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Earthquakes-Galaxy Preview

Jul 21, 2010 - 8:51 PM By BRETT HUSTON STATS Writer

San Jose (6-4-4) at Los Angeles (12-2-3), 10:30 p.m. EDT

The Los Angeles Galaxy haven't lost when Landon Donovan has been in the lineup this season, and they have done nothing but win when he's contributed to the scoresheet.

That trend should concern the San Jose Earthquakes more than most teams.

Donovan has scored in four consecutive games against the Galaxy's California Clasico rivals, a run he will look to continue Thursday night as Los Angeles tries to extend its home unbeaten streak to 13.

Donovan missed five Galaxy games while he was with the U.S. national team, and although the Galaxy (12-2-3) went 3-1-1, they have recently seen what his presence means.

He assisted on an Edson Buddle goal in a 3-1 home victory over Seattle on July 4, but Los Angeles lost 2-0 at New England on July 10 while giving the World Cup star a rest.

Donovan was back in the starting 11 on Sunday in the nation's capital, and he again proved to be the difference. He assisted on another Buddle goal - the striker's league-best 11th - and scored on a penalty kick to lift the Galaxy to a 2-1 win over D.C. United.

Los Angeles is 9-0-2 with Donovan in the lineup, and 8-0-0 when he records a goal or an assist.

"Every team he's on, he makes a difference," said Galaxy coach Bruce Arena, who also coached Donovan at the 2002 and 2006 World Cups.

Commissioner Don Garber said last week that MLS would not consider transfer offers for the league's biggest star. That's bad news for the Earthquakes (6-4-4), who certainly wish they wouldn't have to face him.

Donovan, who played with San Jose from 2001-2004, has three goals and two assists in four games against the Earthquakes since his former franchise resumed operation in 2008.

Los Angeles has beaten San Jose 2-0 at home in each of the last two seasons, and it's been all but unbeatable at the Home Depot Center since late 2009. The Galaxy are 11-0-1 in their past 12 home games, but figure they will be in for a fight against one of their original rivals.

"We know how important this game is," Arena said. "We know how good San Jose is and how much they've improved from last year."

San Jose won once in 15 road games last season, but has three road victories in 2010. The Earthquakes fell behind early at Philadelphia on July 10, but Cornell Glen tied the score just before halftime and Arturo Alvarez's stoppage-time strike in the second half gave them a 2-1 win.

San Jose took a step away from its MLS schedule to play Tottenham of the English Premier League in an exhibition Saturday, and was encouraged by its scoreless draw.

"If we can play against (Tottenham), I don't see why we shouldn't be able to play against L.A.," midfielder Bobby Convey said. "We should come out and do the same thing: Press high, possess the ball. I think we've got some guys in good positions now and everyone is back healthy."