A late goal by Miguel Berry in the 89th minute of the game complicated all sense of hope for San Jose to move on to the next round without depending their faith on their biggest rival.
SAN JOSE, CA –– Sometimes soccer can be cruel, especially when you try so hard. The fourth meeting in 2024 of the California Clásico showed the deficiencies the San Jose team had to hold a result.
Everything was served on the table for San Jose to take advantage of. Last Wednesday at PayPal Park, another chapter of the oldest rivalry in MLS took place. At this time, what was at stake was far beyond three points in the table; it was the aid of owning your destiny in the Leagues Cup 2024.
The game had a different vibe. It did not feel like an actual derby.
During the first 40 minutes of the game, the scene remained steady, with both teams vying for control. San Jose stars Amahl Pellegrino and Hernan Lopez had clear opportunities to put San Jose in the lead, but their efforts were thwarted, adding to the game's intensity.
In the 41st minute of the game, Diego Fagundez took a volley from a well-placed angle, giving the visitors the lead before halftime.
San Jose's challenge now was to keep the composure.
During the second half, San Jose increased its intensity. They knew what was at stake, and slowing down was not an option. Jeremy Ebobisse, who now has two goals in the Leagues Cup, lifted the hopes of the home team, scoring in the 75th minute of the game.
Mathematically speaking, with the 1-1 score, San Jose could have moved on repeating the same fashion as they did against Chivas.
Just like a Deja Vu, San Jose threw it all away, but conceded another game in the same style towards the final minute of the game in the 89th minute, by Miguel Berry of the LA Galaxy. The 2-1 score in the late regulation time put San Jose to start thinking about numbers and results beyond their control.
Also, a very special shout out to the San Jose Ultras who remained chanting and showing support after the game while the players and staff where taking in the loss in the middle of the field, a good sign of loyalty for a team that has suffered so much in the year the Quakes celebrate 50 years of foundation.
"Especially as we get into the real knockout games, it is going to be more diligently for everybody to play on both sides of the goal," Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said, addressing the media.
"Unfortunately, for the late goal, we did not apply good pressure when they dived the ball; we gave them time and space, and we were definitely punished," Quakes coach Ian Russell said.
"We need a good result. It is not the team we want them to win, but the group we are in," Jeremy Ebobisse said.
"We are privileged to do what we do, we need more personality and character from each of us," William Yarbrough said.
With a bad taste, San Jose needs LA Galaxy to win against Chivas on Sunday, it is still unclear whether Javier Hernandez returns to the pitch to play against his former team. A win and will drag San Jose to knock out stage.
