Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake: 10 Bold Predictions
Nov 7, 2013; Sandy, UT, USA; A young Real Salt Lake fan approaches Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan (10) as he leaves the field following a 2-0 overtime loss to Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium. Real Salt Lake won the semi-final playoff series on an aggregate score of 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy kick off the 2014 Major League Soccer season on Saturday, Mar. 8 against Jeff Cassar’s Real Salt Lake at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Last year, Real Salt Lake eliminated the Galaxy in the 2013 MLS Cup Playoffs on aggregate. This time, Los Angeles are hoping to turn the tide and get the ball rolling in their favor.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by MLS LIVE. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Saturday’s tilt between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake.
1. At least four goals will be scored
There will be goals in this game. Plenty of scoring, plenty of big plays and sequences. A fun match for the fans to watch. The Plex calls for at least four goals to be scored.
2. Robbie Keane gets on the score sheet
Last year, Robbie Keane had 16 goals and 11 assists and was an MLS First XI selection for his efforts. On Saturday, he will get to do it again, with a goal and an assist.
3. Here comes Gyasi Zardes…
Gyasi Zardes only had four goals last season, but he led the team in shots with 78. A more composed and focused Zardes will be on display, as he will get on the score sheet.
4. Landon Donovan with an assist
Landon Donovan was second in goals and assists for the Galaxy with 10 goals and nine assists, and he will settle into his role as the team’s main provider with an assist in the second half.
5. Jaime Penedo with at least five saves
There will be a lot of stops that will need to be made from Jaime Penedo. He made 24 saves last season, and this time around, he should made quite a few more, with five stops against a vicious RSL firing squad.
6. Nick Rimando with at least four saves
Last year, Nick Rimando made 82 saves to lead Real Salt Lake. This week, he will made at least four in what should be an offensive showcase at StubHub Center.
7. Alvaro Saborio on the scoresheet
Alvaro Saborio led Real Salt Lake in goals with 12. One of the mainstays of RSL in terms of production, Saborio should be on goal in the first half.
8. Javier Morales with a goal and an assist
Javier Morales had eight goals and 10 assists in 2013 for RSL. A balanced player with a definite touch, Morales will have a goal and assist in this games.
9. At least 25 fouls and three yellows
It’s only the first week, and there will already be some bad blood brewing. At least 25 fouls will be whistled and three yellow cards will be issued.
10. This match will end in a draw
A draw will suffice for both these teams, who are evenly matched in terms of firepower, potency, heart, will, determination…It will be a great game to open up the season for both the Galaxy and Real Salt Lake.
Los Angeles Galaxy 2, Real Salt Lake 2