San Jose Earthquakes vs LA Galaxy

PayPal Park is the venue as San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy go head-to-head in an exciting Major League Soccer showdown.

After failing to advance into the MLS playoffs in the last two seasons, San Jose Earthquakes are on the verge of breaking that duck this term, starting this round three points clear of 10th-placed Minnesota United in the Western Conference. But the hosts may not be taking the field in high spirits after a 3-0 rout at the hands of Sporting Kansas City last time out knocked them down from a four-game unbeaten MLS run (W2, D2). Still, Luchi Gonzalez’s men have fared exceptionally well at home this season, losing just once in 12 league matches (W7, D4), mainly thanks to the second-best defensive home record in the Western Conference (9). Indeed, San Jose’s scoring prowess hasn’t been as impressive, with the ‘Goonies’ averaging 1.5 goals per home league fixture.

On the other hand, visiting LA Galaxy could make a late push to secure playoff promotion for the first time since 2018 after an eye-catching upturn in form, featuring three wins in their last four MLS matches (L1) helped them bridge the gap on 9th-placed Austin FC to seven points. However, each of those three victories came on home soil, meaning Greg Vanney’s side cannot take anything for granted, especially considering their abysmal record of one triumph from 12 MLS travels in 2023 (D5, L6). But Galaxy can find some consolation in their recent spell of form in San Jose, having won twice on their last three league visits to PayPal Park (D1). It’s worth mentioning they scored at least twice in each of those three H2Hs.