California Clasico 2025: LA Galaxy vs. San Jose Earthquakes | OneFootball

Two of the original eight teams in Major League Soccer will square off against one another in Carson, California this evening. The six-time MLS Cup winners will host a two-time champion on Wednesday night,

The Los Angeles Galaxy are desperately searching and craving that first win to their season. In the 30-year history of the league, no team has gone this long without a win (15 games now).

After a pair of crucial shutout losses, the LA Galaxy have fared better. They first lost to Sporting Kansas City, 1-0, on an own goal. No other shot was taken by Sporting. Then, just when it didn't look it, things got even worse.

The LA Galaxy were demolished in the 7-0 rematch of last year's MLS Cup Finals against the New York Red Bulls. Another own goal was recorded by the Galaxy. Both were committed by veteran defenders, Maya Yoshida and Miki Yamane, respectively.

San Jose Earthquakes v LA Galaxy - Leagues Cup 2024 | Bob Drebin/ISI Photos/GettyImages

What's at stake for both the LA Galaxy and the San Jose Earthquakes?

Aside from going 16 games without a win, the Los Angeles Galaxy have nothing else to lose. The playoffs are far out of reach.

But, not for the Earthquakes. San Jose enters this game tied with Austin FC in the MLS Western Conference standings. They sit in the eighth spot with 19 points.

A win could elevate San Jose and their hopes to make the playoffs after missing them last year. They sat at home and watched the second-best team in the West go a to a record tenth MLS Cup Finals. That means the LA Galaxy have played in a thrid of the league's championship matches.

This year, they are more than likely going to have to wait until at least next season to make it an 11th appearance to the Finals.

San Jose Earthquakes v Houston Dynamo FC | Kelley L Cox/GettyImages

Familiar faces in Wednesday night's California Clasico?

Former LA Galaxy head coach, Bruce Arena, makes his second return to Dignity Health Sports Park. Arena won three titles during his tenure from 2008 through 2016. He won two titles previously during the league's first two seasons when with D.C. United.

San Jose was impressed enough with his resume and experience and named him the head coach of the Earthquakes ahead of last season.

Earthquakes' defender Dave Romney is a former member of the Los Angeles Galaxy. He joined the Galaxy after their 2014 MLS Cup victory and played for four five seasons. Arena was his coach during Romney's first two years in LA.

San Jose also have a forward on their roster who used to play for the LA Galaxy in Preston Judd. The Las Vegas, Nevada native made 17 appearances during the 2022 and 23' MLS seasons. Judd scored three times while playing for the Galaxy. He, too, joined the Earthquakes last year.

Wednesday night's game marks the third consecutive match for the LA Galaxy facing their California-based foes. The two teams will meet again on Saturday, June 28th in San Jose.