Chivas USA vs. Real Salt Lake: 10 Bold Predictions
Jun 28, 2014; Carson, CA, USA; Real Salt Lake forward Joao Plata (8) and Chivas USA defenseman Donald Toia (25) battle for the ball during the second half at StubHub Center. Chivas USA defeated Real Salt Lake 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Jeff Cassar’s Real Salt Lake are feeling really filthy after giving up three points to Carl Robinson’s Vancouver Whitecaps last weekend. However, they have a chance to finally qualify for the playoffs on Sunday, Oct. 5 at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. against Wilmer Cabrera’s Chivas USA, whose players are fighting for their careers and futures as Chivas’s future is pretty much done and dusted.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. PT/5 p.m. MT/7 p.m. ET and will be televised by MLS LIVE. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Sunday night’s contest between Chivas USA and Real Salt Lake.
1. At least 40 fouls and four cards
This will be a tough, physical encounter, and there will be plenty of fouls and cards issued. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting for at least 40 fouls and four cards of any color.
2. Under five saves from Nick Rimando
Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando has made 60 saves to his credit and was surprisingly left out of the lineup last weekend against Vancouver. We here at the Plex think Jeff Cassar won’t make that same mistake twice and Rimando will make under five saves against Chivas.
3. At least five saves from Dan Kennedy
On the flip side, Chivas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy has been a one-man show on defense for the Goats, with 80 saves to his credit. Kennedy will make at least five saves on the night.
4. Erick Torres will score
Erick “Cubo” Torres will get in on goal in the first half. Torres has 15 goals to his credit and could be closing in on MLS FIrst XI honors if he keeps up his scoring form in October.
5. Joao Plata will score
Joao Plata is Real Salt Lake’s top goalscorer with 13 goals to his name. Watch for Plata to record his 14th of the season against Chivas USA.
6. Javier Morales with a goal and an assist
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Javier Morales is the heart and soul of Real Salt Lake. Morales has nine goals and 12 assists to his name and is a man built for a big occasion. The MLS Multiplex boldly predicts for at least a goal and an assist from Morales.
7. Alvaro Saborio finds his form
Alvaro Saborio is healthy once again, and his match fitness will be crucial to Real Salt Lake’s chances on Sunday. Sabo has seven goals this year, and will get in on goal in the second half.
8. Luke Mulholland joins the party
Luke Mulholland has six goals and six assists in a supporting role for RSL. Watch for Mulholland to record a goal and an assists in what is expected to be an old fashioned rout.
9. No goals or assists for Kyle Beckerman
One player that won’t be in the mix is Real Salt Lake midfielder Kyle Beckerman, who has 38 shots this season for the visitors this match. Beckerman won’t record a goal and assist but what he lacks offensively he makes up defensively, so be on the lookout for that.
10. Real Salt Lake pummel Chivas USA
This should be a clockwork performance for Real Salt Lake against Chivas USA. The gulf in class between these two teams is huge, and this result will put RSL back in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Real Salt Lake 4, Chivas USA 1