CARSON, Calif. – The LA Galaxy and San Jose Earthquakes have played countless memorable matches throughout their 21-year rivalry, but no California Clásico match may have been more significant for both sides than their epic Western Conference Semifinal clash during the 2012 MLS Cup playoffs.
The Galaxy headed into their Western Conference Semifinal series with San Jose as the defending MLS Cup champions, but it was the Earthquakes who were the favorites.
The Earthquakes won the MLS Supporters’ Shield that year thanks to 27 goals from previously unheralded Chris Wondolowski and a series of dramatic late-game comebacks including a victory at StubHub Center over the Galaxy in May.