The Supporters' Shield is now in the possession of the San Jose Earthquakes.
With Sporting Kansas City's scoreless draw with the New York Red Bulls, the Earthquakes clinched the trophy for the league's best record with two games remaining. San Jose returns to action on Sunday against the LA Galaxy in a match that still holds major playoff seeding implications for LA. With the Shield in their possession, the Earthquakes lock down home-field advantage throughout the MLS Cup Playoffs as well as the MLS Cup Final should they reach that far -- where they'd actually host match remians to be seen -- and a spot in the 2013/2014 CONCACAF Champions League. The Earthquakes also break the Galaxy's streak of two consecutive Shield victories. To this date, no team has ever won the Shield in three consecutive seasons, the Galaxy (2010/2011), Columbus Crew (2008/2009), and D.C. United (2006/2007) have each won the Shield two years in a row.
San Jose's clinching of the Shield could have implications on Sunday's match as head coach Frank Yallop may choose to rest players like the injured Alan Gordon as the team looks ahead to the playoffs. One player that is unlikely to take the pedal off the gas is forward Chris Wondolowski, who is chasing Roy Lassiter's MLS record for goals scored in a single season. Wondolowski's 25 goals are just two off Lassiter's mark of 27, which was set during the 1996 season.
Check out the match preview for Sunday's match from LAGalaxy.com below.
