Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Vancouver Whitecaps: 10 Bold Predictions
Aug 24, 2013; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; LA Galaxy forward Landon Donovan (10) controls a pass against the Vancouver Whitecaps FC during the second half at BC Place. The Galaxy defeated the Whitecaps, 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy are riding high after a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Chivas USA at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. Now the Galaxy look to build on their breakthrough result on Apr. 12 against Carl Robinson’s Vancouver Whitecaps, who are coming off a tough 2-1 smash-and-grab defeat to the Colorado Rapids at home.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by TSN and MLS LIVE. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Saturday’s match between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Vancouver Whitecaps.
1. Stefan Ishizaki will score a goal and an assist
The more minutes Stefan Ishizaki records, the more you’re see brilliant play from the Swede. Against the Whitecaps, Ishizaki will record a goal and an assist.
“In time he is going to give us good passing. He is capable of scoring goals like he demonstrated today, but he needs a little time, he is still making the adjustment in to the league,” Arena told the press of Ishizaki’s performance on Sunday. “Today is a difficult day for a player that has played in Europe his whole life, a lot in Scandinavia and all of a sudden he is on a field that is about 80 degrees, it’s sticky, all of that.
“So that was a little challenging for not only Stefan but all the players. The conditions were difficult today to play in. He had a solid game, obviously a good goal. I think he needs to deal with the speed and the pressure on the ball a little bit better than he did today.”
2. Landon Donovan will not get the record here
Vancouver is just too good to allow Landon Donovan to finally make history. Donovan will get two assists, but he will not score.
“I don’t feel unlucky. I can do better with those chances, but it was a little sticky today and the ball caught up a few times,” Donovan told the press on Sunday. “I’m happy with how I played, I thought I played well. Goals will come, I’m happy to win games.”
3. Robbie Keane will be on goal
Robbie Keane will get on the scoresheet on Saturday. Keano just finds creative ways to score, whether orthodox or unorthodox. Give him space, and watch him do the rest.
“It’s always good to get the first win on the board,” Keane told the press. “I think that I mentioned a few weeks ago that I wasn’t too worried about us. I was fairly confident with the way that we were playing and, certainly, the way that we were training.”
4. Baggio Husidic will score for LA
If his finishing was in form, Baggio Husidic would be leading MLS in goals by now. He’s got a good touch and shot-making ability that makes him reliable. Husidic will earn his second goal of the season against Vancouver.
“It’s been a while, two years,” Husidic said of his breakthrough goal on Saturday. “It was my second game at Hammarby. Actually, it wasn’t even my goal. I hit it near the post and the goalie messed up and it went in, but they gave it to me. This one though was a proper goal.
“We’ve limited the chances for the other teams and I don’t see why he would change it at the moment but of course each team plays different so [Arena]’s going to make formations and make changes.”
5. Jaime Penedo with at least five saves
Goalkeeper Jaime Penedo got the day off on Sunday, and on Saturday, he’ll be back in goal against a more competent side in Vancouver. Watch as Jimmy P makes at least five saves.
6. David Ousted with under five saves
This will be a tough go for David Ousted, who figured out everybody on the Colorado Rapids team except for one Jose Mari. Ousted will make under fave saves for Vancouver.
7. No goals for Russell Teibert
Russell Teibert might get an assist against the Los Angeles Galaxy, of which he’s had some success against, but he won’t score. With the revamped lineup, Teibert will be held in check for the full 90.
8. Darren Mattocks will score for the Caps
The bright side to Vancouver’s chances lie in Darren Mattocks. If he can limit the number of offsides thrown his way, he can score. And he will score against Los Angeles.
9. Over 30 fouls, under five cards
The Galaxy and Whitecaps will be in a Microsoft Fast and Fluid type of game. There will be over 30 fouls whistled and under five cards of any color issued.
10. Los Angeles will win
Given that Matias Laba is not in the lineup for Vancouver on Saturday, the Los Angeles Galaxy are going to benefit and will prevail in a straightforward performance at home.
Los Angeles Galaxy 3, Vancouver Whitecaps 1