Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake: 10 Bold Predictions

Mar 22, 2014; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake forward Olmes Garcia (13) and Los Angeles Galaxy defender Leonardo (22) go up for a header during the second half at Rio Tinto Stadium. The match ended in a 1-1 draw. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy and Jeff Cassar’s Real Salt Lake are on opposite ends of the MLS Western Conference. Currently, Real Salt Lake are 7-3-7 (28 points) and are second in the West, coming off a strong 2-1 win over the New England Revolution. As for LA, they salvaged a 2-2 draw with the Portland Timbers and are 5-3-6 (21 points), good for sixth.

A win by either team will put them in the race for playoff positioning, but Los Angeles need every positive result they can get. Kickoff at StubHub Center on Saturday, July 12 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by MLS LIVE, CW30 and Time Warner Cable SportsNet. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Saturday’s match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake.

1. No goals for Landon Donovan

Landon Donovan’s form has been pretty poor this year. It just doesn’t look like he has the stride needed to be a competent player in this league. So Donovan will not get on the scoresheet against Real Salt Lake.

2. At least 40 fouls, under five cards

In terms of the physical aspect of this game, it will be run-of-the-mill. Fans will get to see their share of fouls and cards. The MLS Multiplex hereby predicts rather boldly for at least 40 fouls whistled and under five cards issued.

3. Jaime Penedo with at least five saves

Real Salt Lake will come out firing, period. That means Jaime Penedo will need to get on top of his game to help out the Galaxy. LA’s netminder will make at least five saves on Saturday night.

4. Nick Rimando with at least five saves

Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando is back on the saddle again after national team duty. He didn’t make any saves last weekend against the New England Revolution, but against the Los Angeles Galaxy, he will step his game up and make at least five saves on the night.

5. Javier Morales will score

This season, Javier Morales had five goals and five assists and is looking to round into form this weekend. Against the Galaxy, Morales will record a goal and an assist on the night.

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6. Joao Plata will score

Joao Plata has seven goals this season for Real Salt Lake. Oh yes, and he also has three assists but the man is well known for being a finisher with pace and speed. Look for Plata to score in this game.

7. Kyle Beckerman with an assist

There will be no goals for Kyle Beckerman, who is back after a strong showing at the FIFA World Cup, but he’s had a track record of success against the Los Angeles Galaxy and he will get at least an assist in this contest.

8. A penalty will be called

Rarely do I predict for a penalty to be called in a match, but since Real Salt Lake’s most recent victory came off a set of penalty kicks, the MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting for the referee to point to the spot at least once.

9. Robbie Keane will score

On the flipside, Robbie Keane will finally get back into scoring form. We’ve been waiting weeks for Keane to play up to his potential and against Real Salt Lake, he will pull one back.

10. Real Salt Lake takes the series

This year, Real Salt Lake will have the Los Angeles Galaxy’s number. It’s not just the standings that explain this result, it’s the form of the players and the team. And so far, RSL are in a solid position to continue their pursuit of one of the best teams in the league altogether in the Seattle Sounders.

Real Salt Lake 2, Los Angeles Galaxy 1