Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Portland Timbers: 10 Bold Predictions

Believe it or not, July seems to be promising for Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy, but they need to keep building on their results. As the race in Major League Soccer gets tight and competitive, winning matches is what matters in the summer months. Three points and a cloud of gold dust. Something like that.

Jun 19, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Robbie Keane (7) looks at a ball passed his direction against the Portland Timbers during the second half at the StubHub Center. The game ended in a draw with a final score of 0-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

And so, the Galaxy try their luck again on the road against the Portland Timbers on Saturday, Jul. 13. You may recall the last time they were on the road, they gave up goals late in stoppage time to the San Jose Earthquakes. Could it happen again against another team in the postseason hunt?

Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. PT/11 p.m. ET and will be televised by NBC Sports Network. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Portland Timbers.

1. Los Angeles will score first

Marcelo Sarvas is a player on a roll. When he is able to finish his chances, the Galaxy have a much better opportunity at winning important games against opponents like Portland. Marcelo gets going in the first half.

2. Under five saves for Carlo Cudicini

Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini earned another shutout on Sunday against FC Dallas, and he won’t have to make a lot of saves because of the back line. However, Cudicini will make saves, but it will be under five.

3. Intense ball pressure from Los Angeles

One of the reasons why Los Angeles won against Dallas on Sunday is because of ball pressure and applying pressure to the midfield and attack. Against Portland, the Galaxy will need to be quick off the ball and interception in routine fashion.

With Portland defender Pa-Modou Kah out for this game, look for intense ball pressure to win the day for LA. Excuse me, night. I stand corrected.

4. Another assist for Robbie Rogers

Jun 19, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Colin Clark (11) attempts a shot against the Portland Timbers during the second half at the StubHub Center. The game ended in a draw with a final score of 0-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

A player that is quietly building steam for Los Angeles is Robbie Rogers, who earned an assist on the Hector Jimenez goal in the 80th minute of play. Rogers did say on the “This and That” feature that he prefers to be the provider, and he will provide at least one assist on Saturday.

5. Robbie Keane on the scoresheet

Robbie Keane’s leadership and character has kept Los Angeles in the race, and on Saturday, he will be on the scoresheet to drive the Galaxy home. Keane will get a goal and an assist.

6. Here comes Hector Jimenez

The play of Hector Jimenez has been breakthrough, to say the least. He scored twice in three matches and will be on goal in the second half to help Los Angeles’s cause.

7. Ryan Johnson will score for the Timbers

This season, Ryan Johnson has five goals to his credit, and he will get his sixth goal of the season to keep Portland in this one.

8. Drama from Darlington Nagbe late

Late in the match, Darlington Nagbe will also score for the Timbers. Nagbe also has five goals this season and is a player that can finish.

9. Over 30 fouls, under four cards

Fast, free-flowing football is the name of this game this week, and there will be over 30 fouls whistled and under four cards issued, all yellow.

10. The Galaxy win a barn-burner

Get ready to see goals, goals, and more goals. Another frantic finish is on the cards, this time at JELD-WEN Field. The Galaxy will win this one, but they will be holding on to dear life late.

Los Angeles Galaxy 3, Portland Timbers 2