LA Galaxy vs. San Jose Earthquakes, 2012 MLS Cup Playoffs: SJ does it again, wins it late

The second half was a bit brighter, as LA pushed forward more and was able to carry the ball into the final third a bit more often, but more often than not their crosses couldn’t find their target and they couldn’t create anything through the middle. As the half went on they appeared to tire, having played just three days earlier, and the Earthquakes were happy to let them run around. For them, a draw was a positive result and they were always in a good spot to earn that the way the match was going.

If the LA legs were heavy in LA, they will only be heavier on Wednesday night in the second leg. That match gets underway at 11 p.m. ET in San Jose, where just a home draw will send the Quakes to the Western Conference final.

Both sides were as cautious as possible, taking every opportunity to close down space and defend, and rarely looking to get forward. The Galaxy showed a little bit more ambition, creating a couple chances, but they were hardly offensive juggernauts.

Unless one team changes things up, it looks like a scoreless draw is the most likely score. They will go to the second leg level and make it a one match, win or go home battle. Right now, it doesn’t look like either will budge.