San Jose Earthquakes vs. Los Angeles Galaxy: 10 Bold Predictions

Aug 8, 2014; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Robbie Keane (R) chases the ball in front of San Jose Earthquakes defender Ty Harden (L) during the second half at StubHub Center. The game ended in a draw with a final score of 2-2. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy head to Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. for the final time in their meeting with Mark Watson’s San Jose Earthquakes on Sunday, Sept. 14. The Galaxy come into the match with a record of 14-5-8 (50 points), while the Earthquakes are 6-11-9 (27 points), good for eight place in the MLS Western Conference. Kickoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. PT/3 p.m. ET and will be televised by UniMas.

Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Sunday’s match between the San Jose Earthquakes and Los Angeles Galaxy.

1. At least 50 fouls and four cards

This is the final leg in one of the top rivalries in all of Major League Soccer, so look for the action to be intense on all corners. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting for at least 50 fouls whistled and four cards issued.

2. At least five saves from Jon Busch

Jon Busch has been doing a lot of work at goalkeeper for San Jose and he will have another big afternoon at the position, with at least five saves to his credit.

3. Jaime Penedo with at least five saves

With qualification for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup already secured, there is no need for Jaime Penedo to play in the third place game of the 2014 Copa Centroamericana Tigo. We here at the Plex think Penedo will get the start against San Jose and Penedo will make at least five saves on the afternoon.

4. Robbie Keane will score

Robbie Keane has 14 goals this season for the Galaxy and was unlucky to miss the back of the net against Montreal. The Plex is calling for Keano to score at least once against the Quakes. You will recall that Keane’s first-ever goal with the Galaxy came against San Jose, so this is more of the same.

5. Gyasinho does it again-o!

Gyasi Zardes has taken command as the top scorer in Major League Soccer this season with 15 goals to his credit. At this pace, he will reach the 20-goal mark in just his second year. Zardes will score in the second half against San Jose.

6. Marcelo Sarvas with an assist

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The pressure will be on Marcelo Sarvas to contribute on the pitch, especially with Dan Gargan and Landon Donovan out for the Galaxy due to yellow card accumulation. Sarvas will record at least one assist.

7. Alan Gordon will score

Alan Gordon is on a mission: to torment one of his former clubs. Gordo will show his flash by stunning the locals at Buck Shaw with a second half strike that will leave the fans wondering: why did we let him go again?

8. Chris Wondololowski will get on the scoresheet

The bright spot for the Quakes this season is forward Chris Wondolowski, who has 12 goals this season to lead San Jose. Watch for Wondo to get on the scoresheet in the first half against Los Angeles.

9. Here comes Cordell Cato

Cordell Cato has been on a bit of a tear, with three goals this season and is tied for the second-leading goalscorer on the Earthquakes first team. Cato will also get on the scoresheet in the first half.

10. Los Angeles wins, but it won’t be easy

Los Angeles’s struggles on the road have been well-documented this season, and this is going to be a rare road win for the Galaxy, but given that this is against the San Jose Earthquakes, it’s not going to be a walk in the park. It’s going to be a game, a real scrapper, and a goal festival. Still, LA need this win to keep up with the Seattle Sounders.

Los Angeles Galaxy 3, San Jose Earthquakes 2