Mar 3, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena during the game against the Chicago Fire at The Home Depot Center. Galaxy won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy got a massive boost when it was revealed that Chicago Fire forward Mike Magee would not be available to play for Frank Yallop’s Fire on Sunday at Toyota Park in Bridgeview, Ill. So this leads us to a major question that must be asked among those who believe in conspiracies the same way people believe in gods: is Magic Mike, a former Galaxy swingman, pulling the strings here?
Hmmmm. You just have to wonder which side The Magee is REALLY on. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. PT/3 p.m. CT/4 p.m. ET and will be televised by MLS LIVE. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Sunday’s match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Chicago Fire.
1. A new record will be set for Landon Donovan
Yes, you heard that right. Because, after all, the only man in this great, big, MLS-filled world that can surpass Landon Donovan in all goals scored in regular season play is…wait for it…Landon Donovan! So look for LD to get on the score sheet and finish with clinical precision in the first half.
2. Robbie Keane will score, too
Robbie Keane is on his way to getting a chance to test himself against Bayern Munich in the MLS All-Star Game. Keane will need to keep his scoring form in form, and in the first half, that’s exactly what will happen.
3. Jaime Penedo with at least five saves
Jaime Penedo, this season, has 26 saves to his credit and will earn at least five saves against a depleted Fire outfit. Just don’t let the Fire score a penalty on you, Jimmy P. (Yes, and I’m looking at you, young Raul Mendiola.)
4. Here come Gyasi Zardes
Gyasi Zardes only has one goal this season, but when he has a chance to get space and finish, it’s pretty much game over if you’re Sean Johnson. Zardes scores in the second half, despite the free oil promotion not taking effect because LA are on the road. Oh, and speaking of Johnson…
5. Sean Johnson with at least five saves
Sean Johnson is going to need a big game on Sunday, and he will get it against the Galaxy. Watch for at least five saves from Johnson.
6. And here comes Quincy Amarikwa
This season, Quincy Amarikwa leads the Fire with five goals and 25 shots. With no Mike Magee in the lineup, expect Amarikwa to score on the Galaxy in the second half.
7. Shipp’s Ahoy!
Harry Shipp this season has three goals, four assists and 17 shots. Look for this youngster to perhaps be the new Mike Magee. Yes, I know, there can only be one, but there can always be a successor. Shipp will get a goal and an assist.
8. Stefan Ishizaki makes it great
The important thing for Stefan Ishizaki is to find consistency with Los Angeles. Two goals and two assists so far, but Ishizaki can do better. He’ll get another goal and another assist on Sunday.
9. At least 50 fouls, under six cards
This is going to be a gritty clash in a suburb of the Windy City. Of course, with the Blackhawks and Kings dueling off in the NHL Western Conference Finals, the love between Chicago and Los Angeles will not be lost. At least 50 fouls will be whistled and under six cards will be issued.
10. Los Angeles shakes off its road woes with style
In a goal festival at Toyota Park, the Los Angeles Galaxy will finally shake off their road woes and pull out a statement win on the road. Perhaps the intention for Jurgen Klinsmann was to help the Galaxy win the MLS Cup by sending Landon Donovan back to Bruce Arena and Co. ahead of the show in Brazil. If that’s the case, the Fire are in trouble.
Los Angeles Galaxy 4, Chicago Fire 2