Nov 14, 2014; London, Great Britain; United States player Jozy Altidore fouls Colombia player Juan Cuadrado during the first half of the game between USA and Colombia at Craven Cottage Mandatory Credit: Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports
After coming off a tough 2-1 defeat to Colombia, Jurgen Klinsmann’s United States men’s national team conclude their slate of international matches with a friendly against Martin O’Neill’s Republic of Ireland on Nov. 18 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The Boys in Green are coming off a tough 1-0 loss to Scotland in Glasgow on Friday and will look to get their act together against the Nats. Kickoff is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN2.
Here are 10 Bold Predictions for the match between the Republic of Ireland and the United States.
1. At least 40 fouls, under five cards
This is a friendly, so the physicality will be held in check. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting for at least 40 fouls whistled and under five cards issued.
2. At least five saves for Shay Given
Aston VIlla goalkeeper Shay Given has 126 caps under his belt for the Republic of Ireland. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting that it’s a given that Given will record at least five saves against the Nats.
3. At least five saves for Brad Guzan
Fellow Villa netminder Brad Guzan has 28 caps for the men’s national team and should have a field day against the Republic of Ireland. The Plex is calling for at least five saves from Guzan.
4. Shane Long will score
Southampton forward Shane Long has 11 goals in 50 appearances for the Republic of Ireland and the MLS Multiplex is tapping him to score for the Boys in Green. Originally we had Robbie Keane pegged to score in this prediction, but he has been sent back to the States to train for the Galaxy.
5. Jozy Altidore will score
In 75 appearances for the USA, Jozy Altidore has found the back of the net 25 times. Altidore will hope to rebound from a quiet 2014 as the USA prepares for next year’s CONCACAF Gold Cup. Altidore will score in the second half.
6. Rubio Rubin, the young gun
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Originally Lee Nguyen was pegged here to be in this prediction but he has also been sent back to the States due to the MLS Cup Playoffs. FC Utretcht’s Rubio Rubin should get some time for the Nats, and the MLS Multiplex is calling for Rubin to score.
7. And now…Miguel
Miguel Ibarra, the NASL Golden Ball winner, has had a solid year for the USA Men’s National Team and should fare well in this one. Ibarra will make his own history, scoring his first-ever goal for the Nats against the Republic of Ireland.
8. Kyle Beckerman with two assists
After a rough postseason with Real Salt Lake, midfielder Kyle Beckerman will look to finish 2014 on a positive note. With 41 caps to his credit, watch for Beckerman to record two assists on the night at the Aviva.
9. Alejandro Bedoya with an assist
Midfielder Alejandro Bedoya had a solid performance against Colombia and should have more of the same against a more straightforward opponent in the Boys in Green. Bedoya won’t score in this match, but he will earn an assist.
10. Just another victory for the United States
It’s been a year of ups and downs for the United States men’s national team, but they will finish 2014 on a winning note with a strong performance across the field. We here at the MLS Multiplex tip the United States being able to neutralize the Green Army and come away with this one.
United States 3, Republic of Ireland 1