Real Salt Lake vs. Los Angeles Galaxy: 10 Bold Predictions

Jul 12, 2014; Carson, CA, USA; Real Salt Lake midfielder Kyle Beckerman (5) and Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan (10) battle for the ball at StubHub Center. The Galaxy defeated Real Salt Lake 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

As we continue to mourn the death of Chivas USA, the one team that remains standing representing the Greater Los Angeles area in Major League Soccer, Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy, takes advantage of one final opportunity to win hardware and prevent a treble of trophies for Sigi Schmid’s Seattle Sounders. However, Jeff Cassar’s Real Salt Lake are used to having the Galaxy’s number in the postseason and will look to keep their streak of consistency at home alive.

“I’ve been telling these guys already – the storybook ending is probably [for] LA to play New York in [the MLS Cup final].” Real Salt Lake’s Kyle Beckerman told MLSSoccer.com’s Scott Pierce. “And we’ve got to just change the story and create a new storyline that has us going to the finals and win it.”

Kickoff in the first leg of the 2014 MLS Western Conference Semifinals at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah is scheduled for Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. PT/6 p.m. MT/8 p.m. ET and will be televised by NBCSN. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Sunday’s match between Real Salt Lake and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

1. At least 50 fouls and four cards

This is playoffs football, and a match between two worthy MLS Cup contenders. Watch for the fouls and cards to pile up in this one. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting for at least 50 fouls whistled and four cards issued.

2. At least five saves for Jaime Penedo

It will be a rough outing for Jaime Penedo today in this match. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting for at least five saves but because both teams will be playing uptempo direct football, Penedo will concede a few goals.

3. At least five saves for Nick Rimando

Nick RImando has been solid in goal for Real Salt Lake, making 71 saves this season for the designated home side this week. Rimando will also make at least five saves in goal but it will not be an easy outing for either goalkeeper.

4. Landon Donovan will not score

Landon Donovan’s form is not solid heading into the playoffs and he will have a tough time scoring. However, he will be able to provide, recording two assists in this contest.

5. Joao Plata on goal for Real Salt Lake

This season, Joao Plata has 13 goals to lead Real Salt Lake. Plata has speed and pace to compensate for his size and will be key to keeping RSL in this contest.

6. Javier Morales with a goal and an assist

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Javier Morales is Real Salt Lake’s top provider, with nine goals and 12 assists to his credit. Against the Los Angeles Galaxy, of which he has had a history of success against, watch for Morales to record a goal and an assist in this match.

7. Robbie Keane with a goal and an assist

Robbie Keane sat out last weekend’s match against the Seattle Sounders, but the captain is back for another go around. In the regular season, Keane had 19 goals and 14 assists. Watch for Keane to record a goal and an assist in this contest.

8. Gyasi Zardes breaks through in postseason

With his second regular season under his belt, Gyasi Zardes has been huge as a goalscorer, bagging 16 in 2014. Zardes will start LA’s MLS Cup bid in a big way, with a goal in the second half.

9. No goals for Alan Gordon

Used primarily as a super sub late in contests, this will be a tough go for Alan Gordon, who has had some success scoring this season for the Galaxy. Gordo will come up dry this weekend, according to our bold predictions.

10. This match will end in a draw

This season, the away goals rule is put into place, meaning that in the event of a draw, the team who scores the most goals away from home progresses. Los Angeles will gain the ascendancy by having two more away goals in the draw, meaning that the Galaxy will head into the second leg of this series with house money.

Real Salt Lake 2, Los Angeles Galaxy 2
Series tied 2-2, Los Angeles leads by away goals 2-0