After an exciting Sunday of Leagues Cup 2024 action, things have come together for the San Jose Earthquakes. They have officially advanced to the Round of 32, thanks to the result of LA Galaxy vs. Chivas. After defeating San Jose, LA Galaxy had their ticket into the next round, but wanted to continue their form by having a similar starting lineup to take on Chivas at Dignity Health Park.
Both the Chivas and LA Galaxy made things interesting early as both clubs scored early in their matchup mere minutes apart. Alan Mozo gave Guadalajara their opening goal in the 8th minute, and after restarting there was an immediate response by Joseph Paintsil in the 11th minute. The teams continued to put heavy pressure on both ends with a lot of speed. Riqui Puig continued to showcase why he is one of MLS's major players as a lot of the times he was cutting through the Chivas defense to get the ball in areas to create chances. The Chivas seemed to rely on the wing play to get the ball in mid-field for most of their attacking approach. The game would remain tied 1-1 heading in halftime.
Things seemed to be smooth sailing for the LA Galaxy after a Gabriel Pec goal in the 67th minute, but the Chivas gave everything they had moving into the final minutes of the game. The Chivas put themselves in the position to put a lot of pressure on the of Los Angeles, and forced a handful of corner kicks. Cade Cowell, known for his time with the San Jose Earthquakes and for being the Youngest MLS Player to log 100 minutes, was able to get on the scoring sheet and level the game 2-2 and give Guadalajara a chance to secure their spot.
The LA Galaxy were able to defeat the Chivas in penalty kicks, and this allows the San Jose Earthquakes to be able to host a Round of 32 game at PayPal Park for the first time. San Jose will host the Liga MX side Necaxa who just recently defeated the Seattle Sounders 3-1 to win their respected group.
Although things didn’t go San Jose‘s way against the LA galaxy, it is the LA galaxy who give San Jose a chance to continue the run in the Leagues Cup.
The LA Galaxy have been in great form throughout the entire season playing impressive football. Ruqui Puig is the focus, but players like Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil have made major impacts to the club. Los Angeles continues to prove that they are a club to be on the lookout for and they have a serious chance to become the champions of MLS.
San Jose has been playing it in a different form since the Leagues Cup started. They also have their starting goalkeeper Daniel back and available. The Earthquakes played with a whole new sense of confidence once Daniel returned between the go post, and they look ahead to be able to play and defend home turf.
It’ll be exciting to see PayPal park with a playoff environment once again, and the fans will have something to look forward too. The game, for San Jose against Club Nexaca, takes place on August 8 with a time to be determined.
The LA Galaxy will travel to take on Seattle Sounders. The Sounders lost against Nexaca 3-1 in their game on Sunday. LA Galaxy currently has a single win against Seattle and a draw on the season during MLS Regular season play.
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