Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers: 10 Bold Predictions

May 11, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Timbers midfielder Maximiliano Urruti (37) battles for the ball with Los Angeles Galaxy defender Kofi Opare (28) at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

A couple of teams in the MLS Western Conference will look to take aim at the top five in the standings at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. on Independence Day 2014. Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy have a record of 5-3-5 (20 points). Meanwhile, Caleb Porter’s Portland Timbers stumble into the Hub with a record 4-5-8 after a 1-0 shutout loss to Sporting Kansas City at home.

Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. PT/11 p.m. ET and will be televised by NBCSN. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for the Independence Day match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Portland Timbers.

1. A sellout crowd at StubHub Center

Rarely do I make attendance predictions, but I will post this one anyway. There will be a sellout crowd of 27,000 at StubHub Center for this match between the Galaxy and the Timbers. Why? Because…fireworks? And not just the ones in the sky.

2. At least 45 fouls, and three cards

With both teams in a nip-and-tuck battle for points, this match will get a little rough around the edges. The MLS Multiplex is bold predictions for at least 45 fouls and three cards in this match.

3. Jaime Penedo with at least five saves

This will be one of the defining games for Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo, who has 31 saves this season for Los Angeles. There will be no shutout for Penedo, but he’ll make saves nonetheless. Penedo will make at least five saves.

4. At least five saves for Donovan Ricketts

Portland Timbers goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts will also make his share of stops. He leads the team in saves with 50 this season and will make at least five on July 4.

5. Maxi Urruti will score

Maximiliano Urruti has six goals this season for Portland and will score in this match for the Timbers against the Los Angeles Galaxy.

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6. Gaston Fernandez on goal

Gaston Fernandez also has six goals this season for the Timbers in league play and scored a brace in the U.S. Open Cup against Sporting Kansas City. Watch for Fernandez to score in this match against Los Angeles.

7. Robbie Keane with a brace

Despite seven goals this season, Robbie Keane has been on a dry spell for the Galaxy. Not anymore. On Friday, Keano will get in on goal and score a brace against Portland.

8. Landon Donovan delivers again

Landon Donovan also has been hitting a dry spell with his scoring, and he needs to step it up if he wants to reach 150 league goals this year. Donovan will score in the second half.

9. Will Johnson on goal for the Timbers

Will Johnson is another scoring machine for the Timbers with five goals to his credit. Johnson will score in the first half for Portland against the Galaxy.

10. This match will end in a draw

This will be a wide open game of offensive fireworks. It’s Fourth of July, why not let the goals fly already? The fans will get what they paid for…somewhat. Friday’s match ends in a draw. Enjoy.

Los Angeles Galaxy 3, Portland Timbers 3