Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders: 10 Bold Predictions

Oct 19, 2014; Carson, CA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC forward Clint Dempsey (2) grabs Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan (10) during first half action at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Did somebody ask for another couple of matches between Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy and Sigi Schmid’s Seattle Sounders? What’s that? It was the football gods via A.J. DeLaGarza’s son in the sky? Is that so…well, fair enough. I suppose here on Earth, us American soccer fans will now be in for what I like to call…”The Final Before The Final.”

The reason I say that is that, with all due respect to the New York Red Bulls and New England Revolution, this series will potentially determine who gets to left the Philip F. Anschutz Trophy in December. It’s a tale of two cities. It’s a tale of two power soccer bases. And it’s a tale of West Coast passion never seen before.

On one corner, you have the Los Angeles Galaxy, a team that has won just about all the trophies that can be awarded in this great nation. It’s won the U.S. Open Cup twice, the Supporters Shield four times, and the MLS Cup four times. On the other corner, you have the Seattle Sounders: the most well-supported club in the competition and a team build to secure a historic treble, making 2014 the breakthrough season in its long history and its many incarnations.

Kickoff for the first leg of the 2014 Western Conference Championship at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. is scheduled for Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. PT/5 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN. Adrian Healey, Taylor Twellman and Alexi Lalas will have the call of that match. A live blog will be scheduled at 12 p.m. PT/3 p.m. ET here on your home for all things Major League Soccer, FanSided’s MLS Multiplex. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for the match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Seattle Sounders.

1. At least 40 fouls, under four cards

We have a fast and fluid match on our hands here at the StubHub Center, and the fouls and cards will be minimal. It won’t be a hackfest, but it will still be a challenge. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predicting for at least 40 fouls whistled and under four cards issued.

2. Under five saves from Jaime Penedo

Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo only made one save for the Galaxy in their 5-0 victory over Real Salt Lake in the second leg of the Western Conference Semifinals. Penedo will not have to make a lot of saves in this one. The MLS Multiplex will call for under five saves from Jimmy P against Seattle.

3. At least four saves from Stefan Frei

Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei has come up huge for the Sounders and he will have an important role to play against the Galaxy. Frei will make at least four saves on the day.

4. Landon Donovan with a brace

Landon Donovan wants this, more than anything. And you can be sure that Donovan will get on the scoresheet and give the fans something to cheer about. LD gets a brace in this contest.

5. Robbie Keane will score

Meanwhile, Galaxy captain Robbie Keane has done his role well for a good deal of the season. Against Seattle, Keane will record a goal and three assists in what the Multiplex is predicting a win for Los Angeles.

6. Gyasi Zardes will score, too