San Jose Earthquakes vs. Chivas USA: 10 Bold Predictions

Apr 26, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Yannick Djalo (10) drives with the ball past Chivas USA defender Carlos Bocanegra (3) during the final minutes of the second half at Buck Shaw Stadium. San Jose won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Here is a battle between two teams that can’t figure out the Los Angeles Galaxy when they are on a bad day. Well, to be fair, Wilmer Cabrera’s Chivas USA did hold the Galaxy to a 1-1 draw in their most recent meeting, while Mark Watson’s San Jose Earthquakes are coming off a tough 1-0 loss to the Galaxy where the shooting and headers were nothing but off. These two teams clash on July 2 at Buck Shaw Stadium on the campus of Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, Calif.

Here’s hoping that this will be a wide-open contest that will see plenty of scoring. A wide-open game is the centerpiece of these 10 Bold Predictions between Chivas USA and the San Jose Earthquakes. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by MLS LIVE.

1. Erick Torres will score

What can we say? Erick Torres is Erick Torres, and when Erick Torres is in form, he can be hard to stop. Torres will score in the first half and give the home fans something to think about on Wednesday night.

2. Dan Kennedy with under five saves

There won’t be a lot of saves from Chivas USA goalkeeper Dan Kennedy, namely because the likes of one Steven Lenhart can’t buy a header. Kennedy will make under five saves against the Quakes.

3. Jon Busch with under five saves

Kennedy’s counterpart, Quakes goalkeeper Jon Busch, will also have a quiet night because this will be a tough night for the finishers for long stretches of the game. Busch will make under five saves.

4. Steven Lenhart will finally score

Steven Lenhart has to be kicking himself for not getting a header past a certain Jaime Penedo. But against Dan Kennedy, Lenny will get it right and score in this contest.

5. Khari Stephenson will score for San Jose

Khari Stephensen came up dry on Saturday against the Los Angeles Galaxy, but he has a chance to redeem himself on Wednesday night against one of the worst teams in the league. Stephenson will score in the second half against Chivas USA.

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6. Leandro Barerra on goal for the Goats

In this goalfestival, Chivas USA are looking for a hero. One of those heroes could be midfielder Leandro Barrera, who need to step his game up and contribute to the cause. Barrera will score in the second half.

7. No goals for Alan Gordon

Whether Alan Gordon is starting or coming off the bench, Alan Gordon has hit a snag in his form and will be boldly predicted by the Bedlam on Baltic Avenue to come up empty in this game.

8. Carlos Alvarez comes off the bench to score

Chivas USA will win this game through the contributors off the bench. Carlos Alvarez is one of those players. This young gun will score for the Goats late in what looks to be the game-winner.

9. At least 40 fouls, at least four cards

It’s not the California Classico, but it’s close. Chivas USA and San Jose will engage in a very chippy contest and the MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting for at least 40 fouls whistled and at least four cards issued.

10. There is a pulse from Chivas USA

Chivas USA still have a chance to turn their season around, and after their breakthrough win over Real Salt Lake, they have reason to believe that they can get back on the winning track. In a wide-open goalscoring affair, Chivas USA gets the win.

Chivas USA 3, San Jose Earthquakes 2