Galaxy doomed by `embarrassing' start

CARSON >> The Galaxy had another chance to find a level of consistency, but in the end it was another opportunity lost.

The Galaxy allowed three firsthalf goals to California Classico rival San Jose on Wednesday at Dignity Health Sports Park, tried to rally, but fell 3-2 in front of 18,453.

“I actually thought we got off to a good start, then we commit a silly penalty, clumsy and then off the kickoff in less than 60 seconds, we give a second one (goal) back,” Galaxy coach Greg Vanney said. “It’s embarrassing.”

Dejan Joveljic did his best to bring the Galaxy back, scoring in the 48th and 88th minutes. Joveljic has scored eight goals this season.

“If we play with the right intensity, right intentions and we move together, we created enough to get back into the game and see something out of it,” Vanney said.

The loss leaves the Galaxy (88-3) on 27 points in the Western Conference heading into Saturday’s game at Colorado.

“We didn’t have the right mentality to get to settle in the game,” midfielder Victor Vazquez said. “It is about us not doing the right things. Playing at home again, against a rival, we have to bring the right mentality. It’s on us. It’s not about the technical staff, it’s about the players and we have to show a lot more.”

The Galaxy have suffered 3-2 losses in three of their last four games (Minnesota United, LAFC and San Jose).

The Galaxy were shorthanded with Chicharito Hernandez and Mark Delgado sidelined due to the league’s health and safety protocols. San Jose didn’t seem to care. The Earthquakes jumped on the board first on a successful penalty kick by Cristian Espinoza in the 13th minute.

One minute later, an errant pass by Sega Coulilbaly led to a San Jose goal by Jeremy Ebobisse for a 2-0 lead. Marcos Lopez capped the first-half scoring for the Earthquakes in the 40th minute.

Vanney made three substitutions to start the second half, bringing on Kevin Cabral, Chase Gasper and Douglas Costa.

Costa, who had missed the last two games serving a suspension, set up Joveljic’s second goal to get the Galaxy within one.