San Jose Earthquakes forward Chris Wondolowski was voted Major League Soccer’s MVP on Thursday after scoring 27 goals to tie the season record set by Tampa Bay’s Roy Lassiter in 1996.
By Kyle McCarthy
The California Clasico returns to the postseason stage for the first time since 2005 when San Jose visits Los Angeles tonight. Here are five points to watch ahead of the clash at the Home Depot Center:
1. Lingering hostilities: Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez offered several critical comments about Steven Lenhart and the Earthquakes’ style of play after an ill-tempered 2-2 draw on Oct. 21. This match provides the perfect opportunity for the Earthquakes to issue their response on the field.
2. Ringing the changes: Bruce Arena promised a series of alterations to his starting XI after the 2-1 victory over Vancouver in the Knockout Round on Thursday night. He will hope to include A.J. DeLaGarza and Sean Franklin in the lineup after they missed out against the Whitecaps because of injury. Arena could also turn to Marcelo Sarvas or Christian Wilhelmsson in midfield to allow Landon Donovan to slide up front to partner Robbie Keane.
San Jose Earthquakes striker Chris Wondolowski tied Roy Lassiter’s 16-year-old single season goal-scoring record on Saturday. Watch Wondo score his 27th goal of the season!
