Philadelphia Union vs. Seattle Sounders: 10 Bold Predictions

May 3, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC forward Clint Dempsey (2) and forward Kenny Cooper (33) after the game against the Philadelphia Union at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Philadelphia 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup is one of the oldest cup competitions in the United States and tonight, at PPL Park in Chester, Pa., two Major League Soccer clubs will duel for the right to be named the best in American club soccer. Sigi Schmid’s Seattle Sounders are no strangers to lifting the U.S. Open Cup, having done so in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

After falling short in 2012, the Sounders will look to lift the cup a fourth time against Jim Curtin’s Philadelphia Union, a similarly young side that may not have the history of success as its opponent, but is hoping to make their first big step forward by winning its first piece of club silverware. The winner of this contest qualifies for the 2015-16 CONCACAF Champions League. Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by GolTV. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for the 2014 U.S. Open Cup Final between the Philadelphia Union and Seattle Sounders.

1. At least 50 fouls and five cards

This will have all the making of a cup final because, well, it IS a cup final. Look for plenty of physical play, fouls whistled and cards issued. The MLS Multiplex is calling for at least 50 fouls and five cards of any color.

2. A red card will be issued

In fact, the action is going to be so intense that someone on either side is going to be heading for the dressing room midway through the contest, if not sooner. The Plex is calling for at least one red card in this game.

3. Andre Blake with at least five saves

It would be extremely risky for Zac MacMath to be given the start tonight, so look for Andre Blake to put on a heroic performance. Blake only has seven saves this season in MLS, but against Seattle, Blake will make at least five on the night.

4. Stefan Frei with at under five saves

If the Sounders have dreams of a treble, Stefan Frei will need to start. With 82 saves under his belt in league play, Frei won’t have to do too much work, but he will make under five saves.

5. Obafemi Martins will score

This is a night where all hands need to be on deck. Obafemi Martins has 13 goals this season for the Sounders and will score in the first half against Philadelphia.

6. Clint Dempsey gets going

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In big matches like the U.S. Open Cup Final, Clint Dempsey will look to savor the moment and show his class in Chester. The MLS Multiplex boldly predicts for a first-half goal from Dempsey.

7. Andy Rose gets to work

Andy Rose has been on fire as of late for the Sounders, scoring in Open Cup and MLS play. Rose will get in on goal in the second half, adding to the misery of the home side tonight.

8. Lamar Neagle with a goal and an assist

The MLS Multiplex declares that Seattle’s X-factor in this match will be Lamar Neagle, who has six goals and six assists for the Sounders in league play. Neagle will get a goal and an assist to lead Seattle.

9. Sebastien Le Toux salvages pride for Philly

Sebastien Le Toux is Philadelphia’s top goalscorer and arguably the face of the Union, with 12 goals and six assists in league play. Le Toux will score in the second half, but by that point, it’s a foregone conclusion.

10. Seattle take the first step toward a treble

The Seattle Sounders have a long road to go before they can even think of a treble. However, this Open Cup victory is going to put the entire league on notice. With a somewhat comfortable lead in the Supporters’ Shield race, the possibility of a unique double looms large.

Seattle Sounders 4, Philadelphia Union 1