Real Salt Lake vs. Los Angeles Galaxy: 10 Bold Predictions
Mar 8, 2014; Carson, CA, USA; Real Salt Lake midfielder Javier Morales (11) hugs owner Dell Loy Hansen after the game against the Los Angeles Galaxy at StubHub Center. Real Salt Lake defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Fielding-USA TODAY Sports
Jeff Cassar…paging Jeff Cassar…are you taking notes? You’d better be. Because now you, the boss of Real Salt Lake have a bit of an idea of how to approach Bruce Arena and his battered, beaten and barely unbowed Los Angeles Galaxy football club. Yes, and here’s the good news: the MLS Multiplex is calling for your boys to win. Again! In more emphatic fashion, this time.
How, you ask, Jeffrey? These 10 Bold Predictions between Real Salt Lake and the Los Angeles Galaxy will give you a clue. Kickoff on Mar. 22 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah is scheduled for 2 p.m. MT/4 p.m. ET and will be televised by NBC Sports Network.
1. Goals, Goals, Goals! A goal festival!
If there is one thing the Los Angeles Galaxy have knocked out cold as a stone, it’s the concept of “Defense Wins Championships.” There will be no defense in this game. More than five goals will be scored. The Multiplex…calls for six.
2. Real Salt Lake with two on the trot in under 30
In order for Real Salt Lake to win the game, they have to hope Leonardo starts. But even if he doesn’t, RSL should have a solid time using their speed and acceleration to strike quickly. They get two in the first 30 minutes.
3. Joao Plata with a brace
Look out for this young gun: Joao Plata, who was the hero for Real Salt Lake in their first meeting. He will have a brace to lead the home side on Saturday.
4. Kyle Beckerman will score
Kyle Beckerman got on the score sheet last weekend against the San Jose Earthquakes and should be able to get the job done on Saturday with a goal and an assist.
5. Alvaro Saborio time!
Alvaro Saborio is one of the top players for Real Salt Lake, and you can count on Sabo to find the net on any given day. He will be on the score sheet in the second half.
6. Under five saves for Jaime Penedo
Goalkeeper Jaime Penedo will struggle in this game. The Galaxy backline couldn’t lift a middle finger to Tijuana and this lackluster effort will carry over against RSL.
7. Over five saves for Nick Rimando
Nick Rimando has had a strong showing so far. He was rock-solid against Los Angeles in the first meeting and he will make over five saves to lead the home side to the win.
8. Robbie Keane with a brace
If Robbie Keane gets into form, it’s pretty much game over if you’re a Real Salt Lake defender. This won’t factor much into the eventual winner, but Keano will get a brace of his own.
9. At least 30 fouls and four cards
The games between Los Angeles and Real Salt Lake are full of action and intensity. That’s what it’s all about. So look for at least 30 fouls and four cards of any color.
10. Real Salt Lake with the double-up
Chalk this up as a series win for Real Salt Lake over the Los Angeles Galaxy. A quick start, a hotstreak for Plata, Kyle Beckerman wearing [insert random LA Galaxy midfielder] like a boot, Sabo and Rimando…just too much to overcome.
Real Salt Lake 4, Los Angeles Galaxy 2