Mar 15, 2014; Harrison, NJ, USA; Supporters Shield that New York Red Bulls won for 2013 season at Red Bull Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Sigi Schmid’s Seattle Sounders and Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy have one thing on their mind this week: the MLS Supporters’ Shield. For the Sounders, it’s simple: get at least one point and that’s that. For the Galaxy: it’s even more simple: win or no Shield. The stage is set for a dress rehearsal to the 2014 MLS Cup Final at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Wash.
Kickoff is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. PT/2:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by NBC and TSN2. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for the match between the Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles Galaxy.
1. Landon Donovan will score
This season, Landon Donovan has 10 goals to his credit as well as 19 assists. Watch for Donovan to earn a goal and an assist in this contest against Seattle. He is a man built for a big occasion, and it won’t get any bigger than this. Okay, maybe it might, but you get the point.
2. Robbie Keane will score
With 19 goals and 14 assists to his name, Robbie Keane will find a way to put it all together this Saturday against Seattle. Keane will score in the first half against the Sounders.
3. Gyasi Zardes will make it great
Gyasi Zardes was held in check last weekend against Seattle but this time around, Zardes will find a way to redeem himself and raise his game. Watch for Zardes to score in the second half against Seattle.
4. Jaime Penedo with at least four saves
Jaime Penedo could only do so much in the Galaxy’s 2-2 draw against the Sounders, but the Panamanian international made three key saves on Sunday. With 81 saves to his credit, Penedo will make at least four more on the road.
5. Clint Dempsey will score
Clint Dempsey scored last weekend against the Galaxy thanks to help from Obafemi Martins (see below). With 15 goals and nine assists this season, watch for Deuce to come up big in the second half.
6. Lamar Neagle will score
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This will be a goal festival, and Lamar Neagle knows a big occasion. With nine goals and nine assists, Neagle will hit double figures in goals on Saturday against the Los Angeles Galaxy at home.
7. Obafemi Martins delivers
Obafemi Martins is the presumptive favorite to win the MLS MVP Award. With 17 goals and 12 assists, Oba is boldly predicted to record a goal and three assists to join a select group of players to record at least 15 goals and 15 assists in a single season.
8. Under five saves from Stefan Frei
This season, Seattle Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei has 96 saves to his credit. Frei should be able to come close to reaching the century mark in saves. Painfully close, even. The MLS Multiplex boldly predicts for under five saves from Frei.
9. At least 50 fouls and five cards
The fouls will pile up, and so will the cards. The MLS Multiplex boldly predicts that there will be at least 50 fouls whistled and five cards issued. Also, a player will be sent off. That is all.
10. Seattle moonwalks into the Supporters’ Shield
From my perspective, I hate the term “backing into ” because it’s pretty much played. I compare it to doing the moonwalk, a la Michael Jackson, a la Smooth Criminal, a la Wacko Jacko. That type of thing.
The Seattle Sounders will draw with the Los Angeles Galaxy and will moonwalk their way into the Supporters’ Shield. To celebrate the MLS Multiplex’s bold prediction of Seattle sleeplessly doing the Michael Jackson on Saturday…here’s Billie Jean.
Seattle Sounders 3, Los Angeles Galaxy 3