The LA Galaxy was able to break through in the second half and defeat the San Jose Earthquakes 3-1 on Saturday night at the StubHub Center. Regardless that the match had four goals in it, this game was more of a physical defensive matchup.
However, the home club was able to pull through with Gyasi Zardes scoring two goals in a span of six minutes. Additionally, LA center back Jelle Van Damme was an immense force both offensively and defensively in the match. In two of the goal Van Damme supplied crucial passes that assisted or began the play.
Here is a closer look at the Galaxy’s players rating in the California Clasico.
Goalkeeper
Brian Rowe - 7
He was not tested too much in the match, but when called upon he made his presence felt. He ended the match with two saves, and the goal was not his fault.
Defenders
Robbie Rogers - 7
The former U.S. international put in an active shift against the Quakes. Defensively, he did a good job of frustrating the speedy Quincy Amarikwa. On the offensive end he was all over the place, giving the Earthquakes back line a lot of nervous moments with his runs down the flanks and setting up crosses or winning corners.
Daniel Steres - 6
Solid shift in a game where he was not tested too often.
Jelle Van Damme - 8
He was the heartbeat of the Galaxy’s defense in this match, as he constantly cleared up messes at the back and started attacks with his long balls and headers. He assisted Zardes' first goal and delivered the key pass for his second. The Quakes' goal was a blunder from him, but he was still able to put in a solid performance.
Ashley Cole - 6
Similar to Rogers, he was running up and down while putting in a shift. However, his performance in the second half did begin to drop off a bit.
Midfielders
Mike Magee - 6
In the first half he struggled to create any opportunities for himself or for others. After Simon Dawkins' red card, he came to life and was able to insert himself more in the attack.
Nigel De Jong - 7
The Dutch international was busy controlling the midfield and did not allow San Jose to pick up any momentum. He was able to get involved in the offensive end as well by firing a few shots and by completing key passes into the penalty box.
Steven Gerrard - N/A
He was subbed out in the third minute of the match and was not able to make an impact.
Gyasi Zardes - 8
Was lost at time in the first half, but in the second part of the match he exploded with two goals.
Forwards
Sebastian Lletget - 7
The former U.S. youth international was lined up as a striker but mostly played as an extra midfielder. Lletget did complete 92 percent of his passes in the match, was effective with the movement off the ball but was only able to fire off one shot in the game.
Robbie Keane - 6
The Irish international was having a quiet game until the ending of the second half, when he converted his penalty to put the game out of doubt.
Substitutes
Baggio Husidic - 7
He did complete 96 percent of his passes in the match. However, his touches in the final third failed him on numerous occasions. The two shots he took in the game went harmlessly out for a goal kick.
Emmanuel Boateng - 5
Ran at defenders in the few minutes he played in the match. However, he was not able to generate any serious dangerous chances.
Alan Gordon - N/A
Was not able to impact the game.
Manager
Bruce Arena - 6
He was able to motivate his team to break through in the second half. His decision to put in Husidic for Gerrard did work out, but Boateng was not effective and Gordon too was unable to do much. Against a better club, the Galaxy’s first half performance might have cost him points.