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Sporting Kansas City vs. Los Angeles Galaxy: 10 Bold Predictions

By Jo-Ryan Salazar

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April 20, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan (10) passes the ball against Sporting KC during the second half at Home Depot Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Here’s a match in Major League Soccer you don’t want to miss. Two rising powers clash at Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan. on July 19. Peter Vermes’s Sporting Kansas City are 9-5-5 (32 points) and are at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference, with D.C. United giving chase. Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy are hitting their stride with eight straight unbeaten matches to go with a record of 7-2-6 (27 points).

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. PT/5 p.m. CT/6 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN2. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Saturday’s match between Sporting Kansas City and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

1. At least 40 fouls and five cards

This will be a tough, physical match between two teams looking for all three points. The MLS Multiplex boldly predicts at least 40 fouls and five cards in this showdown.

2. Under five saves for Jaime Penedo

Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo did not register a single save against the New England Revolution, but Sporting Kansas City will pose a different threat. Thus, we are predicting under five saves for Penedo in this contest.

3. At least four saves from Andy Gruenebaum

This year, Sporting goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum, normally a backup, has three saves to his credit. This is one of those games where he has to be big in the clutch at home, especially with Eric Kronberg out due to injury. So, look for Gruenebaum to register at least four saves against the Galaxy on Saturday.

4. Dom Dwyer with a brace

Dominic Dwyer is one of the top goalscorers in MLS, with 14 goals to his credit. If Jurgen Klinsmann is smart, he caps him for the USA in their next friendly and takes him away from England, which he normally would be eligible for. Dwyer will be one of three players with a brace in this match.

5. Robbie Keane with a brace

Robbie Keane scored a brace on Wednesday against the New England Revolution, ending a slump dating back to May 25. If Keane can make an impact in this match, Don Garber might send him to the Portland for the All-Star Game. Keano gets another brace on Saturday.

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6. Gyasi Zardes with a brace

The revelation for the Galaxy this season has been the play of Gyasi Zardes, who now has six goals in eight matches to emerge as the second-leading goalscorer on the team. Zardes will continue his hotstreak with another brace against Sporting Kansas City.

7. Landon Donovan with two assists

Landon Donovan has not been much of a provider this year, with just four assists to his credit. However, against Sporting Kansas City, this is where Donovan steps his game up ahead of a big friendly with the always-powerful Manchester United. Look for two more assistsd from Donovan in this game.

8. Stefan Ishizaki with an assist

A big question mark for Los Angeles coming into this contest is whether or not Stefan Ishizaki makes an impact. Also with four assists this year, Ishizaki was huge in the 5-1 win over the Revs midweek and will also earn an assist in this game with Sporting.

9. Graham Zusi with an assist

There will be no goals for Graham Zusi in this game, but he will get an assist on one of Dom Dwyer’s goals. This season, Zusi has four assists and is coming off a strong World Cup campaign. Look for Zusi to make his name known on Saturday.

10. Los Angeles doubles up on Sporting Kansas City

There will be plenty of braces and goalscoring chances. A wide-open game between two solid MLS Cup contenders will see the Los Angeles Galaxy make it nine straight unbeaten games on the trot. The win will make for extra momentum heading into next week’s test match with Manchester United at the Rose Bowl.

Los Angeles Galaxy 4, Sporting Kansas City 2

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