Carson, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Los Angeles Galaxy punched their ticket to the MLS Cup playoffs on Sunday after battling the San Jose Earthquakes to a scoreless draw in the latest edition of the California Classico at StubHub Center.
Coming off a well-played 1-0 home win over the Montreal Impact on Wednesday, the two-time defending champions gave themselves a chance to win a third straight title by claiming a point with a stout defensive effort.
San Jose on the other handed, entered the match needing three points to stay alive and was on the front foot for much of the opening 45 minutes.
The visitors created the best chance of the first half five minutes before the break when Steven Lenhart bullied his way to the end line and sent a cross into the penalty area. Chris Wondolowski got a solid header on goal, but Los Angeles goalkeeper Jaime Penedo made a fantastic diving save.
The game really opened up in the second half with both teams generating scoring opportunities. The Galaxy had the best chance of the half six minutes from time when Marcelo Sarvas ripped a low strike on goal but 'Quakes goalkeeper Jon Busch dove to his left to keep it out.
San Jose went for broke late on, brining forwards Alan Gordon and Mike Fucito off the bench looking for a winner, but the 'Quakes were unable to find the goal.
The result sees the Galaxy up to 52 points from 33 matches, while the Earthquakes are on the outside looking in with 48 points.
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