Jul 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC forward Obafemi Martins (9) dribbles up the field against the Los Angeles Galaxy during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
This is what we’ve all been waiting for: the two matches between Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy and Sigi Schmid’s Seattle Sounders that will determine who wins the 2014 MLS Supporters’ Shield and a spot in the 2015-16 CONCACAF Champions League season, Actually, both teams are already assured of a spot in the tournament, with the Sounders earning the U.S. Open Cup and the Galaxy slated to finish with the next best record outside of the Eastern Conference Champions if Seattle win the Shield, which we are boldly predicting will happen. So this is essentially a battle for which pot either team will be placed in for the draw next year.
Game 1 of this series is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. PT/8:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN2, WatchESPN, ESPN Deportes and TSN2. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for this Sunday night’s match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Seattle Sounders.
1. At least 40 fouls, under five cards
This will be a fast and fluid match between two teams hungry for another piece of silverware. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting for at least 40 fouls and under five cards issued. It will get ugly.
2. Under five saves for Jaime Penedo
It will be a tough night for Galaxy netminder Jaime Penedo, who will be under the pump after an insipid second half last weekend against FC Dallas. Penedo is boldly predicted by the Plex to record under five saves.
3. At least five saves for Stefan Frei
This will be a tough game for Stefan Frei, but the big Sounders goalkeeper is built for big occasions, and it doesn’t get any bigger than this. Frei will make at least five saves this Sunday.
4. A penalty will be called
Not often do we call these types of predictions, but we think it will get really chippy in the box. So, a penalty will be called in the first half and it will be Seattle that benefits from this.
5. Clint Dempsey will score
This season, Clint Dempsey had 14 goals and nine assists to lead the Sounders this season. Part of the two-pronged attack in the “Amoeba” offense installed by Sigi Schmid, Dempsey will score in the first half.
6. Obafemi Martins with a brace
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Obafemi Martins is at the heart and soul of this lethal Seattle attack. With 17 goals and 10 assists, Martins will make a strong case to win Seattle’s first-ever MLS MVP Award with a brace and an assist.
7. Lamar Neagle with a goal and an assist
While we talk about the effectiveness of Martins and Dempsey, don’t forget about Lamar Neagle. He has eight goals and nine assists and has been potent in Seattle’s attack. Neagle will score a goal and an assist on Sunday.
8. Robbie Keane with a brace
In what amounts to be a losing effort for the Galaxy, Robbie Keane will also score a brace and an assist to make history as another player to record at least 15 goals and assists each in a season.
9. Landon Donovan will not get on the scoresheet
This is going to be a tough go for Landon Donovan, who is wrapping up his career these last several weeks. Donovan is not going to get on the scoresheet on Sunday against Seattle.
10. Seattle make history with their first Supporters’ Shield
The Emerald City Supporters may want to buy FC Dallas’s Fabian Castillo a drink in the close season. His game-winner last weekend kept the room for error manageable for the Sounders as they head into this home-and-home with the Galaxy. Seattle will win, and they can opt to bring in the reserves in the closer because the Galaxy will not catch them even if they prevail in the season finale.
The Sounders own the first tiebreaker, which is total wins. Also working to Seattle’s advantage is that even if they tie, another draw will give them the Shield because Los Angeles drew two too many games. Thus, the Galaxy will be under the pump for a win, followed by at least a draw, and after their insipid second half against Dallas, it’s not going to look particularly rosy for LA heading into the postseason.
Seattle Sounders 4, Los Angeles Galaxy 2