CARSON, Calif. – Gyasi Zardes found the perfect time to open his account for 2016, bagging a brace in the LA Galaxy’s 3-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes in the first California Clásico of 2016.
Zardes scored twice in quick succession in the second half to help the Galaxy break down a 10-man San Jose squad that seemed content to bunker after Simon Dawkins’ sending off in the final minute of the first half. The performance was Zardes’ fourth multi-goal game in a Galaxy kit.
After failing to score in the club’s first five competitive matches of 2016, Zardes was understandably pleased to get on the score sheet.
“It feels amazing to score some goals,” Zardes told reporters after the victory. “They’re my first couple of goals for the year. It feels great and wonderful.”
The 24-year-old Homegrown Player capitalized on Dawkins’ expulsion, as the forward was able to exploit the added space in the Earthquakes midfield.
He struck pay dirt in the 55th minute when he poked home a headed cross by Jelle Van Dame to give Los Angeles the lead. Zardes added his second just six minutes later when he pounced on a failed Earthquakes clearance and slotted the ball in the back of the opposition’s net.
“Gyasi changed things,” midfielder Mike Magee said. “He got in good spots. We needed someone to open it up; otherwise they were just going to sit back. Credit to Jelle for winning a 50/50 ball and Gyasi for being at the right place at the right time and starting it up.”
Zardes will now turn his attention to the U.S. National Team, who have called up the Hawthorne native for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Guatemala. However, before he departs for USMNT duty, the Southern California product will take a moment to savor his role in the victory over the club’s hated rivals from the North.
“The Cali Clásico is one of the big games of the year,” Zardes said. “Our fan base knows it and we know it as well. We knew once we stepped onto that field, we wanted to win.”
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com
