Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Houston Dynamo: 10 Bold Predictions

Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy and Dominic Kinnear’s Houston Dynamo have had a nice, healthy rivalry budding between them. With two of their most recent meetings determining the champions of Major League Soccer, these two storied sides clash once again on Cinco De Mayo—May 5—at the Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. And you can be certain that the intensity and passion will be ever present on Sunday. LA are coming off a 2-0 shutout victory over Real Salt Lake, while Houston’s last match saw them draw 1-1 with the Colorado Rapids.

Dec 1, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy goalie Josh Saunders (12) blocks a corner shot against the Houston Dynamo during the second half of the 2012 MLS Cup game at the Home Depot Center. The Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the Houston Dynamo 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. PT/11 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. It’s time for 10 Bold Predictions for Sunday’s encounter between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo on your home for all things Galaxy and MLS: the View from Avalon.

1. Mike Magee to open up the scoring for Los Angeles

Currently, Mike Magee is tied with Philadelphia’s Jack McInerney for the most goals in MLS play with six to his credit. He’ll get number seven in the first 20 minutes of play on the breakaway. This leads to the second bold prediction…

2. All hands on deck for the Galaxy

Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane, Todd Dunivant and Carlo Cudicini suffered knocks in their 2-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City at the Home Depot Center but should be ready to contribute for Los Angeles this weekend on Cinco De Mayo.

3. Robbie Keane on goal

This time, Robbie Keane will get a goal on the scoresheet after gaining some rest, to go with watching his beloved Los Angeles Kings close out the regular season in style. Keane’s goal will come late in the first half.

4. Giles Barnes makes things interesting for Houston

This season, Giles Barnes has three goals to his credit. A proven finished, Barnes will score in the first half to add a little drama to the contest at the Home Depot Center.

5. Here comes Landon Donovan

Dec 1, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan (10) reacts after the 2012 MLS Cup game against the Houston Dynamo at the Home Depot Center. The Los Angeles Galaxy defeated the Houston Dynamo 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Landon Donovan will continue his road to fitness on Sunday with a goal in the second half and an assist in the first half. He’s a proven creator, a proven destroyer, and a proven finisher, and he will take center stage for the Galaxy on Cinco De Mayo.

6. Carlo Cudicini with at least five saves

Galaxy netminder Carlo Cudicini will be taking on the Orange Firing Squad from the Houston Dynamo. He’s going to need to make a number of saves to make his case known. At least five saves will be made by Cudicini against the Dynamo.

7. Surprise! It’s Juninho

The boldest prediction of this match is that Juninho will get on the scoresheet. Either a goal, an assist, or even both. Juninho is making the most of his time here in Los Angeles, and not only will he pad his stats on the Opta Chalkboard…he’s going to add to the Galaxy advantage at Victoria Street.

8. A penalty will be called

The last meeting at the Home Depot Center saw two penalties called, both to the Galaxy. LA will win yet another penalty and ice this contest and all three points.

9. At least 30 fouls and under five yellows

Rivalry is the life blood of the sport, and both Los Angeles and Houston don’t like each other. It’s clean, old-fashioned hate along the lines of Georgia-Georgia Tech in college athletics. At least 30 fouls will be whistled and under five yellow cards will be issued on Sunday.

10. Los Angeles coasts on Cinco De Mayo

You can put this in the win column for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Despite some heroics from Giles Barnes, a full-strength Los Angeles Galaxy side will prove too strong for the Houston Dynamo to overcome. Not having Calen Carr and Brad Davis also hurts, too.

Los Angeles Galaxy 4, Houston Dynamo 1