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

Nov 1, 2014; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake defender Chris Schuler (28) defends against Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan (10) during the second half at Rio Tinto Stadium. The match ended in a 0-0 draw. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

It doesn’t take rocket science to know what needs to be done for Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy and Jeff Cassar’s Real Salt Lake. For the Galaxy, it’s win or offseason. For RSL, it’s 1-1 draw or better and they are through. Everything is to play for in this second leg at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif.

Kickoff for this second leg of the 2014 MLS Western Conference Semifinals is scheduled for Nov. 9 at 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN2. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Sunday afternoon’s contest between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake.

1. At least 40 fouls and four cards

This will be a tense elimination game, with both teams looking to progress. The match will be fast and fluid, but the fouls will be a bit minimal. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting for at least 40 fouls whistled and four cards issued.

2. Robbie Keane will score

In 2014, Robbie Keane scored 19 goals and 14 assists to lead the Los Angeles Galaxy. He will be one of a few goalscorers that will lead the way for Los Angeles on Sunday.

3. Landon Donovan still has it

With 10 goals and 19 assists, Landon Donovan has been a beacon of light for the Galaxy as a provider. LD is hoping this isn’t his final game of soccer, so he will need to prove that he is still worth the ticket. Donovan will record a goal and an assist.

4. Gyasi Zardes will score

Gyasi Zardes is a striker built for a big occasion, with 16 goals under his belt in the regular season. Zardes will be shining on Sunday, with a goal in the second half to help the Galaxy’s cause.

5. Jaime Penedo with more than five saves

Los Angeles Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo recorded 81 saves in the regular season and will be looking to make a few more stops this weekend. Penedo will make more than five saves on Sunday night.

6. Nick Rimando with under five saves

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In the first leg of this Western Conference Semifinal, Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando made just one save. Unlike the first regular season meeting at the Hub, Rimando will not be making a plethora of saves. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting that Rimando will make under five saves on Sunday.

7. Joao Plata will score

This is a match where the goals will be flying. For Real Salt Lake, Joao Plata will be one of those scorers that gets the job done. With 13 goals in 2014, Plata will finally hammer one home for RSL.

8. Javier Morales strikes

Nine goals and 12 assists for Javier Morales makes the Argentinean international a force to be reckoned with. Already among the club’s legendary players, Morales will add to the scoring feast in the second half and also record another assist.

9. Alvaro Saborio hits his stride

It’s taken him through the dark valley for a time, but Alvaro Saborio is finally getting minutes down his belt. Sabo has eight goals this year for Real Salt Lake and will need to score in this match. The Plex has him down scoring in the second half of play.

10. A draw will do for Real Salt Lake

For the Los Angeles Galaxy, Real Salt Lake are to the MLS Cup Playoffs as the Carolina RailHawks are to the U.S. Open Cup: they are the team where their trophy hopes come to die. In what will go down as an ordinary season for the Galaxy, Real Salt Lake will just need to secure a draw to go through. They don’t even need to win this match: just any draw better than a scoreless draw sees them off.

On a side note, I am personally pleased that the MLS brains trust in New York City and Commissioner Don Garber saw the benefits of getting in line with the rest of the world in issuing the away goals rule. If only they had institituted this from the very beginning, instead of all these experimental American nuances that are nowhere close to the Laws of the Game. Now, if only they could get promotion and relegation going in this league…

Los Angeles Galaxy 3, Real Salt Lake 3
Aggregate tied 3-3, Real Salt Lake advance on away goals 3-0