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Los Angeles Galaxy vs. FC Dallas: 10 Bold Predictions

By Jo-Ryan Salazar

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May 21, 2014; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy defender Dan Gargan (33) is defended by FC Dallas midfielder Victor Ulloa (28) at StubHub Center. The Galaxy defeated FC Dallas 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

While Sigi Schmid’s Seattle Sounders close in on the second step towards a historic treble in the 2014 Major League Soccer season, Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy will make a massive leap towards the MLS Cup Playoffs with a win over Oscar Pareja’s FC Dallas at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. on Saturday, Sept. 20. With a record of 14-5-9 (51 points), the Galaxy sit in second place in the MLS Western Conference and take on an FC Dallas side that is 13-9-6 (45 points), good for fourth place in the West.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by MLS LIVE. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Saturday’s contest between the Los Angeles Galaxy and FC Dallas.

1. At least 40 fouls, under five cards

This match will be full of physical play but the cards will be few and far between. The MLS Multiplex relishes in taking a punt on fouls and cards and for this match, we’re calling for at least 40 fouls whistled and under five cards issued.

2. At least five saves for Jaime Penedo

Fresh off national team duty for the Panama national team at the Copa Centroamericana Tigo, Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo will continue his solid season with a big night in goal at home. The Plex is calling for at least five saves for Penedo.

3. Raul Fernandez with at least five saves

Last weekend against the Vancouver Whitecaps, FC Dallas goalkeeper Raul Fernandez made just one save. However, against a Los Angeles Galaxy side that returns Landon Donovan and Dan Gargan alongside Robbie Keane and Gyasi Zardes, Fernandez will need to make a lot more saves. In a night full of stops, Fernandez will make at least five saves.

4. Landon Donovan with a goal and two assists

Due to being suspended as a result of yellow card accumulation, Landon Donovan was unable to set the new regular season career assists record against the San Jose Earthquakes. Donovan won’t set it this Saturday against FC Dallas either, but he will get even closer to the mark, recording a goal and two assists.

5. Robbie Keane will score

Robbie Keane was unfortunate to hit the woodwork from the spot last weekend, but this time, his finishing will hit its stride this Saturday against FC Dallas. Keane will score in the first half.

6. Gyasi Zardes continues his Golden Boot quest

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While Gyasi Zardes fell off the pace a bit last weekend, he will find his stroke this weekend against FC Dallas. Zardes has 15 goals this season and will look to make it 16 on Saturday, scoring in the second half and giving the home fans another free oil change from the folks at Tire Pros.

7. Blas Perez will score

This season, Blas Perez has eight goals and is tied for the second-leading goalscorer alongside Michel. Look for Perez to provide an offensive spark.

8. Here comes Tesho Akindele

Tesho Akindele is making a case for MLS Rookie of the Year honors, scoring seven goals this season. Watch for Akindele to continue his success of scoring on the Galaxy this Saturday with a goal in the first half.

9. Fabian Castillo with a goal and an assist

Fabian Castillo is FC Dallas’s leading goalscorer with nine goals but he also has four assists to his name. In what looks to be an electrifying shootout, Castillo will record a goal and assist against Los Angeles.

10. This match will end in a draw

Wins are starting to become harder to come by, and for the Galaxy, they will have to nickel and dime their way to the playoffs, as will FC Dallas. Both are above the red line, but with the talent on both sides of the ball, this match will have to end in a draw.

Los Angeles Galaxy 3, FC Dallas 3

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