LA Galaxy vs. San Jose Earthquakes

10:16

Hello and welcome to SoccerTicker's coverage of tonight's match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the San Jose Earthquakes.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:16

10:17

Kickoff will get underway in about 15 minutes at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:17

10:18

Tonight marks the return of the San Jose Earthquakes to Major League Soccer.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:18

10:19

San Jose was moved following the 2005 season to Houston, where they became the Houston Dynamo.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:19

10:19

However, the new San Jose franchise will take on all the old records and stats of the previous franchise.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:19

10:20

This rivalry between the Galaxy and San Jose resumes after almost two and a half years.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:20

10:21

The last time these two teams met was in 2005 when the teams met on October 29, 2005 in the MLS Playoffs.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:21

10:21

The result of that game was a 1-1 draw at the home of San Jose, Spartan Stadium.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:21

10:22

Tonight, David Beckham makes his debut in the long standing rivalry.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:22

10:23

Beckham has yet to record an official MLS regular season goal.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:23

10:23

San Jose is coached by last year's LA Galaxy coach, Frank Yallop.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:23

10:23

In addition, San Jose have acquired Joe Cannon, LA's standout goalkeeper from the previous year.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:23

10:24

LA Galaxy lost their previous game, 4-0 to the Colorado Rapids.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:24

10:25

The game took place this past Saturday at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, home of the Rapids.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:25

10:26

In that game, central defender and former Portuguese international Abel Xavier was sent off for yellow card accumulation, thus missing tonight's match.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:26

10:26

Who will win tonight's match?
LA Galaxy

( 75% )

San Jose Earthquakes

( 25% )

Draw

( 0% )

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:26

10:27

Stepping up to replace Joe Cannon is former Santa Clara goalkeeper Steve Cronin.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:27

10:30

Galaxy starting lineup

Steve Cronin (GK)
Mike Randolph
Greg Vanney
Chris Klein
Landon Donovan
Alvaro Pires
Alan Gordon
David Beckham
Ely Allen
Sean Franklin
Brandon McDonald

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:30

10:30

San Jose starting lineup

1 - Joe Cannon (GK)
3 - Nick Garcia
4 - James Riley
5 - Ryan Cochrane
7 - Ronnie O'Brien
11 - Ned Grabavoy
12 - Ramiro Corrales
15 - Shea Salinas
16 - Kei Kamara
21 - Jason Hernandez
23 - Ivan Guerrero

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:30

10:32

San Jose have yet to play this season, LA Galaxy have played one game, losing their only match, thus both teams sit on 0 points.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:32

10:33

Kickoff will get underway in a couple of minutes

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:33

10:34

Ruud Gullit is the new coach of the LA Galaxy, replacing Frank Yallop.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:34

10:35

Gullit is a former Dutch International who was on the 1990 world cup roster for Holland.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:35

10:35

The game is underway.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:35

10:36

[Comment From BenjaminBenjamin: ]

Yallop looks much more comfortable in the SJE gear.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:36 Benjamin

10:36

Yallop did suffer a rough season last year with the Galaxy...

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:36

10:36

San Jose play long for Kamara, but it is lost out for a goal kick.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:36

10:37

Randolph active early giving up two throw ins.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:37

10:37

Earthquake free kick near the right sideline, 45 yards out.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:37

10:38

Corrales sends it in, and it is a goal, but ruled offside.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:38

10:39

Beckham swings in a cross for Gordon, but it is deflected out for a Galaxy corner.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:39

10:40

Beckham corner finds Gordon's head, but the header goes well over the bar.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:40

10:41

Gordon is starting in place of the injured Carlos Ruiz, who will be out 4-6 weeks with a knee injury.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:41

10:41

Ely Allen makes a nice move to juke a defender, and his shot is saved by Cannon.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:41

10:42

Yellow to Randolph for a clear jersey pull.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:42

10:42

Free kick along the right sideline for San Jose.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:42

10:43

Corrales to swing it in, Kamara heads it, but it is cleared away.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:43

10:43

Cronin collects a ball that was intended for the 'Quakes Kamara.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:43

10:44

Chochrane loses the ball, Donovan to Beckham, GOAL!

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:44

10:44

Beckham's first goal as an MLS player!

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:44

10:45

1-0 LA Galaxy. Have to put that on Cochrane for a poor pass back that was intercepted by Donovan, who found Beckham and slotted by a charging Joe Cannon.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:45

10:45

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

It wasn't Beckham's first MLS goal...

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:45 Mike

10:45

It was his first regular season MLS goal, yes.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:45

10:46

He scored one in a SuperLiga match against DC United off a free kick, but that was not an MLS match.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:46

10:47

Galaxy goal kick.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:47

10:47

The long goal kick escapes Donovan and Cannon clears.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:47

10:48

Salinas shot from distance is high and wide.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:48

10:49

14th minute.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:49

10:50

Allen finds Gordon, whos header goes a tad wide.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:50

10:51

[Comment From BenjaminBenjamin: ]

Good buildup from the middle to the wing, but it looked like there was someone far post that was open with no coverage that may have been a better passing option.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:51 Benjamin

10:51

San Jose almost lose the ball to Donovan near the box.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:51

10:52

The Galaxy are knocking it around right now.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:52

10:53

Donovan makes a run on the left side, and chips a ball in that Cannon saves easily.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:53

10:53

Gordon fouls Hernandez near the center circle.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:53

10:54

Beckham scored the Galaxy's first goal of the season in the 9th minute of today's game.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:54

10:55

Corrales tries to find Kamara, but it is long and out for a goal kick.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:55

10:55

LA throw at midfield.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:55

10:56

Long throw by Randolph eludes all the Galaxy players and goes to Cannon.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:56

10:56

Riley good ball to Salinas, and Randolph defends well to give up a corner.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:56

10:57

San Jose corner to be taken by Corrales.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:57

10:57

Cronin punches out, and it falls to an Earthquakes player who sends back in a shot, but it is blocked.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:57

10:58

Another corner.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:58

10:58

Corrales again sends it in, and Cronin punches away again.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:58

10:59

Galaxy win a sequence of throw-ins on the left side.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:59

10:59

Now one in the left corner.

Thursday April 3, 2008 10:59

11:00

Gordon fouls in the San Jose box.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:00

11:01

Beckham plays a good ball on the ground to an overlapping Klein, but Klein's cross is headed away.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:01

11:02

San Jose haven't been able to put much together in the last 5 minutes since the corners.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:02

11:02

27th minute.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:02

11:03

Corrales is fouled in midfield.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:03

11:04

Galaxy cannot link up the final pass near the 'Quake box, and possession is lost.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:04

11:04

Galaxy get the ball back and a nice buildup leads to a Beckham cross, which finds nobody but Joe Cannon.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:04

11:05

Randolph loses the ball out in the LA zone for a San Jose throw.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:05

11:06

Galaxy still controlling the run of play lately.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:06

11:06

Donovan and Beckham try a one-two, but it is cut out, and a long ball for Kamara by San Jose is too long and Cronin collects easily.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:06

11:07

Randolph cross is blocked by Riley, who gives up a corner.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:07

11:07

Riley almost saved it for a throw in, but it is still ruled a corner.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:07

11:07

Donovan to take.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:07

11:08

Sent in but headed into the side netting.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:08

11:08

[Comment From BenjaminBenjamin: ]

If this game is any indication the Beckham/Donovan matchup will be the core of Gullit's attacking plan for the season.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:08 Benjamin

11:08

That would figure to be the case no matter who was coaching the Galaxy one would think...

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:08

11:09

San Jose cannot link up more than 2 passes in the offensive third it seems.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:09

11:10

Pires is down for the Galaxy.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:10

11:10

He is up after a minute or two.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:10

11:10

We are in the 35th minute.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:10

11:11

Gordon switches to Beckham, who plays to an overlapping Klein. The cross by Klein is blocked out for a corner.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:11

11:11

Beckham to take.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:11

11:11

High swinging ball falls to Gordon, who turns it back in but it goes out for a goal kick.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:11

11:12

Donovan makes it 2-0!

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:12

11:12

37th minute.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:12

11:12

[Comment From BenjaminBenjamin: ]

Cheeky little chip from Donovan.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:12 Benjamin

11:13

Indeed...Donovan chips Cannon who was at the top of the box.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:13

11:13

Cochrane has had a rough game.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:13

11:13

Beckham with the assist.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:13

11:13

San Jose cross goes out for a goal kick.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:13

11:14

Beckham and Donovan are providers for each other's goals.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:14

11:15

Bekcham shot from 25-30 yards is blocked.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:15

11:16

The MLS "second assist" rule gives Alan Gordon an assist on both goals.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:16

11:16

Donovan and Beckham have been linking up all have to cut up the San Jose defense.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:16

11:16

Free kick for the Galaxy at the top left of the box. Randolph was taken down by Riley.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:16

11:17

Becks to take.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:17

11:17

Swung in, and Pires hits a HARD header just wide.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:17

11:17

Pires had Canon dead to rights, and he went for too much power and hit it wide.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:17

11:18

43rd minute.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:18

11:19

LA still controlling the ball.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:19

11:19

But San Jose finally cut out an Ely Allen pass and win a throw.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:19

11:20

San Jose free kick along the right sideline.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:20

11:20

The free kick is headed away.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:20

11:20

Grabavoy is down.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:20

11:20

Heading into added time for the first half.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:20

11:21

Grabavoy is back up on his feet, a tad shaken but should be ok.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:21

11:21

One minute of stoppage time added on.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:21

11:21

And the half is over.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:21

11:22

LA lead 2-0 off goals from Beckham and Donovan.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:22

11:22

After San Jose won 2 corner kicks, they pretty much lost control of the game for the last 15-20 minutes of the half.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:22

11:23

After a somewhat promising, and strong start, the Galaxy took the wind out of the debutant's sails with the 9th minute finish by Beckham.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:23

11:23

Your thoughts on the first half?

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:23

11:26

[Comment From BenjaminBenjamin: ]

Well except for the offsides scare early on this is exactly what LA needed after last week. A good solid first half, 2-0 lead, plenty of chances, great teamwork. Given this game is against quasi-expansion San Jose but sometimes you need to beat up on some lesser opponents to get your confidence back. I'll say LA notches at least one more goal before we hit the full 90.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:26 Benjamin

11:33

Will there be any more goals and who will score them?
No more goals

( 0% )

Yes by LA

( 67% )

Yes by SJ

( 0% )

Yes by both teams

( 33% )

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:33

11:33

[Comment From MikeMike: ]

I have a feeling Randolph will get sent off... He has been very physical thus far and has got that early yellow.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:33 Mike

11:33

Interesting thought. We'll see if it happens. It would not be surprising.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:33

11:35

Beckham's goal is already online

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=3yFiDFoEdCw

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:35

11:37

Beckham looked like he may have had a knock in warm ups, but he's shown no sign of it so far in tonight's game.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:37

11:39

Second half underway.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:39

11:40

Kamara shot from a tough angle is saved by a diving Cronin.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:40

11:41

The shot looked to be off target anyway.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:41

11:42

San Jose stringing together a few passes.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:42

11:42

Finally broken up by LA and Beckham plays a ball for Gordon who cannot control.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:42

11:44

Cannon cuts out a lead pass for Donovan.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:44

11:46

Cannon out of his box chests a ball away before Gordon can get to it.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:46

11:47

LA still controlling most of the play but San Jose have looked a bit better.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:47

11:47

Gordon ruled offside on a diving head attempt.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:47

11:49

Salinas helps earn San Jose a corner.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:49

11:49

O'Brien ball driven in and knocked down, but cleared away.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:49

11:50

O'Brien ball over the top for Salinas is a tad long, and Cronin handles comfortably.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:50

11:50

Kamara gets by Vanney but Vanney recovers to knock away for a corner.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:50

11:51

Salinas ou, Glinton in.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:51

11:51

[Comment From North Bay QuakeNorth Bay Quake: ]

san jose got robbed on that first goal, it should be 2-1

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:51 North Bay Quake

11:51

The replay showed it was close, but probably was a bad call.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:51

11:51

the sub came in the 57th minute.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:51

11:52

[Comment From BenjaminBenjamin: ]

Kobe Bryant showing up in a cutaway. Maybe LA should see about signing him for the rookie pay of 12k a year to help as an attacking midfielder?

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:52 Benjamin

11:52

Yes, they have controlled more possession than last half, negating the time on the ball Beckham and Donovan have to find each other.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:52

11:52

The defense is better organized as well.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:52

11:54

into the last half hour.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:54

11:55

O'Brien free kick sent in, but it goes right to Cronin.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:55

11:56

Klein defends well to make sure Guerrero cannot run onto a ball. LA earn a goal kick.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:56

11:57

Donovan a long break from midfield....

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:57

11:58

Drags the defense toward him and lays off for Gordon, who can only shoot right at Cannon.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:58

11:58

[Comment From BenjaminBenjamin: ]

Gordon had all the space in the world and a good angle for that shot.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:58 Benjamin

11:58

Agreed, that was a poor shot from Gordon with all that time and space. Cannon did well though to be at the right angle from a goalkeeper perspective.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:58

11:59

Weak shot by McDonald easily saved by a diving Cannon.

Thursday April 3, 2008 11:59

12:00

Vanney with decent positioning earns a free kick on a foul from Glinton.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:00

12:01

68th minute now.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:01

12:02

Cunliffe in for San Jose

Friday April 4, 2008 12:02

12:02

69th minute...in for Guererro.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:02

12:03

San Jose have made two subs now. Galaxy none.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:03

12:04

LA seem to have taken their foot off the pedal a bit.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:04

12:04

Beckham eases away from a possible 50/50 challenge after the ball pops in the air.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:04

12:05

San Jose have prevented LA from getting any chances the past 10 minutes.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:05

12:06

[Comment From RickRick: ]

Read on BigSoccer I think it was that Beckham was holding an ankle. Obviously, he has a goal and assist, but is he looking all right?

Friday April 4, 2008 12:06 Rick

12:06

Beckham looked like he had a minor tweak before the game, but he's fine and been playing great. No point in challenging a 50/50 ball up 2-0 this late in the game.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:06

12:06

[Comment From BenjaminBenjamin: ]

Gordon stumbles over himself, blows the chance for a shot.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:06 Benjamin

12:06

And Gullit shows his frustration.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:06

12:07

74th minute. San Jose will need a quick one if they will even challenge for the draw.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:07

12:08

High cross for Cunliffe does not meet his head.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:08

12:08

Gordon is down.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:08

12:08

and back up

Friday April 4, 2008 12:08

12:09

looked to tweak an ankle, but is fine.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:09

12:09

LA free kick from 40 yards, center of the pitch.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:09

12:10

short ball for Donovan but it breaks down.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:10

12:11

Donovan earns a free kick, and Kamara gets a yellow for it.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:11

12:12

Allen chips in for Gordon, who heads away for a goal kick.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:12

12:13

into the last 10 minutes.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:13

12:13

San Jose look no threat to LA.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:13

12:16

Play has settled somewhat. Neither team pushing too hard.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:16

12:16

Beckham loses it out for a throw for San Jose.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:16

12:17

Gordon with another header in the box, again out for a goal kick.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:17

12:17

Beckham with some nice footwork to keep possession, and then loses the ball as he asks for a foul, but no call.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:17

12:20

86th minute.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:20

12:20

Chip in by San Jose falls out for a goal kick.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:20

12:20

Galaxy make their first sub in the 87th minute.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:20

12:21

Gavin comes in

Friday April 4, 2008 12:21

12:21

for Randolph

Friday April 4, 2008 12:21

12:21

Randolph had a yellow and a knock.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:21

12:23

Beckham to Donovan, who is run wide and plays back to the middle for Gordon.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:23

12:23

but the defense recovers and Cannon collects.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:23

12:23

Beckham's ball was great to split the defense.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:23

12:24

Free kick for LA.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:24

12:24

Becks sends it in from the right side, but it's headed away.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:24

12:24

[Comment From BenjaminBenjamin: ]

Nice idea to try and 1-2 the keeper with Gordon but Donovan should have pulled the trigger.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:24 Benjamin

12:25

Indeed, but up 2-0, it seemed like they were trying to work Gordon in and get him one for all he's done tonight. Gordon has had a decent game.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:25

12:25

Into stoppage time.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:25

12:25

and it's over

Friday April 4, 2008 12:25

12:25

2-0 LA Galaxy take the win.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:25

12:26

Beckham and Donovan the goalscorers, not only is that Beckham's first regular season goal, it is his first game winner as well.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:26

12:26

Beckham goes the full 90

Friday April 4, 2008 12:26

12:26

[Comment From RickRick: ]

Thanks for the commentary. Back to bed, satisfied -- it's 6:25 a.m. here in France :D

Friday April 4, 2008 12:26 Rick

12:26

[Comment From joejoe: ]

thanks!

Friday April 4, 2008 12:26 joe

12:27

You all are very welcome. Check back for a full schedule of MLS games coming up!

Friday April 4, 2008 12:27

12:27

As well as other games from around the world!

Friday April 4, 2008 12:27

12:27

[Comment From joejoe: ]

im here in manila philippines

Friday April 4, 2008 12:27 joe

12:27

San Jose lose their first game in their second stint as a franchise.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:27

12:28

Galaxy move to 1-0-1 W-D-L record, on 3 points.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:28

12:28

[Comment From BenjaminBenjamin: ]

Well played match but LA can't ease up, they still need to find a result against a seasoned team as there are still questions to be answered about the 4-0 meltdown.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:28 Benjamin

12:29

Agreed. LA put down a team in their infancy, now they need to prove it against a league favorite like Houston or Chivas USA, or one of the eastern teams as well.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:29

12:30

San Jose slip to 0-0-1 W-D-L record.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:30

12:31

For each team, their next game is on the weekend of April 12/13.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:31

12:31

San Jose play April 12 at home against the Chicago Fire, 4:30pm ET while LA play at 3pm ET on April 13 at home against Toronto FC.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:31

12:32

[Comment From BenjaminBenjamin: ]

So will there be live blogging for the first round of the Superclassico on the 26th?

Friday April 4, 2008 12:32 Benjamin

12:32

yes.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:32

12:32

SoccerTicker will have a new schedule of games up tomorrow!

Friday April 4, 2008 12:32

12:34

That is all for tonight. LA Galaxy win 2-0 for their first win of the season. San Jose debut does not go as planned, but they had their moments and look to be a promising side for the future.

Friday April 4, 2008 12:34

12:34

Have a good night! Thanks for tuning into SoccerTicker and as always, please come back!

Friday April 4, 2008 12:34

12:35

Thank you for reading today.

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