Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Los Angeles Galaxy: 10 Bold Predictions
Apr 12, 2014; Carson, CA, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy forward Robbie Keane (7) carries the ball into the zone during the first half against the Vancouver Whitecaps at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy secured a 1-0 victory over Carl Robinson’s Vancouver Whitecaps at the StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. However, it will be a more difficult go at things when the two teams meet on Saturday, Apr. 19 at B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver, B.C. With a partisan crown behind the Caps, expect Arena’s men to be tested this coming weekend. Hear what Arena had to say regarding the previous contest between LA and Vancouver.
“They’re a fast team, quick team,” forward Landon Donovan said of the Caps. “I thought they played well in the first half actually. We worked hard; I think our passing wasn’t great. That being said, we still created a few chances, fortunately Jaime [Penedo] made a couple of good saves. We wanted to do better in the first half, but I thought our second half was very good, and in the end we deserved to win.”
Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET and will be televised by MLS LIVE. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for the Saturday match between the Vancouver Whitecaps and Los Angeles Galaxy
1. At least 25 fouls, under five cards
Like the first meeting, this will be a fast and fluid match between two teams in a race in the wide-open MLS Western Conference. There will be at least 25 fouls whistled and under five cards issued.
2. David Ousted with at least four saves
The Galaxy will test Vancouver Whitecaps goalkeeper David Ousted early and often. Ousted will make at least four saves on Saturday.
3. Jaime Penedo with at least five saves
But Ousted’s counterpart, Jaime Penedo, will come up big as well. Expect at least five saves from Jimmy P against the Caps.
“I think in the first half he made a terrific save on [Kekuta] Manneh,” Arena said of Penedo’s performance at the Hub on Saturday. “A play where [Dan] Gargan misjudged the ball and that was a big save. He wasn’t tested a whole lot tonight, but that save in the first half was key.”
4. No record for Landon Donovan
The record for most career goals in MLS history will not take place at BC Place Stadium. Landon Donovan will not score on Saturday.
5. Robbie Keane will score for the Galaxy
However, the captain, Robbie Keane, will score for the G’s. Keane currently has three goals this season and will be on goal once again for Los Angeles.
6. Russell Teibert will score for Vancouver
Midfielder Russell Teibert has had a history of performing well against the Los Angeles Galaxy, and he will do it again on Saturday with at least a goal for the Whitecaps.
7. Nigel Reo-Coker with a goal and an assist
Nigel Reo-Coker is expected to start, according to the MLS Multiplex, and he will have a good shift at home with at least a goal and an assist.
8. It’s Miller Time!
And of course, no Vancouver Whitecaps will would be complete without the heroics of the ice-cold Scotsman, Kenny Miller. It’s going to be Miller Time the first half, when he gets a goal and an assist to add to the pain.
9. Stefan Ishizaki will score
In this goal festival, also look for an improving Stefan Ishizaki to leave his mark, just like with last Saturday’s performance. Ishizaki will earn at least a goal in this contest.
10. Home field advantage for Vancouver
This is going to be a game full of goals, a wide open contest. Home field advantage will help Vancouver here, as the Galaxy have struggled on the road last season. Vancouver to win.
Vancouver Whitecaps 3, Los Angeles Galaxy 2