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Chivas USA vs. Los Angeles Galaxy: 10 Bold Predictions

By Jo-Ryan Salazar

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Apr 6, 2014; Carson, CA, USA; General view of the MLS match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA at StubHub Center. The Galaxy defeated Chivas USA 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

It’s the end of a long and storied rivalry that has divided the City of Angels for nearly a decade. Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy take on Wilmer Cabrera’s Chivas USA in the final edition of the SuperClasico at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. on Sunday, Aug. 31. With a record of 12-5-7 (43 points), the Galaxy have more to lose from this match than Chivas, who are 6-12-6 (24 points) and are at the bottom of the MLS Western Conference.

Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET and will be televised by UDN. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Sunday’s match between Chivas USA and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

1. At least 50 fouls and five cards

Both teams will be laying everything out on the line. There will be cards and there will be fouls. The MLS Multiplex is boldly prediction for at least 50 fouls whistled and five cards issued. Also, a player will get sent off.

2. Dan Kennedy with at least five saves

Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy gets one final crack at the Los Angeles Galaxy and it will be a tough one. The Plex is calling for at least five saves from Kennedy, but it may not be enough for Chivas to overcome LA.

3. At least five saves from Jaime Penedo

Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo was unfortunate to not secure the shutout against D.C. United midweek (blame Leonardo for that), but Penedo should be able to make his share of saves against a Chivas USA side with nothing to lose.

4. No goals for Chivas USA

Chivas USA are going down quietly in the final MLS match of August. There will be no goals scored from Chivas in this match, symbolic of how one-sided this rivalry has been. There will be chances, but not goals.

5. Landon Donovan will score

You know the name, you know the number. Landon Donovan has been the face of American soccer for years and against Chivas USA, he will show everyone why he is known as the “Chiva Killer.” Watch for Donovan to record at least a goal and an assist.

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6. Alan Gordon will show his Flash

Alan Gordon has played for both the Galaxy and Chivas USA, so he knows what to expect from both teams this match. A poacher and target forward by profession, Gordon will score in this match to make it three goals in four matches since returning to the Galaxy.

7. The return of Gyasi Zardes

Gyasi Zardes, after a decent hotstreak, has seen a decline in his scoring form. But against Chivas USA, watch for Zardes to make an immediate impact and score in the second half and rub it in to the loyal Chivas fans at the Hub.

8. Omar Gonzalez goes to work

Galaxy defender Omar Gonzalez is finding the back of the net, too, and he will need to do so to keep the Galaxy’s scoring form intact. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting a second-half header from Gonzalez off a set piece.

9. Robbie Keane with a goal and an assist

If there is one player that knows how to slam the door shut on Chivas USA, it’s Robbie Keane. Keane was a scratch on Wednesday due to an injury in their win over the Vancouver Whitecaps. Keane should be fit for Sunday, and look for the Irishman to get the mechanics right for once and score a goal and an assist—minimum, mind—against Chivas.

10. Los Angeles Galaxy kick Chivas USA out of relevance

On Sunday, watch for the Los Angeles Galaxy to read the Last Rites on this SuperClasico with Chivas USA. It’s going to be a goal festival, and a one-sided one at that, with Los Angeles destroying one of the worst teams in Major League Soccer, and a team that will be finding a new identity and purpose soon enough.

Los Angeles Galaxy 5, Chivas USA 0

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