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Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Colorado Rapids: 10 Bold Predictions

By Jo-Ryan Salazar

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Aug 20, 2014; Commerce City, CO, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan (10) celebrates his goal with forward Gyasi Zardes (11) in the second half against the Colorado Rapids at Dick

The matches between Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy and Pablo Mastroeni’s Colorado Rapids are free-flowing, high-scoring and action packed. The last meeting between these two teams saw the Galaxy rally back from a 3-1 deficit to prevail, 4-3, in a tale of two halves. This time around, at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. on Friday, the Galaxy will look to play a complete game of football, despite Jaime Penedo called up to Central American Cup play for Panama and Robbie Keane summoned to a friendly against Oman for the Republic of Ireland.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. MT/10:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by NBCSN. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Friday night’s match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Colorado Rapids.

1. At least 40 fouls and four cards

This is going to be a scrap between two teams going in opposite directions. Colorado are desperate for a victory and will go after it at any cost. Watch for at least 40 fouls in this match along with at least four cards of any color.

2. Brian Rowe with at least five saves

Penedo’s absence means that Brian Rowe will have two more games under his belt, and this is his big chance to shine under pressure. Look for Rowe to deliver a statement performance with at least five saves to his credit.

3. Clint Irwin with at least five saves

In a match full of shots, shots, and more shots, there’s going to be a few saves here and there, and Rapids netminder Clint Irwin will deliver. Irwin has 63 saves this season and will need to make at least five on Friday to keep the Rapids in this thing.

4. Deshorn Brown will score

This season, Deshorn Brown has eight goals and should be able to get another one through Rowe, who is not as flash as Penedo. Brown can finish, and he will be running rings around the Galaxy backline in a match with frenetic pace.

5. Dillon Powers with a goal and an assist

Dillon Powers has four goals and eight assists this season and will be a player to watch for the Rapids on Friday. Watch for Powers, Colorado’s top provider, to record another goal and assist against the Galaxy.

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6. Here comes Edson Buddle

Edson Buddle made history against the Galaxy with his 100th MLS goal, and on Friday night against Los Angeles, he will slide one past his former team in the first half.

7. Gyasi Zardes with a brace

Precision team passing will be the story of the night for the Galaxy if they are to win this game, and Gyasi Zardes will be the beneficiary. With 12 goals to show for it, Zardes will secure a brace and give Jurgen Klinsmann something to think about.

8. Landon Donovan with a goal and two assists

This is a match where Landon Donovan will shine. Donovan doesn’t need to score goals in bunches, but he will get in on goal. But aside from that, he’s making a march to pass Steve Ralston for most league assists in a career. Donovan will record a goal and two assists in this match.

9. Alan Gordon continues his form

Meanwhile, Long Beach born-and-raised target forward Alan Gordon will use his poaching ability to get another past Clint Irwin. Gordon scored his first goal with the Galaxy against Colorado, and he is slated to leave the Rapids wondering, “Can anybody stop this guy?”

10. Los Angeles wins yet another wild shootout

If you want goals, you’re gonna get them. If you want saves, yeah, you’re gonna get those as well. It’s a wide-open match between two fast-paced teams in the wild, wild, West. And in this goal festival, look for the Galaxy to take the series and start September off on a roll.

Los Angeles Galaxy 4, Colorado Rapids 3

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