California Clásico

California Clásico
Other names LA Galaxy vs. SJ Earthquakes
Locale California, United States
Teams LA Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes
First meeting April 28, 1996
Galaxy 2-1 Earthquakes
Latest meeting Galaxy 3–1 Earthquakes
(March 19, 2016)
Next meeting May 24, 2016
Statistics
Meetings total 73
Most wins Galaxy (32)[1]
Top scorer Landon Donovan[1]
Largest victory Earthquakes 5–2 Galaxy
(November 9, 2003), Galaxy 5–2 Earthquakes (July 17, 2015)

The California Clásico[2][3][4] is a soccer rivalry between two Major League Soccer teams, the LA Galaxy and the San Jose Earthquakes, which existed from 1996 to 2005 and was resumed in 2008. The rivalry reached its peak from 2001 to 2005, during which time the Earthquakes and the Galaxy combined to win four MLS Cup titles in a five-year period. The term "Clásico" 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 American soccer.[5][6][7][8][9] British daily newspaper, The Guardian rates "the California Clásico is perhaps the most historic and intense rivalry the league has."[10] Todd Dunivant, 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".[11] 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. They are sometimes identified with opposing political positions, with Los Angeles (Southern California) viewed as representing conservatism and San Jose (Northern California) viewed as representing liberalism.[12] SB Nation claims that the California Clásico could become the most important rivalry in MLS.[13]

History

1996–2005

Donovan with the San Jose Earthquakes at the 2003 MLS Cup.
The Earthquakes on the field at the O.co Coliseum in 2008 Clásico.

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. 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. In the second game in San Jose, the Galaxy scored two early goals to widen its aggregate lead to four goals, only to have San Jose score five unanswered goals to win the series 5–4. Many neutral MLS pundits at the time viewed that game as the best in league history. 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."[14]

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, Texas, 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

Scuffles between the two teams.

The San Jose Earthquakes franchise was revived by Lewis Wolff and Earthquakes Soccer, LLC, restarting the rivalry in 2008.[15][16] 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.[17]

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.[18] 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 awarded a one-match ban by the MLS Disciplinary Committee.[19] The match itself was credited as one of the best MLS games in history.[20] Galaxy's Omar Gonzalez expressed that the Earthquakes were "embarrassing", "obnoxious" and "a bunch of jokes" after a 2-2 draw.[6]

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 Clasico 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 Victor Bernardez 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.[21][22]

Supporter groups

Although historically there have been rivalries between Northern California and Southern California supporters, a bitter rivalry exists between the 1906 Ultras which support San Jose and the Angel City Brigade which 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][24] 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.[25][26]

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.

Landon Donovan caused controversy when he moved from San Jose to Los Angeles.

Record

Games

LA wins Draws San Jose wins LA goals San Jose goals
MLS Regular season 22 15 18 75 71
MLS Playoffs 5 1 3 12 8
MLS Cup 0 0 1 1 2
U.S. Open Cup 4 1 0 6 2
Total 31 17 21 94 83

Trophies

Team MLS Cup Supporters' Shield U.S. Open Cup Champions' Cup Total
LA Galaxy 5 4 2 1 12
San Jose Earthquakes 2 2 0 0 4

Results

MLS Regular season

Frank Yallop is the second coach to have managed both teams.
Date Home Team Score Away Team Venue
April 28, 1996 Los Angeles 2–1 San Jose Rose Bowl
May 12, 1996 San Jose 1–2 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
September 1, 1996 San Jose 1–1 (1–3 pen.) Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
September 15, 1996 Los Angeles 4–2 San Jose Rose Bowl
April 12, 1997 San Jose 4–1 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
May 18, 1997 Los Angeles 1–1 (LA pen.) San Jose Rose Bowl
August 17, 1997 Los Angeles 2–3 San Jose Rose Bowl
September 21, 1997 San Jose 2–3 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
March 21, 1998 Los Angeles 3–3 (3–1 pen.) San Jose Rose Bowl
June 27, 1998 San Jose 1–2 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
September 16, 1998 San Jose 0–0 (LA pen.) Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
September 20, 1998 Los Angeles 0–1 San Jose Spartan Stadium
April 3, 1999 San Jose 1–1 (4–2 pen.) Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
April 24, 1999 Los Angeles 0–1 San Jose Rose Bowl
August 7, 1999 San Jose 1–4 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
September 1, 1999 Los Angeles 3–1 San Jose Rose Bowl
May 17, 2000 San Jose 0–0 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
May 27, 2000 Los Angeles 1–1 San Jose Rose Bowl
August 26, 2000 San Jose 0–3 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
August 30, 2000 Los Angeles 2–1 San Jose Rose Bowl
April 7, 2001 Los Angeles 2–3 San Jose Rose Bowl
June 9, 2001 San Jose 3–1 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
July 4, 2002 Los Angeles 2–1 San Jose Rose Bowl
July 7, 2002 San Jose 1–0 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
September 14, 2002 Los Angeles 1–0 San Jose Rose Bowl
September 21, 2002 San Jose 0–1 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
April 26, 2003 San Jose 1–0 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
June 18, 2003 Los Angeles 1–1 San Jose The Home Depot Center
October 18, 2003 Los Angeles 3–0 San Jose The Home Depot Center
October 25, 2003 San Jose 1–1 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
May 22, 2004 San Jose 4–2 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
July 4, 2004 Los Angeles 2–1 San Jose The Home Depot Center
September 11, 2004 Los Angeles 2–1 San Jose The Home Depot Center
September 25, 2004 San Jose 0–0 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
May 21, 2005 Los Angeles 2–1 San Jose The Home Depot Center
June 25, 2005 San Jose 3–0 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
August 27, 2005 San Jose 2–1 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
October 15, 2005 Los Angeles 1–3 San Jose The Home Depot Center
April 3, 2008 Los Angeles 2–0 San Jose The Home Depot Center
June 14, 2008 San Jose 0–3 Los Angeles O.co Coliseum
August 3, 2008 San Jose 3–2 Los Angeles O.co Coliseum
April 18, 2009 San Jose 1–1 Los Angeles O.co Coliseum
June 20, 2009 San Jose 2–1 Los Angeles O.co Coliseum
October 24, 2009 Los Angeles 2–0 San Jose The Home Depot Center
July 22, 2010 Los Angeles 2–2 San Jose The Home Depot Center
August 21, 2010 San Jose 1–0 Los Angeles Buck Shaw Stadium
June 25, 2011 San Jose 0–0 Los Angeles Buck Shaw Stadium
August 20, 2011 Los Angeles 2–0 San Jose The Home Depot Center
May 23, 2012 Los Angeles 2–3 San Jose The Home Depot Center
June 30, 2012 San Jose 4–3 Los Angeles Stanford Stadium
October 21, 2012 San Jose 2–2 Los Angeles Buck Shaw Stadium
June 29, 2013 San Jose 3–2 Los Angeles Stanford Stadium
August 31, 2013 Los Angeles 3–0 San Jose StubHub Center
October 20, 2013 Los Angeles 0–0 San Jose StubHub Center
June 28, 2014 San Jose 0–1 Los Angeles Stanford Stadium
August 9, 2014 Los Angeles 2–2 San Jose StubHub Center
September 4, 2014 San Jose 1–1 Los Angeles Buck Shaw Stadium
June 27, 2015 San Jose 3–1 Los Angeles Stanford Stadium
July 17, 2015 Los Angeles 5–2 San Jose StubHub Center
August 28, 2015 San Jose 1–0 Los Angeles Avaya Stadium
March 19, 2016 Los Angeles 3–1 San Jose StubHub Center

MLS Playoffs

Date Home Team Score Away Team Venue
September 26, 1996 San Jose 1–0 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
September 29, 1996 Los Angeles 2–0 San Jose Rose Bowl
October 2, 1996 Los Angeles 2–0 San Jose Rose Bowl
October 21, 2001 Los Angeles 1–2 San Jose Columbus Crew Stadium
November 1, 2003 Los Angeles 2–0 San Jose The Home Depot Center
November 9, 2003 San Jose 5–2 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
October 23, 2005 Los Angeles 3–1 San Jose The Home Depot Center
October 29, 2005 San Jose 1–1 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
November 4, 2012 Los Angeles 0–1 San Jose The Home Depot Center
November 7, 2012 San Jose 1–3 Los Angeles Buck Shaw Stadium

U.S. Open Cup

Date Home Team Score Away Team Venue
August 9, 2000 Los Angeles 2–0 San Jose Titan Stadium
July 24, 2001 San Jose 1–1 (9–10 pen.) Los Angeles Negoesco Stadium
August 7, 2002 San Jose 0–1 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
August 24, 2005 San Jose 1–2 Los Angeles Spartan Stadium
July 1, 2015 San Jose 0–1 Los Angeles Avaya Stadium

Winners

Each season, a cup is awarded to the team that won the most points in the California Clásico during the regular season. Between 1996 and 1999, matches ending in draws were culminated in a penalty shootout 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
dagger Tie broken on goal difference
Season Winner Aggregate
1996 Los Angeles 10:0
1997 San Jose 6:4
1998 Los Angeles 5:3
1999 Los Angeles 9:1
2000 Los Angeles 8:2
2001 San Jose 6:0
2002 Los Angeles 9:3
2003 Los Angeles 5:5 (5–3)dagger
2004 Los Angeles 7:4
2005 San Jose 9:3
2008 Los Angeles 7:3
2009 Los Angeles 5:5 (4–3)dagger
2010 San Jose 4:1
2011 Los Angeles 4:1
2012 San Jose 7:1
2013 Los Angeles 4:4 (5–3)dagger
2014 Los Angeles 5:2
2015 San Jose 6:3

Popular culture

MLS Insider

On October 13, 2013 the California Clásico 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.[27][28]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "MLS Heineken Rivalry Week: San Jose Earthquakes vs. LA Galaxy". MLSsoccer.com. Retrieved June 25, 2015.
  2. ↑ Jeff Carlisle (April 2, 2008). "Galaxy and Quakes resume their rivalry". ESPNsoccernet. Retrieved April 4, 2008.
  3. ↑ "Quakes fall to LA's dynamic duo". Major League Soccer. April 4, 2008. Retrieved April 4, 2008.
  4. ↑ "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.
  5. ↑ "The Throw-In: Conflicted & torn by the California Clasico". MLSsoccer.com. June 28, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  6. 1 2 "California Clasico back to its best, and that's just fine for the LA Galaxy". MLSsoccer.com. November 3, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  7. ↑ Laurie Andress (August 16, 2011). "LA Galaxy Host Rival San Jose Earthquakes Once More". LAG Confidential. Retrieved May 17, 2012.
  8. ↑ 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.
  9. ↑ Chris (June 24, 2011). "It's That Time of Year Again; California Clasico!". The Offside. Retrieved May 18, 2012.
  10. ↑ Parker, Graham (July 2, 2012). "MLS: Five things we learned in week 17 | Graham Parker and Joe Prince-Wright | Football | guardian.co.uk". Guardian. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  11. ↑ "The California Clásico: San Jose versus Los Angeles | MLS Insider Episode 14". YouTube. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
  12. ↑ "The California Clásico: LA vs. San Jose by Luke James". SoccerNewsday.com. February 11, 2013. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
  13. ↑ Oshan, Jeremiah (June 30, 2012). "California Clasico May Be Most Important Rivalry In MLS". SBNation.com. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  14. ↑ Dwight Chapin, Chronicle Senior Writer (June 26, 2005). "Donovan rattled / Earthquakes, fans get revenge on Galaxy, 'traitor'". SFGate. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  15. ↑ "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.
  16. ↑ HanNa Lee (December 16, 2007). "'Interstate 5' Rivalry Game to Kick Off Galaxy's 2008 Season". Canyon News. Retrieved April 4, 2008.
  17. ↑ French, Scott. "GALAXY: Magee hero in goalkeeping disaster - Soccer Blog - ESPN Los Angeles". Espn.go.com. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
  18. ↑ 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.
  19. ↑ "Disciplinary Committee suspends Beckham for role in scuffle with Quakes". MLSsoccer.com. July 5, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  20. ↑ "Kick Off: SJ vs. LA joins list of best MLS matches in history". MLSsoccer.com. July 2, 2012. Retrieved March 7, 2013.
  21. ↑ "LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes to play pre-season soccer match in Fresno | abc30.com". Abclocal.go.com. January 8, 2014. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
  22. ↑ Moreno, Angel (January 8, 2014). "MLS' LA Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes to play exhibition match in Fresno | Sports". FresnoBee.com. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
  23. ↑ Black, Alan. "Heart of an Ultra | The Beautiful Blog | an SFGate.com blog". Blog.sfgate.com. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  24. ↑ 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". Bigquestionshow.com. Retrieved January 21, 2013.
  25. ↑ "Rowdy LA Galaxy soccer fans arrested at Earthquakes game". www.ktvu.com. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  26. ↑ "San Jose Earthquakes tie Los Angeles Galaxy, but altercation in stands leads to arrests - San Jose Mercury News". Mercurynews.com. October 21, 2012. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  27. ↑ Curran, Olivia (October 18, 2013). "California Clasico to highlight on MLS Insider tonight | San Jose Earthquakes". Sjearthquakes.com. Retrieved January 18, 2014.
  28. ↑ "California Clasico featured on MLS Insider". LAG Confidential. Retrieved January 18, 2014.

External links

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