Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Seattle Sounders: 10 Bold Predictions

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Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy continue their season on May 2 when they travel to CenturyLink Field in Seattle to take on Sigi Schmid's Seattle Sounders FC.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. PT and will be televised locally by KDOC and KWHY. Here are 10 bold predictions for Wednesday's midweek encounter.

1. Seattle Will Score First

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The Los Angeles Galaxy are a team that have had struggles in finding their scoring form. Defensively they are still a work in progress. This all plays into the hands of the Sounders, who will aim to score within the first 10 minutes of the contest.

2. Galaxy Will Not Score Until the Second Half

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If Los Angeles can't find the net against Dallas in the first half, how can anyone expect the Galaxy to rectify things in the first half against Seattle? Los Angeles will score, but it's not going to be until the second half.

3. Brace for David Estrada

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The most unheralded of scorers can be found in Seattle's David Estrada, who leads the team in goals scored with four in six matches played. Look for Estrada to secure a first-half brace on Wednesday night.

4. Stuart Pearce Will Not Be Impressed with Beckham's Performance

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This may go down as predictable as they come, but I don't think Stuart Pearce, God forbid he is on his way to Seattle right now, will be pleased with the performance of David Beckham. While I have Beckham recording an assist this match, the Seattle defense will do all they can to make sure Becks is with the Galaxy during the Olympics instead of Team GB.

5. Landon Donovan Scores for L.A.

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It was a terrible mistake on Bruce Arena's part to let Robbie Keane take the penalty against Dallas in the 49th minute. So whether it's on the next penalty attempt or by the next goal in open play, Landon Donovan will be on the scoresheet for Los Angeles one way or the other.

6. Seattle Takes a 3-0 Halftime Lead

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As mentioned, David Estrada will have a halftime brace, but there will also be an insurance goal from Fredy Montero that removes any doubt as to who is the better team Wednesday. This is also a credit to the skill sets of defenders like Zach Scott, Patrick Ianni, Marc Burch and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado.

The Galaxy will be forced to chase the game early and often.

7. 5 Yellow Cards and 25 Fouls Minimum

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It will be a very physical affair with plenty of fouls and cards. If I were to set an over/under on yellow cards and fouls, I am setting it at five and 25, respectively, and going for the over. As for red cards...well let's just say that will be a bonus.

8. No David Junior Lopes on Wednesday

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I will be surprised if David Junior Lopes is given the start on Wednesday night against Seattle. He nearly cost the Galaxy a chance at even a draw on Saturday, and he should be benched in favor of the promising Tommy Meyer. I do expect Lopes to sit on the bench, though.

9. A Penalty Will Be Called This Match

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This is the second time this season I will be calling for a penalty kick this contest. But with the last two Galaxy games involving a penalty each, I figured it's time to continue that trend.

Landon Donovan converts what essentially will be a consolation penalty for Los Angeles in the second half.

10. Seattle Wins on the Heels of a Familiar Scoreline

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Have you ever heard of the scoreline that goes 3-1? It's been a pretty common result, be it win or lose, and that is what the match result will be. Seattle wins by the same score that the likes of Real Salt Lake and the New England Revolution won by.

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Seattle Sounders FC 3, Los Angeles Galaxy 1