Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Toronto FC: 10 Bold Predictions

Mar 30, 2013; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Landon Donovan (10) carries the ball past Toronto FC midfielder Jeremy Hall (25) at BMO Field. Toronto and LA tied 2-2. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy will look to keep pace with Sigi Schmid’s Seattle Sounders on Saturday, Oct. 4 when they face Greg Vanney’s Toronto FC at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. With a record of 16-5-9 (57 points), the Galaxy need three points to catch up with Seattle, who are almost certain to take all three against the Colorado Rapids. As for Toronto FC (11-11-7, 40 points), they are below the red line and must win to stay alive in the playoff hunt.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by TSN, MLS LIVE and RDS2. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Saturday’s encounter between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Toronto FC.

1. Landon Donovan breaks the assists record

Landon Donovan is Mr. American Soccer. With 10 goals and 18 assists, the Galaxy midfielder just needs one assist to pass Steve Ralston for most career regular assists in MLS history. Donovan will record a goal and two assists on Saturday and cement his place as the greatest footballer to ever play in this great league.

2. Robbie Keane with a brace

Robbie Keane is LA’s top goalscorer with 17 goals and 14 assists. Keano will look to get on form against the resurging Toronto FC with two goals an an assist.

3. Gyasi Zardes continues his fine scoring form

Gyasi Zardes has been playing lights-out football this season for the Los Angeles Galaxy, with 16 goals to his credit. Watch for Gyasinho to score another beauty against the Reds in the second half this Saturday.

4. At least five saves from Jaime Penedo

Jaime Penedo will not earn a shutout against Toronto FC on Saturday, but he will make a number of big saves in goal. The MLS Multiplex is hereby predicting, with bolder than bold accusations, that Penedo will make at least five saves.

5. Under 50 fouls, under four cards

The football will be free-flowing and not a lot of cards will be issued, although the fouls will be there. The Plex calls for under 50 fouls whistled and under four cards issued.

6. Gilberto scores for Toronto

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Gilberto is a late bloomer for Toronto FC, with seven goals this season to go with five assists. Against the Los Angeles Galaxy, Gilberto will score in the first half.

7. Here comes Jermain Defoe

After a long layoff, Jermain Defoe should get the nod against Los Angeles on Saturday. He is the leader in club goals with 11 to his name, and he will score in the first half.

8. Michael Bradley with a goal and an assist

Michael Bradley is one of the top passers on Toronto FC’s first team and he was the hero last weekend against the Portland Timbers. Bradley will record a goal and an assist in what should be an exciting shootout.

9. Alan Gordon will score

Off the bench, Alan Gordon has been clutch. He wasn’t needed to bail out Los Angeles last weekend against the New York Red Bulls, but in a close game like this, Gordon will be needed to give the Reds a well-deserved sucker punch. Gordon will score a meaningful goal in the second half.

10. Los Angeles win a shootout

This is going to be an exciting shootout, with neither side covering themselves in glory. Nonetheless, it is the Galaxy who will come away winners, and it will be the right start to a critical October slate.

Los Angeles Galaxy 5, Toronto FC 3