Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders: 10 Bold Predictions

Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy have had a rough May, to say the least. They have had only one victory this month, and massive issues at the goalkeeper spot, to go with inadequate goal production has justified their efforts in their most recent performances.

Nov 18, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Sounders FC midfielder Christian Tiffert (13) and LA Galaxy midfielder Marcelo Sarvas (8) both slide for the ball during the second half at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Los Angeles 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

However, this is a Galaxy team capable of delivering statement victories, and they have a chance at doing so this Sunday against Sigi Schmid’s red-hot, resurgent Seattle Sounders. It’s a classic battle of two of great coaching minds to have ever plied their trade in Major League Soccer: Schmid vs. Arena. Kickoff at the grounds of the soon-to-be-renamed Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. is scheduled for 8 p.m. PT/11 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.

Here are 10 Bold Predictions for this weekend’s closer between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Seattle Sounders.

1. No goals in the first half

This is going to be a defensive struggle all game, as with last week’s debacle against the New York Red Bulls, who are going to get a rival club very soon. There won’t be any goals this first half.

2. Carlo Cudicini will be on the bench

One of Bruce Arena’s priorities this contest is to find a competent goalkeeper. Brian Rowe is the way to go. Carlo Cudicini will be on the bench this game.

3. Juninho will not start against Seattle

Juninho suffered an injury in the match last weekend against the Red Bulls and should not start against Seattle. This is obviously going to be a massive to Los Angeles’s chances this contest.

4. Seattle will score first

Eddie Johnson has four goals this season to lead the Seattle Sounders and will be relied on to open things up for the visitors in the second half.

5. No goals or assists for Landon Donovan

Landon Donovan is nearing full form, but he’s not going to hit his stride this weekend against the Sounders. Donovan will most likely peak at mid-to-late June, but not at this point. There will be no goals or assists from Donovan this game.

6. Here comes Obafemi Martins

The new designated player for Seattle, Obafemi Martins, is finally paying his dues this year in Major League Soccer. Martins will score late in the second half to double the Sounders’ advantage.

7. At least one assist for Mauro Rosales

Seattle’s top provider this year is the ever-reliable Mauro Rosales. He has three assist this season to lead the team and will get at least one more on Sunday.

8. No goals or assists for Robbie Keane, either

This will be a tough night out for LA’s designated players and Robbie Keane will be frustrated, to say the least. LA’s No. 7 not get on goal nor earn an assist.

9. At least 30 fouls, under five yellows

A tough, fast, physical encounter at Victoria Street is on the way. At least 30 fouls will be whistles and under five yellow cards will be issued. There will be no red cards.

10. Another win for Seattle

The Seattle Sounders are finally putting it all together, and they will do it against a Los Angeles Galaxy side that has the chaotic strains of Georgy Sviridov’s “Time Forward!” in their heads. “Take ‘Em All, Watch Them Fall,” so the song/chant goes, as belted out by the Emerald City Supporters.

Seattle Sounders 2, Los Angeles Galaxy 0