Jones's Goal in First SuperClasico

On This Day in 2005, Cobi Made History When He Opened the Scoring Against Chivas

When Cobi Jones stepped onto the pitch at the Home Depot Center on April 23, 2005, he took part in a landmark moment for American soccer. Jones had already secured his place in league history as the only player to have remained with the same club for each of Major League Soccer's first ten seasons. But the inaugural "SuperClasico" between his LA Galaxy and expansion side Chivas USA would provide yet another defining chapter in his storied career.

Jones' journey to this historic derby match had been remarkable. Since scoring the Galaxy's first-ever goal in 1996, he had become the face of the franchise and American soccer, amassing 59 goals and 71 assists in 226 MLS matches. His international career was equally impressive—159 appearances for the United States, three World Cups, and the distinction of being the youngest men's player to reach 100 international caps.

The 2005 season represented a significant transition for the Galaxy. The team had undergone a comprehensive rebuild, with only 12 players remaining from the previous campaign. The addition of Landon Donovan had generated considerable excitement. Still, the veteran core—led by Jones—would determine whether this dramatically reshaped squad could gel into a championship contender.

As the teams took the field before a sellout crowd of 27,000, the electricity in the air was palpable. Though both clubs shared the Home Depot Center as their home ground, there was nothing friendly about this neighborhood rivalry. Galaxy midfielder Peter Vagenas had even considered wearing a t-shirt reading "Chivas' rent is due next week," indicative of the good-natured but genuine rivalry brewing between the clubs.

The match quickly swung in the Galaxy's favor. In the 14th minute, Jones announced his presence in emphatic fashion. After Tyrone Marshall's header found Chris Albright, whose shot was cleared off the line by Hector Cuadros, the ball fell perfectly to Jones at the top of the box. The veteran midfielder unleashed a powerful right-footed blast that roared under the crossbar, giving the Galaxy a 1-0 lead and sending the pro-Galaxy contingent into raptures.

For Jones, the goal was particularly sweet. Having gone nearly two years without finding the net, he scored in consecutive matches after scoring two weeks earlier against Real Salt Lake. His celebration reflected both personal relief and the significance of notching the first-ever goal in this nascent rivalry.

The Galaxy didn't let up after Jones' opener. Vagenas doubled the advantage in the 24th minute, breaking through the Chivas defense and coolly slotting past rookie goalkeeper Brad Guzan. After scoring, Vagenas raced to the corner where Chivas supporters were seated and cupped his hands to his ears in a provocative celebration that further inflamed the derby atmosphere.

Just eight minutes later, Jovan Kirovski made it 3-0 with a cleverly executed free kick that curled into the net, leaving Guzan helpless. By the 33rd minute, the Galaxy had effectively secured victory in the inaugural SuperClasico. Chivas USA pulled one back through Isaac Romo early in the second half, but their comeback hopes were dashed when Aaron Lopez received a second yellow card in the 52nd minute. Playing a man down, Chivas never seriously threatened again, and the Galaxy comfortably saw out their 3-1 triumph.

Jones' goal and performance in the match symbolized his enduring importance to the Galaxy. Despite the addition of Donovan and other new talents, the veteran remained a vital piece of the puzzle—not just for his skill but also for his leadership in integrating the rebuilt roster into a cohesive unit.

The victory was just the beginning of a memorable campaign for Jones and the Galaxy. Despite an inconsistent regular season that saw them finish as the eighth and final playoff seed with a 13-13-7 record, the team found its form at the perfect time. Their postseason run culminated in an MLS Cup Final against the New England Revolution, where Guillermo "Pando" Ramirez's overtime goal secured a 1-0 victory and the club's second championship.

For Jones, who had been with the Galaxy through earlier championship disappointments, the 2005 MLS Cup represented the perfect capstone to a season that began with his historic goal in the first SuperClasico. His ability to deliver in the biggest moments—whether in a heated local derby or during a championship run—cemented his legacy as not just a Galaxy icon, but as one of Major League Soccer's most enduring and impactful figures.