MLS Multiplex
Fansided

Columbus Crew vs. Los Angeles Galaxy: 10 Bold Predictions

By Jo-Ryan Salazar

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Jul 4, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Robbie Keane (7) celebrates with midfielder Juninho (right) and forward Jose Villarreal (left) after scoring a goal off of a penalty kick against the Columbus Crew during the second half at the StubHub Center. The Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the Columbus Crew 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Following a tough 3-2 defeat to a feisty Toronto FC outfit, Gregg Berhalter’s Columbus Crew continue their home stand on Aug. 16 against Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy at Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. It’s a battle between the master and student as both the Crew and Galaxy are in search of all three points.

Columbus are outside the top five with a record of 6-8-9 (27 points), while Los Angeles are 9-4-7 (34 points) after an unfortunate 2-2 draw with the San Jose Earthquakes at home. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by MLS LIVE. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Saturday’s contest between the Columbus Crew and Los Angeles Galaxy.

1. At least 40 fouls, under five cards

There won’t be a lot of cards issued in this game, unless the referee is looking for a raise. The MLS Multiplex is calling for at least 40 fouls whistled but under five cards issued.

2. Under five saves for Jaime Penedo

This will be a quiet night for Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo, who has 50 saves this season for the Los ANgeles Galaxy. The Plex is calling for under five saves from the Panamanian international.

3. At least five saves from Steve Clark

On the other hand, Columbus Crew goalkeeper Steve Clark will be active. Clark, this season, has 70 saves to his credit and is reliable when he has to be. Look for at least five saves from Clark.

4. Federico Higuain will score

This is going to be a game full of goals. One of the goalscorers from this match is Federico Higuain, who has nine goals this season for the Crew. The Plex is calling for Higuain to get on the scoresheet in the first half.

5. Ethan Finlay with a goal and an assist

A major playmaker for Columbus is this match is Ethan Finlay, who has five goals and three assists for Columbus. Watch for Finlay to make his presence felt in the second half of this contest, finishing with a goal and an assist.

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6. Gyasi Zardes scores for Los Angeles

A young gun with a hotstreak, Galaxy forward Gyasi Zardes has nine goals this season and is the second-leading goalscorer for the Galaxy. Watch for Zardes to get on the scoresheet in the first half.

7. Robbie Keane with a goal and an assist

Robbie Keane is the Galaxy’s captain for a reason. He leads the team in goals with 12 and is tied for most assists with seven. The Galaxy need to finish their sequences, and at Crew Stadium, watch for Keane to put it all together with a goal and an assist.

8. Landon Donovan drops the mic

Landon Donovan, one of the old men of this league, continues his retirement tour on Saturday in Columbus. Donovan will get on the scoresheet with a goal and an assist.

9. Stefan Ishizaki with an assist

Stefan Ishizaki has been the revelation among the new acquisitions for the Galaxy. With four goals and five assists, his role as a provider will be key. Ishi gets on the scoresheet with an assist in the second half.

10. A good game and a good victory for LA

The MLS Multiplex could have been on the money with Los Angeles against San Jose; the problem is that the Galaxy did not finish enough of their chances against the Earthquakes. In order for this scoreline to be on the spot, it comes down to the finishing. All the big guns need to come out firing and in a game full of goals, the MLS Multiplex has its sights set on a thriller going LA’s way.

Los Angeles Galaxy 3, Columbus Crew 2

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