Galaxy edges Earthquakes on late goal in Leagues Cup opener
SAN JOSE — The Galaxy used a little late-game magic to win its Leagues Cup opener against the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday night at PayPal Park.
San Jose had tied the score on Jeremy Ebobisse’s goal in the 75th minute, but the visitors responded with substitute Miguel Berry’s tap-in off a Miki Yamane assist in the 89th minute and held on for a 2-1 win.
The Galaxy (1-0) leads West Group 2 and has a match still to play against Chivas de Guadalajara (0-1) on Sunday night in Mexico as it tries to advance to the knockout round of the 47-team tournament between MLS and Liga MX teams.
The Earthquakes (1-1), coming off a dramatic victory over Chivas on Saturday at Levi’s Stadium, had three open looks inside the 18-yard box during a 5-minute period midway through the first half.
Amahl Pellegrino, Carlos Gruezo and Hernan Lopez couldn’t convert their golden opportunities for the hosts, while the Galaxy’s Diego Fagundez delivered a magnificent curling strike for a 1-0 lead in the 41st minute.
Though Fagundez’s stunning curler was the goal of the match, Berry’s game-winner was similarly impressive. His volley came off a perfect touch near the goal line from Yamane, who was set up by Riqui Puig’s precise pass that cleared the San Jose back line.