Providence vs. UCLA: 10 Bold Predictions

Dec 8, 2013; Cary, NC, USA; UCLA Bruins team celebrates with the NCAA Championship trophy. The Bruins defeated the Seminoles 1-0 in overtime at WakeMed Soccer Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

In many ways, this matchup parallels that of the Los Angeles Galaxy against the New England Revolution in the 2014 MLS Cup final. UCLA, the established powerhouse and five-time national champion from the Entertainment Capital of the World. Providence, the overachieving underdogs of New England, flying the banner for the northeast. UCLA, with four decorated seniors that could be destined for a future in MLS. Providence, with only one senior that will be a fixture at the MLS Player Combine in January.

The 16-4-2 Friars, champions of the Big East, opened their College Cup campaign with a 3-0 shutout win over Dartmouth. Prpvidence then shut out UC Irvine 1-0 in the third round before prevailing over Michigan State 3-2 in the quarterfinals. UCLA, the hot favorites to win it all, defeated San Diego 2-1 in the second round, took down California 3-2 in the third round and outlasted North Carolina 7-6 on penalties in the quarterfinals following a 3-3 draw and a stirring second half comeback from the Tar Heels.

Kickoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPNU. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Friday NCAA Men’s College Cup semifinal between Providence and UCLA.

1. At least four cards and 40 fouls

Here at the MLS Multiplex, we think there will be consistency at the business end of the college soccer season. At least four cards will be issued and 40 fouls will be whistled. No one will be sent off, however.

2. Earl Edwards, Jr. with at least five saves

Remember this guy, Los Angeles Galaxy II fans? Yes, Earl Edwards, Jr.’s big saves against the Los Angeles Galaxy’s reserve team weren’t a fluke at all. He’s making more of them with the Bruins…65 of them, to be exact, to go with a 0.90 GAA.

Edwards is a 6’3″, 205-pound redshirt senior from San Diego that also was on the USA Under-20 National Team. In short, he is a goalkeeper built for Major League Soccer. And in addition, his father is also the Athletic Director at UC San Diego, a women’s soccer powerhouse in its own right. Watch for Edwards to stand on his head and make at least five saves against Providence.

3. Keasel Broome with under five saves

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Another goalkeeper due to stand on his head: Keasel Broome, a 6-0, 190-pound redshirt senior from Claymont, Del. This season, Broome has 72 saves to his credit with a 1.02 GAA. The MLS Multiplex boldly predicts that Broome will make under five saves.

4. Here comes Fabio Machado

Fabio Machado is a 5-10, 172-pound senior forward from Santa Catarina, Brazil. MLS is a strong advocating of finding the best Brazilian talent that are also strong in academics, and Machado’s entry in the MLS Player Combine is a clear indicator that he could be a name that could be off the board. Machado will score in the first half.

5. Leo Stolz will score

The UCLA Bruins’ No. 10 is Leo Stolz, a 5-11, 170-pound senior from Munich, formerly of 1860 Munich, a 2.Bundesliga outfit. With nine goals to his name, Stolz could be a steal for an MLS side and is expected to be picked, at least by yours truly. Stolz will record a goal and an assist in the first half.

6. Andrew Tusaazemajja will score

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Redshirt senior forward Andrew Tusaazemajja is a 5-7. 165-pound speedster from Panorama City, Calif. only has two goals, but is a speedster that could be an impact player for any team. If the Galaxy need extra bodies up top, this local product may help, but there are already a few Homegrown Players from Galaxy on the UCLA side, including midfielder/defender Grady Howe, midfielder WIllie Raygoza, and goalkeepers Juan Cervantes and Alex Padilla. Tusaazemajja will score in the second half.

7. Larry Ndjock will score

A possible Generation Adidas player is forward Larry Ndjock, a 5-9, 172-pound junior from Berlin, formerly of Hertha BSC Berlin of the Bundesliga. Ndjock has five goals this season and has speed and pace to go with it. Watch for Ndjock to score in the first half.

8. Abu Danladi will score

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Ghana could be a potential pipeline of talent to MLS, and no one epitomizes the possible link better than Abu Danladi, a 5-10, 170-pound forward from Takoradi, Ghana, and the Santa Barbara Soccer Club. With five goals and five assists to his name, Danladi could also be a Generation Adidas player that takes his trade to MLS. Danladi will score in the first half.

9. Markus Naglestad off the bench to score

Markus Naglestad is a 6-0, 185-pound redshirt senior from Kristianstad, Norway. Naglestad leads the Friars in goals with 10 on the season. The MLS Multiplex boldly predicts that Naglestad will come of the bench to score late.

10. UCLA will advance to the College Cup final

It’s been a great season for UCLA men’s soccer, and the MLS Multiplex boldly predicts that it’s going to get even better. They may have finished second place in the Pac-12, but Jorge Salcedo’s Bruins, the favorites among the four teams remaining in the field, will be 90 minutes away from potentially finishing No. 1 in the country.

UCLA 4, Providence 2

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