L.A. wants to end slump against San Jose

Carson, CA – With almost a third of the season completed, the Los Angeles Galaxy are last in the Western Conference.

It's been a shocking start for the 2011 Major League Soccer Cup champions, but coach Bruce Arena is not worried - yet.

"I think on the season our record is probably not real precise in terms of how we've played," Arena said. "I think we've played a little bit better than our record indicates."

L.A. (3-6-2) lost the SuperClasico to Chivas USA on Saturday as its stretch of matches without a win reached five, and the Galaxy dropped to the foot of the Western Conference standings behind the Portland Timbers.

The Galaxy will try to reverse their fortunes Wednesday, when the San Jose Earthquakes come to town for the California Clasico. Although L.A. holds the all-time advantage in the series, the Earthquakes (7-2-3) have a 13-point edge in the standings this season.

As disturbing as the early-season struggles have been for L.A., it doesn't get easier from this point with Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane both absent due to international duty.

Both Donovan and Keane could miss extended time this summer, as Donovan joins the United States for World Cup qualifying and Keane joins Ireland for Euro 2012. It will give Arena a chance to find depth, but L.A. also needs results.

That's something it hasn't done early this season, even at home. In six games, L.A. has three losses and a draw the The Home Depot Center. The Galaxy did not lose at home all last season.

San Jose visits with an impressive 3-1-1 road record and could move to the top of the West table with a win midweek. The Earthquakes are just two points off the pace of first-place Real Salt Lake.

The 'Quakes and manager Frank Yallop also have to deal with international duty as Chris Wondolowski was named to the United States team as well and he leaves with an MLS-high 11 goals this season.

"Wondo has been in terrific form for us and we're happy to see him called up to the U.S. national team," Yallop said. "Hopefully he'll continue his success from our league onto the international level and put a few in the back of the net for Jurgen Klinsmann's squad."