Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Toronto FC: 10 Bold Predictions

And so it begins. The quest for glory begins for Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy as they prepare for a season that is sure to provide excitement at home, on the road, and all points in between.

And the road begins, not with the first match of the MLS season...but with regional action.

The Galaxy take on the champions of Canada, Aron Winter's Toronto FC, at the Rogers Centre in front of a sellout crowd sure to wave their Red and White with pride.

Here are 10 bold predictions for Wednesday's first leg of the 2011-12 CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinal Round.

1. Goals, Goals, Goals!

No doubt about it, we are due to see some scoring in the first leg.

The LA Galaxy have plenty of offensive firepower in the form of Landon Donovan, Edson Buddle, Robbie Keane, David Beckham and Marcelo Sarvas, among others (more on them in a bit).

Meanwhile, Toronto has a number of scoring options available, namely Joao Plata and Danny Koevermans (more on them in the next slide).

2. Danny Koevermans to the Rescue!

Danny Koevermans is Toronto's scoring linchpin, having scored 10 goals last year for the Reds. He is a Dutch striker with a knack for finishing.

You give him space, he'll make you pay. Koevermans will get on the score sheet on Wednesday against LA. (No rhyme intended, okay?)

3. The Beckham Show Is Back for Another Season

Yes indeed, the storied midfielder and living English legend decided to cancel travel plans for Paris to presumably finish his career in LA.

David Beckham will always have his share of set-piece opportunities, and fans can expect players on both sides to challenge for the ball off his deliveries.

This first leg could be decided on Beckham's set pieces. Last season, Beckham recorded 15 assists in league play for the Galaxy.

4. Juninho Time

I originally wrote that Marcelo Sarvas was going to have a breakthrough game in the midfield for the Galaxy, but since he is cup-tied according to the rules, that leaves leaves the door open for Juninho to continue his work in the midfield.

For the young Brazilian, it's good to be back. Expect Juninho to make things difficult for Toronto's midfielders, though he will show preseason rust.

5. Landon Donovan Will Not Be Up to Full Speed

Although Landon Donovan had another successful stint at Everton, he left England feeling rather ill and could not travel with the US men for the Italy friendly due to bronchitis.

Which means, we could be seeing a not-quite-up-to-full-strength Landon Donovan on Wednesday against Toronto.

Sometimes the flu and bronchitis will do a number on your body when you go 110 percent like Donovan, but as King Solomon once said, "This too shall pass."

6. Edson Buddle Will Kick off His Second G's Stint Style

Edson Buddle knows how to score, and score often. In his first stint with the Galaxy, Buddle scored 42 league goals in 87 appearances.

This year, the No. 14 for LA will look to build on his statistics, and what better way to do so than by letting loose on Toronto FC?

7. Magee Magic Is at It Again!

Mike Magee has been a thorn in the side of many MLS teams. When this midfielder is on his game, he can score on anyone—even Manchester City, as seen last season.

Save for one contest, Mike Magee was on the score sheet of every postseason match last year involving the Galaxy. Toronto FC may have to double team the Magee on Wednesday at Rogers.

8. Robbie Keane Will Do His Trademark Somersault

After a successful loan spell with Aston Villa, you can expect Robbie Keane to stand and deliver this season up top for LA.

Keane's ability to create space, his quickness, and finish will need to be near-perfect in order for the Irishman to celebrate in trademark fashion.

9. Home Field Advantage Will Come into Play

Over 35,000 seats have been sold for this clash, according to the Toronto FC website, and it is possible that every seat will be sold at Rogers Centre.

And a clear majority of the fans will be waving Red and White for TFC. If there was any form of home-field advantage that is along the levels of a certain club from the Northwest, this would be it.

10. The First Leg Will Not End in a Draw

Let's rewind a bit. The past few matches have ended in draws between Toronto FC and the LA Galaxy. Case in point:

• May 15, 2010 LA 0-0 TOR
• Jun. 26, 2010 TOR 0-0 LA
• Apr. 13, 2011 TOR 0-0 LA
• Jun. 11, 2011 LA 2-2 TOR

While history is pointing to yet another even match, the firepower on both sides—or, more specifically, one side—indicates this trend is going to be bucked on Wednesday. And that leads us to this prediction:

Los Angeles Galaxy 3-1 Toronto FC

Buddle, Keane and Magee for LA; Koevermans for Toronto early.