance: 18,000
Referee: Cristian Campo Hernandez
April 21, 2024 LA Galaxy 4–3 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
17:15 PDT
Report Stadium: Dignity Health Sports Park
Attendance: 25,335
Referee: Rosendo Mendoza
June 29, 2024 SJ Earthquakes 0–3 LA Galaxy Stanford, California
19:30 PDT Report
Stadium: Stanford Stadium
Attendance: 40,844
Referee: Guido Gonzales Jr.
May 28, 2025 LA Galaxy v SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
19:00 PDT Stadium: Dignity Health Sports Park
June 28, 2025 SJ Earthquakes v LA Galaxy Stanford, California
19:30 PDT Stadium: Stanford Stadium

MLS Cup playoffs

September 26, 1996 Conference semifinal leg 1 SJ Clash 1–0 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Ianni 36' Report Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 17,209
Referee: Kevin Stott
September 29, 1996 Conference semifinal leg 2 LA Galaxy 2–0 SJ Earthquakes Pasadena, California
Hurtado 90'
Fraser 84'
Report Stadium: Rose Bowl
Attendance: 27,833
Referee: Joshua Patlak
October 2, 1996 Conference semifinal playoff LA Galaxy 2–0 SJ Clash Pasadena, California
Hurtado 31'
Cienfuegos 36'
Report Stadium: Rose Bowl
Attendance: 30,231
Referee: Esse Baharmast
October 21, 2001 MLS Cup SJ Earthquakes 2–1 LA Galaxy Columbus, Ohio
Donovan 43'
De Rosario gold-colored soccer ball 96'
Report Hernandez 21' Stadium: Columbus Crew Stadium
Attendance: 21,626
Referee: Kevin Stott
November 1, 2003 Conference semifinal leg 1 LA Galaxy 2–0 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
Victorine 59'
Ruiz 62'
Report Stadium: Home Depot Center
Attendance: 20,201
November 9, 2003 Conference semifinal leg 2 SJ Earthquakes 5–2 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Agoos 21'
Donovan 35'
Walker 50'
Roner 90'
Faria gold-colored soccer ball 96'
Report Ruiz 7'
Vagenas 13'
Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 14,145
Referee: Alex Prus
October 23, 2005 Conference semifinal leg 1 LA Galaxy 3–1 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
Gomez 13'
Donovan 39', 87'
Report Clark 68' Stadium: Home Depot Center
Attendance: 17,466
Referee: Abiodun Okulaja
October 29, 2005 Conference semifinal leg 2 SJ Earthquakes 1–1 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Ching 42' Report Grabavoy 67' Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 17,824
Referee: Alex Prus
November 4, 2012 Conference semifinal leg 1 LA Galaxy 0–1 SJ Earthquakes Carson, California
18:00 PST Report Bernardez 90' Stadium: Home Depot Center
Attendance: 27,000
Referee: Ricardo Salazar
November 7, 2012 Conference semifinal leg 2 SJ Earthquakes 1–3 LA Galaxy Santa Clara, California
20:00 PST Gordon 82' Report Keane 21', 34'
Magee 39'
Stadium: Buck Shaw Stadium
Attendance: 10,744
Referee: Kevin Stott

U.S. Open Cup

August 9, 2000 Quarterfinal LA Galaxy 2–0 SJ Earthquakes Fullerton, California
Cienfuegos 77'
George 81'
Report Stadium: Titan Stadium
Attendance: 4,345
Referee: Gus St. Silva
July 24, 2001 Quarterfinal SJ Earthquakes 1–1
(9–10 p)
LA Galaxy San Francisco, California
Agogo 81' Report Elliott 73' Stadium: Negoesco Stadium
Attendance: 1,881
Referee: Michael Kennedy
Penalties
Agoos soccer ball with check mark
Lagos soccer ball with check mark
Corrales soccer ball with check mark
Cerritos soccer ball with check mark
De Rosario soccer ball with check mark
Agogo soccer ball with check mark
Ibsen soccer ball with check mark
Russell soccer ball with check mark
Conrad soccer ball with check mark
Barrett soccer ball with red X
soccer ball with check mark Vanney
soccer ball with check mark Vagenas
soccer ball with check mark Elliott
soccer ball with check mark Cienfuegos
soccer ball with check mark Hendrickson
soccer ball with check mark Waibel
soccer ball with check mark Caligiuri
soccer ball with check mark Jones
soccer ball with check mark Bardales
soccer ball with check mark Califf
August 7, 2002 Quarterfinal SJ Earthquakes 0–1 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Report Ruiz gold-colored soccer ball 101' Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 6,481
Referee: Terry Vaughn
August 24, 2005 Quarterfinal SJ Earthquakes 1–2 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
Cerritos 76' Report Gómez 5', 31' Stadium: Spartan Stadium
Attendance: 5,134
Referee: Terry Vaughn
July 1, 2015 Fifth round SJ Earthquakes 0–1 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
19:30 PT Report Villarreal 6' Stadium: Avaya Stadium
Attendance: 13,329
Referee: Allen Chapman
July 10, 2017 Quarterfinal SJ Earthquakes 3–2 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
19:30 PT Wondolowski 16', 51'
Hoesen 62'
Report Van Damme 3'
Tarbell 84' (o.g.)
Stadium: Avaya Stadium
Attendance: 14,056
Referee: Allen Chapman

Leagues Cup

July 31, 2024 Group stage SJ Earthquakes 1–2 LA Galaxy San Jose, California
19:30 PDT Ebobisse 75' Report
Stadium: PayPal Park
Referee: Lukasz Szpala

Winners

Each season, a cup is awarded to the team that won the most points in the California Clasico during the MLS regular season. Between 1996 and 1999, matches ending in draws were culminated in a penalty shoot-out with the winner of the shootout gaining one point while the losing team left with no points. This system was abolished starting with the 2000 season; a draw awarded each team 1 point.

Key
Tie broken on goal difference
Season Winner Points comparison
1996 Los Angeles Galaxy 10–0
1997 San Jose Clash 6–4
1998 Los Angeles Galaxy 5–3
1999 Los Angeles Galaxy 9–1
2000 Los Angeles Galaxy 8–2
2001 San Jose Earthquakes 6–0
2002 Los Angeles Galaxy 9–3
2003 Los Angeles Galaxy 5–5 (5–3)†
2004 Los Angeles Galaxy 7–4
2005 San Jose Earthquakes 9–3
2008 Los Angeles Galaxy 6–3
2009 Los Angeles Galaxy 4–4 (4–3)†
2010 San Jose Earthquakes 4–1
2011 Los Angeles Galaxy 4–1
2012 San Jose Earthquakes 7–1
2013 Los Angeles Galaxy 4–4 (5–3)†
2014 Los Angeles Galaxy 5–2
2015 San Jose Earthquakes 6–3
2016 Los Angeles Galaxy 4–1
2017 San Jose Earthquakes 6–3
2018 Los Angeles Galaxy 4–1
2019 San Jose Earthquakes 6–0
2020 San Jose Earthquakes 7–4
2021 Los Angeles Galaxy 6–3
2022 Tied 3–3 (5–5)
2023 Los Angeles Galaxy 7–1
2024 Los Angeles Galaxy 9–0

On October 13, 2013, the California Clasico was highlighted on the TV series, MLS Insider, explaining the history of the rivalry from the different perspectives of players such as Chris Wondolowski and Landon Donovan.[29]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c No fans due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

References

  1. ^ a b Rodriguez, Alicia (July 1, 2018). "San Jose Earthquakes 3, LA Galaxy 3". Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  2. ^ Jeff Carlisle (April 2, 2008). "Galaxy and Quakes resume their rivalry". ESPNsoccernet. Archived from the original on April 7, 2008. Retrieved April 4, 2008.
    - "Quakes fall to LA's dynamic duo". Major League Soccer. April 4, 2008. Archived from the original on November 9, 2007. Retrieved April 4, 2008.
    - "Beckham, Donovan lead LA to win over Quakes". Major League Soccer. April 4, 2008. Archived from the original on April 7, 2008. Retrieved April 4, 2008.
  3. ^ a b "California Clasico back to its best, and that's just fine for the LA Galaxy". MLSsoccer.com. November 3, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  4. ^ "The Throw-In: Conflicted & torn by the California Clasico". MLSsoccer.com. June 28, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
    - Laurie Andress (August 16, 2011). "LA Galaxy Host Rival San Jose Earthquakes Once More". LAG Confidential. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
    - Robert Jonas (June 24, 2011). "The "New" California Clasico: Earthquakes and Galaxy work to rekindle their rivalry". Quake Rattle and Goal!. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
    - Chris (June 24, 2011). "It's That Time of Year Again; California Clasico!". The Offside. Archived from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
  5. ^ Parker, Graham (July 2, 2012). "MLS: Five things we learned in week 17". The Guardian. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  6. ^ "The California Clasico: San Jose versus Los Angeles | MLS Insider Episode 14". October 19, 2013. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved January 18, 2014 – via YouTube.
  7. ^ "History | San Jose Earthquakes". Sjearthquakes.com. Archived from the original on April 30, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  8. ^ Dwight Chapin, Chronicle Senior Writer (June 26, 2005). "Donovan rattled / Earthquakes, fans get revenge on Galaxy, 'traitor'". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  9. ^ "San Jose Earthquakes to return to Major League Soccer in 2008". Major League Soccer. July 18, 2007. Archived from the original on March 14, 2008. Retrieved April 4, 2008.
    - HanNa Lee (December 16, 2007). "'Interstate 5' Rivalry Game to Kick Off Galaxy's 2008 Season". Canyon News. Archived from the original on July 8, 2011. Retrieved April 4, 2008.
  10. ^ French, Scott (June 26, 2011). "GALAXY: Magee hero in goalkeeping disaster – Soccer Blog – ESPN Los Angeles". ESPN. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
  11. ^ Earthquakes Media Relations (June 6, 2013). "Over 35,000 tickets sold to Quakes' June 29 game vs. Galaxy at Stanford Stadium". Sjearthquakes.com. Retrieved June 14, 2013.
  12. ^ "Disciplinary Committee suspends Beckham for role in scuffle with Quakes". MLSsoccer.com. July 5, 2012. Archived from the original on May 8, 2013. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  13. ^ "Kick Off: SJ vs. LA joins list of best MLS matches in history". MLSsoccer.com. July 2, 2012. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
  14. ^ "LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes to play pre-season soccer match in Fresno". Abclocal.go.com. January 8, 2014. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
    - Moreno, Angel (January 8, 2014). "MLS' LA Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes to play exhibition match in Fresno". FresnoBee.com. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
  15. ^ "MATCH RECAP: Earthquakes Defeat LA Galaxy in Las Vegas Preseason Match". San Jose Earthquakes. February 11, 2017. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  16. ^ "RECAP: Quakes suffer loss to Galaxy in California Clasico". San Jose Earthquakes. May 27, 2017. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  17. ^ "RECAP: Earthquakes #BeatLA 2-1 in California Clasico". San Jose Earthquakes. July 1, 2017. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  18. ^ "RECAP: Quakes defeat LA Galaxy 3-2 to advance to U.S. Open Cup Semifinals". San Jose Earthquakes. July 10, 2017. Retrieved August 13, 2017.
  19. ^ lagalaxy. "Match Report: Gabriel Pec, Riqui Puig, Joseph Paintsil and Maya Yoshida each score as Galaxy win 100th edition of Cali Clásico against San Jose | LA Galaxy". lagalaxy. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  20. ^ a b "LA Galaxy 4-3 San Jose Earthquakes (Apr 21, 2024) Game Analysis". ESPN. April 21, 2024. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  21. ^ "Riqui Puig's goal secures LA Galaxy win in momentous 100th California Clásico". Mundo Deportivo USA. April 22, 2024. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  22. ^ mlssoccer. "Your Monday Kickoff: Which teams are defying the underlying numbers? | MLSSoccer.com". mlssoccer. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  23. ^ Black, Alan. "Heart of an Ultra". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
    - Stollar, Aaron (October 22, 2012). "Not just LA and San Jose supporters, but any MLS supporters who fight with each other need to grow up and get their act together". The Big Question. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  24. ^ "Rowdy LA Galaxy soccer fans arrested at Earthquakes game". ktvu.com. Archived from the original on November 25, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
    - "San Jose Earthquakes tie Los Angeles Galaxy, but altercation in stands leads to arrests". San Jose Mercury News. October 21, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  25. ^ Every player that has suited up for both teams in the California Clásico bolavip.com
  26. ^ Straus, Brian (February 16, 2021). "The Unexpected Rise of Another U.S. Teen Abroad". Sports Illustrated.
  27. ^ "NEWS: Earthquakes Acquire Forward Matthew Hoppe on Loan from Middlesbrough F.C." San Jose Earthquakes. August 4, 2023. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  28. ^ "San Jose Earthquakes acquire Preston Judd from LA Galaxy". MLSsoccer.com. December 15, 2023. Retrieved June 30, 2024.
  29. ^ Curran, Olivia (October 18, 2013). "California Clasico to highlight on MLS Insider tonight". San Jose Earthquakes. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
    - "California Clasico featured on MLS Insider". LAG Confidential. October 20, 2013. Retrieved January 18, 2014.