Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Real Salt Lake: 10 Bold Predictions

The hunt for consistency is on as Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy continue their 2013 Major League Soccer season against Jason Kreis’s Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah on Saturday, Jun. 8. Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. PT/9:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by Time Warner Cable SportsNet.

Apr 27, 2013; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando (18) controls the ball after making a save during the second half against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Rio Tinto Stadium. The Galaxy won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles have had a tough year with a 6-5-2 record (20 points) and are hanging by a thread to maintain their spot in the MLS Cup Playoffs. Real Salt Lake have a had a slightly better year at 7-5-3 (24 points), but are still in a bit of a logjam in the ever-competitive MLS Western Conference.

Here are 10 Bold Predictions for this Saturday’s contest between Real Salt Lake and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

1. It’s Sabo Time!

Alvaro Saborio is Real Salt Lake’s leading goalscorer with four goals to his credit. He will get on goal early in the first half for his fifth of the season.

2. Also on goal…Ned Grabavoy

Tied with Javier Morales and Robbie Findley for second-most goals for RSL with three, Ned Grabavoy has a knack for finishing, and he will be on goal to double the home team’s advantage.

3. At least two assists for Joao Plata

Joao Plata leads Real Salt Lake in assists with four this season and will be ready to stand and deliver with two on Saturday.

4. Nick Rimando with at least four saves

Good goalkeepers make clutch saves, and Nick Rimando is one of them. He has 46 this season for RSL, and he will make at least four to help the cause for the home side.

5. Look out, it’s Javier Morales

Apr 27, 2013; Sandy, UT, USA; Real Salt Lake fans cheer during the second half against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Rio Tinto Stadium. The Galaxy won 2-0. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Whenever Javier Morales scores for Real Salt Lake, a match will break wide open and the opposition will be forced to chase the game. Morales will score late in the second half.

6. Under four saves for Carlo Cudicini

As far as the View is concerned, Carlo Cudicini is a goalkeeper that is all for the retirement check, rather than playing for the love of the shirt. As a result of his inability, Cudicini will make under four saves this week for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

7. No goals or assists for Juninho

Juninho will not be making any goals or assists on Saturday because Real Salt Lake will be keying in on him all through the night. This will be a tough night out for the Brazilian.

8. Gyasi Zardes in on goal

Gyasi Zardes will score one late for the Los Angeles Galaxy, but it will be mere consolation. The young rookie continues to improve day by day, but staying humble will be an antidote for his cockiness.

9. At least 25 fouls, over three yellows

This will be a very intense match, with plenty of hard tackling. At least 25 fouls will be called and over three yellow cards will be issued.

10. It’s payback time for Real Salt Lake

This will be a great opportunity for Real Salt Lake to exact some payback on the Los Angeles Galaxy. There are always great games between these two teams, and Saturday’s match will be another chapter in this budding rivalry.

Real Salt Lake 3, Los Angeles Galaxy 1