Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy will be up and at 'em for another round of home cooking. The San Jose Earthquakes come to town in the renewal of the California Clasico on Thursday, July 22 at the Home Depot Center.

With Real Salt Lake dropped in unceremonious fashion by FC Dallas last week, the Los Angeles Galaxy inch ever closer to the Major League Soccer Supporters' Shield. With a 12-2-3 record (39 points), the G's sit nine points ahead of RSL in the MLS Western Conference and eight ahead of overall second-place side Columbus Crew.

Currently, Frank Yallop's Quakes sit fifth in the MLS Western Conference with a 6-4-4 record (22 points) and are also in position to claim the last MLS Cup Playoff spot.

The California Clasico predates the Honda SuperClasico between the Galaxy and Chivas USA by several years, going back to the league's founding in 1996.

In the very first match between between the Galaxy and the Quakes (who were called the San Jose Clash at the time), held on April 28, 1996 at the Rose Bowl, the Galaxy won 2-1.

Since then, the Galaxy have dominated their Northern California rivals, boasting a 26-16-5 record through the conclusion of the 2009 season.

In the last match between the two sides, held at the Home Depot Center on October 24, 2009, an own goal by Bobby Burling in the 24th minute combined with a 77th minute strike from Landon Donovan gave the Galaxy a 2-0 victory and in effect winning the series on aggregate 3-2.

The last time San Jose won the California Clasico was in 2005, when they destroyed the Galaxy on aggregate 9-3. San Jose has only been able to win the California Clasico two other times: in 1997 (6-4) and 2001 (a 6-0 shutout).

The Earthquakes are led by Chris Wondolowski and Bobby Convey. Wondolowski is the team's leading striker with six goals to his credit. Other players to watch out for on the offensive side of things for San Jose are Arturo Alvarez and Ike Opara. Both have three goals to their name so far this season.

Convey is the team's main playmaker, leading the Quakes with eight assists. Ryan Johnson is another facilitator to watch out for in the Quakes attack. Johnson is second on the team with four assists.

Wondolowski and Convey will be marked heavily by the Galaxy backline, led by ironman Todd Dunivant and Mr. Reliable himself, Omar Gonzalez.

Dunivant has played in every league match thus far and every game minute. Gonzalez, in spite of sitting out a one-game suspension against the New England Revolution earlier this year, has proven vital to the club with his ability to hold opposing attackers at bay.

Galaxy goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, in spite of slight rustiness as of late, currently has a 12-2-2 record and has made 44 saves to go with a 84.6 save percentage and a 0.50 goals against average.

Edson Buddle has his scoring form back, leading the league with 11 goals while playing a part in LA's 2-1 victory over D.C. United at RFK Stadium on Sunday. Landon Donovan leads the league in assists with 10.

The Buddlevan Connection will look to slice apart a defense led by Jason Hernandez and Brian McDonald. Hernandez leads the team in league minutes with 1,260, and he and McDonald will be forced to suppress the creativity from the Galaxy's midfield, led by Chris Birchall, Juninho and Sean Franklin.

Prediction

Attention, attention, this home-cooking class is now in session! (Hey, I just made a rhyme. Thank you, thank you, you're far too kind.) In one corner we have the Iron Chefs, the Galaxy. In the other corner, the challengers, the Earthquakes.

Knowing that in most cases of rather rigged show of culinary renown, the Iron Chef wins, I'll give this one to the Galaxy. Bon appetit!

Los Angeles Galaxy 3, San Jose Earthquakes 1

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Home Depot Center and will be televised by ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.

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