Oct 25, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Juninho (19) and Seattle Sounders FC defender Zach Scott (20) both head the ball during a corner kick in the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Los Angeles 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
This match can be considered as The Final Before The Final: it’s the second leg of the 2014 MLS Western Conference Championship between Sigi Schmid’s Seattle Sounders and Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy. The Galaxy lead the series 1-0 and just need a draw of any kind to progress. As for the Sounders, a two-goal win or better will be needed to make this match a dress rehearsal for MLS Cup 2014.
Kickoff at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Wash. is scheduled for 6 p.m. PT/9 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN. Adrian Healey, Taylor Twellman and Alexi Lalas will have the call. We will also have a live blog on this game which will start at 4 p.m. PT/6 p.m. ET. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for the match between the Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles Galaxy.
1. At least 50 fouls and four cards
The man in the middle will have a field night calling this match. At least 50 fouls will be whistled and four cards will be handed out. The play will be physical and will make for exciting television.
2. Jaime Penedo with at least four saves
The last time the Galaxy were on the road, they faced Real Salt Lake, and Jaime Penedo had a solid night in goal, making stop after stop. Penedo had four saves in the first leg against the Seattle Sounders and will be tabbed to make another big performance in one of the toughest venues in the league to win at. The MLS Multiplex calls for at least four saves from Jimmy P.
3. Stefan Frei with under five saves
Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei made three saves against the Galaxy but could have made a few more if LA were on target with their shot selection. This is not FC Dallas Frei is facing, and even though he did enough to help the Sounders win the Supporters’ Shield a few weeks ago in this same venue, the Galaxy will use that defeat as motivation to get their act together. We boldly predict that Frei will make under five saves.
4. A player will be sent off
Not often do we take a chance on guessing that a player will be taken off the pitch due to a red card, but given the talent on both teams and the high stakes in this second leg, someone is going to incur a brain explosion of indelible quantities. A player will be sent off in this match.
5. Landon Donovan will score for Los Angeles
Landon Donovan had an off night against Seattle in the first leg but this time, he should get in on goal for the Galaxy. These 2014 MLS Cup Playoffs are the curtain call to an illustrious career for LD, and the LegenD will remind the fans in Seattle why he is worth remembering as one of the country’s greatest soccer players.
6. No goals for Gyasi Zardes
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On the other hand, it will be a learning lesson for Gyasi Zardes, who has come up dry in these playoffs. The communication is not there, the touch is not there, and it has been frustrating these last several weeks. There will be no goals for Zardes on Sunday.
7. Robbie Keane will score, again
Robbie Keane’s touch also failed him last weekend against the Sounders. However, the Galaxy captain will need to play like his back is against the wall and a point needs to be proved. Keane is boldly predicted to score in the second half.
8. Here comes Obafemi Martins
Obafemi Martins has been money all season and he is a man built for a big occasion. Watch for Oba to showcase his credentials and get on the scoresheet in the first half.
9. Deuce with…a deuce
If there was ever a time for Clint Dempsey to play like his reputation is on the line, Nov. 30 at the CLink is it, Watch for Dempsey to power past Omar Gonzalez and the Galaxy backline with a brace in the second half.
10. Sounders win, but Galaxy are through
The away goals rule will benefit the Los Angeles Galaxy in this case. The MLS Multiplex has the Seattle Sounders prevailing in the second leg but it will not be enough. With the aggregate score tied, the away goals will send Los Angeles through to the MLS Cup Final.
Seattle Sounders 3, Los Angeles Galaxy 2
Series tied, 3-3
Los Angeles Galaxy advances on away goals, 2-0