Carolina RailHawks vs. Los Angeles Galaxy: 10 Bold Predictions

Jun 14, 2014; Cary, NC, USA; Carolina Railhawks fanst look on during the first half of the US Open Cup fourth round at WakeMed Soccer Park. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

While the USA Men’s National Team analyzes the big picture at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, Bruce Arena’s Los Angeles Galaxy are analyzing the one big question on their minds: why can’t they beat Colin Clarke’s Carolina RailHawks in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup? Well, readers, you can come up with every reason in the bag but the point is this: the RailHawks have been the one team that has destroyed the Galaxy’s dreams of Open Cup glory…and they’re going to do it again.

The RailHawks and Galaxy clash at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, N.C. on June 24, 2014 in the Fifth Round of the U.S. Open Cup. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for the match between the Carolina RailHawks and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

1. Zach Schilawski will score

Carolina’s top scorer is Zach Schilawski, and he was on goal in the 29th minute against Chivas USA in the Fourth Round. As with the previous match, Schilawski will score in the first half.

2. Gyasi Zardes will score

Gyasi Zardes was the hero for the Los Angeles Galaxy, scoring in the 51st and 53rd minutes to lead Los Angeles over Arizona United in the Fourth Round at the Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Ariz. Zardes will score in the second half.

3. Jaime Penedo with at least four saves

Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo earned the start against Arizona United and will need to put on a strong performance against one of the most consistent teams in the North American Soccer League. Penedo will make at least four saves.

4. Scott Goodwin with at least four saves

Scott Goodwin earned the start against Chivas USA and is boldly predicted to be the starting goalkeeper for the Carolina RailHawks against the Los Angeles Galaxy. Goodwin will make at least four saves in this game.

5. Cesar Elizondo with a goal for Carolina

No Brian Shriver. No Floyd Franks. The main suspects that helped do the Galaxy in are not with Carolina this year, but there are other players that can step in. One of them is midfielder Cesar Elizondo, who had some shots on goal to test Chivas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy. Elizondo will score for Carolina in the first half.

6. Also on goal…Ty Shipalane

Ty Shipalane was predicted to score on Chivas USA but didn’t do so. However, the MLS Multiplex has full faith that the Carolina midfielder will turn things around and get on the score sheet against Los Angeles.

7. No goals for Chandler Hoffman

One of two players that will have it tough against Carolina is forward Chandler Hoffman, who had the start for the Galaxy against Arizona United. It will be tough for this Galaxy II graduate, who will come up empty.

8. No goals for Rob Friend

Galaxy forward Rob Friend is another player that will struggle against the resilent RailHawks back line of Kupono Low, Toni Stahl, Daniel Scott and Connor Tobin. Friend will not score in this match.

9. At least 40 fouls and under four cards

This is a fast and fluid match that will see a lot of fouls and not a lot of cards. The MLS Multiplex is boldly predictions at least 40 fouls and under four cards in this game on Tuesday.

10. History not on Los Angeles’s side

History has not been on the Los Angeles Galaxy side, as Carolina have become the one team that has derailed the Galaxy’s chances of winning the Open Cup the last couple of years. With the home crowd on their side and a tight field to work with, expect that trend to continue on Tuesday.

Carolina RailHawks 3, Los Angeles Galaxy 1