Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Chivas USA: 10 Bold Predictions


On Saturday, May 19, Los Angeles's very own football derby begins anew with the first round of the 2012 Honda SuperClasico between Bruce Arena's Los Angeles Galaxy and Robin Fraser's Chivas USA.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. PT/10:30 p.m. ET and will be televised by ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. Here are 10 things to watch out for in this matchup this weekend.

1. "¡Arriba Las Chivas!": Under 10 Times

At all Chivas home games, a sound effect rings out, that of a fan that goes, "¡Arriba Las Chivas!" Seeing that this is a commonality, I have decided to make a prediction on the number of times it will occur during the match.

I am setting the over/under at 10 and going for the under.

2. Chivas USA scores first

I have been on a roll with the Los Angeles Galaxy's opposition scoring first to open up the match, and I will say it again right here. Chivas USA, believe it or not, have been playing better soccer, and I am calling for the unlikeliest of people in Jose Correa to do the honors for the Goats.

3. David Beckham on the scoresheet for Los Angeles

David Beckham's goal against the Montreal Impact last weekend is a Goal of the Week candidate this week, and the man has proven that he can still pack a punch. Look for Becks to be on the scoresheet once again.

This leads me to the fourth prediction...

4. Two goals for Landon Donovan

The team captain is itching for some offensive production. With Landon Donovan paired up with Robbie Keane up top, expect Donovan to break his slump and record a brace against Chivas USA.

5. Set piece slot machine for Beckham

Back to Becks for a little bit. Last weekend against the Impact, David Beckham had 10 corners to work with. An embarrassment of set piece. This is bad news for Chivas USA, who will need to neutralize Becks's long ball deliveries.

If there was 10 last week, I am calling for at least 10 this week. More of the same.

6. Dan Kennedy vs. the Galaxy firing squad.

Dan Kennedy is going to need to make plenty of saves on Saturday because he up against a LA Galaxy outfit desperate for production. Anything. And everything.

So, look for the Chivas USA goalkeeper to record at least six saves against the Los Angeles attack.

7. Robbie Keane...on the scoresheet

Robbie Keane has to realize that with every game without a goal, he is looking more and more like a bust. And with Euro 2012 coming up soon, he needs to get going immediately. So, look for Keane to score at least one this game.

8. A physical encouter with over 20 fouls

These two teams love to hate each other, and the match official on Saturday will be issuing some cards on the side. Look for at least 20 fouls and three yellows combined from both the LA Galaxy and Chivas USA this weekend.

9. Wild first half ends in 2-2 draw at break

The goals will be coming in what appears to be a glorified pillow fight in the MLS Western Conference. Both Chivas and LA will be trading goals, and the halftime score will read: Los Angeles Galaxy 2, Chivas USA 2.

10. Los Angeles leaves it late

The set piece slot machine will eventually pay off. Two late goals in the last 10 minutes a la Manchester City against Queens Park Rangers will make this another victory for the Los Angeles Galaxcy over Chivas USA.

Los Angeles Galaxy 4, Chivas USA 2

2012 USL PRO Power Rankings: Week 6


The Lions of Orlando City are roaring once again this week's USL PRO Power Rankings, after sweeping Antigua Barracuda FC in St. John's. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Blues have gotten red-hot all of a sudden while the Rochester Rhinos continue their winning ways.

We have it all here in this week's USL PRO Power Rankings.

1. Orlando City

Adrian Heath's Orlando City were at the top of the heap once again after a successful road trip to Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in St. John's, Antigua and Barbuda, to take on Antigua Barracuda FC.

In the first match, a own goal in the 90th minute by Antigua's George Dublin was enough for Orlando to secure a 1-0 victory on Friday. In the second match, held on Sunday, goals from Maxwell Griffin in the 26th minute and Wes Allen in the 49th secured a 2-1 win over the Barracudas.

Orlando continue their season on May 24 when they host the Los Angeles Blues at the Florida Citrus Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

2. Rochester Rhinos

Jesse Myers's Rochester Rhinos continued their winning ways when they took on the Charlotte Eagles and Charleston Battery.

At Charlotte Christian Stadium, a goal from Conor Chinn in the 18th minute gave the Rhinos a 1-0 win over the Eagles. And at Blackbaud Stadium in Charleston, S.C., it was the heroics of Danny Earls in the 61st minute that propelled Rochester to another 1-0, this time over the Battery.

Rochester's next opponent is the Dayton Dutch Lions at Sahlen's Stadium in Rochester, N.Y. Kickoff is scheduled for May 18 at 7:35 p.m. ET.

3. Los Angeles Blues

Charlie Naimo's Los Angeles Blues had another breakthrough week on the road. On Friday, a 79th minute goal from Allan Russell gave the Blues a 1-0 victory over the Dayton Dutch Lions at Miami Valley South Stadium in Bellbrook, Ohio.

A short turnaround didn't faze the Blues, who whipped the Pittsburgh Riverhounds 3-0 at Chartiers Valley High School in Bridgeville, Pa. Ricky Waddell opened up the scoring in the 46th minute, Bright Dike made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute and Matt Fondy slammed the door shut in the 69th minute of play.

Los Angeles have the weekend off before they travel to Orlando, Fla. on May 24 to face Orlando City. Kickoff at the Citrus Bowl is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET.

4. Richmond Kickers

Leigh Cowlishaw's Richmond Kickers continued their season  on Saturday, when they faced the Harrisburg City ISlanders at City Stadium in Richmond, Va.

In spite of goals from Matthew Delicate in the eighth minute and Christopher Agorsor in the 78th minute of play, the Kickers failed to hold on to the lead twice and were consigned to a 2-2 draw.

The Kickers continue their season on May 18, whjen they travel to Chartiers Valley High School to face the Pittsburgh Riverhounds. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

5. Wilmington Hammerheads

David Irving's Wilmington Hammerheads were off this week. They return to action on May 19 when they host the Charlotte Eagles at Legion Stadium in Wilmington, Del. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

6. Harrisburg City Islanders

Bill Becher's Harrisburg City Islanders salvaged a 2-2 draw with the Richmond Kickers on Saturday at City Stadium. J.T. Noone scored an equalizer in the ninth minute and Yann Ekra equalized again in the 80th minute of play.

A busy weekend is in the cards for the City Islanders. On May 16, they host the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at the Skyline Sports Complex. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. On May 19, they host the Dayton Dutch Lions. Kickoff at Skyline is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.

7. Charleston Battery

Michael Anhaeuser's Charleston Battery were on the short end of the stick on Saturday, falling 1-0 to the Rochester Rhinos. They get a chance to rebound on May 26, when they face the Los Angeles Blues at Blackbaud Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

8. Charlotte Eagles

Mark Steffens's Charlotte Eagles were also on the short of the stick, losing 1-0 to the Rochester Rhinos at Charlotte Christian Stadium. Their next match is scheduled for May 19, when they take on the Wilmington Hammerheads at Legion Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

9. Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Justin Evans's Pittsburgh Riverhounds were flattened by the Los Angeles Blues, 3-0 at Chartiers Valley High School. TRhey get a chance to get right with a couple of matches.

On May 16, they travel to the Skyline Sports Complex to face the Richmond Kickers. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. On May 18, the Riverhounds return home to face the Richmond Kickers. Kickoff for that match is also scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

10. Dayton Dutch Lions

IVar van Dinteren's Dayton Dutch Liosn were stonewalled in their 1-0 loss to the Los Angeles Blues on Friday.

A couple of matches are on tap for Dayton. On May 18, the Dutch Lions face the Rochester Rhinos at Sahlen's Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. ET. The Dutch Lions then travel to the Skyline Sports Complex on May 19 to face the Harrisburg City Islanders. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET.

11. Antigua Barracuda

Tom Curtis's Antigua Barracuda FC are at the bottom yet again after another sorry weekend at home. A George Dublin goal doomed the Barracudas in their first match against Orlando City, 1-0. And in spite of Quinton Griffin scoring on a penalty in the 20th minute of play, they were silenced 2-1 by the Lions.

Can the Barracudas get their act together? They have a long time to think about how this season has unfolded for them before their next match, a June 15 meeting with the Charleston Battery at Blackbaud Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

View from the Blues, Volume 29: LA Blues on the Rise


Charlie Naimo's Los Angeles Blues were aiming to build on the breakthrough weekend against the Wilmington Hammerheads with a couple of key contests against the Dayton Dutch Lions and Pittsburgh Riverhounds.

But in order to do this, they needed some firepower, and they got it by signing Portland Timbers star Bright Dike on loan.

“Portlandcontacted us and asked whether we’d be interested if the opportunity came up,” Naimo told LABluesProSoccer.com's Gunnar Berndt. “It was a no-brainer for us and we feel very fortunate to be adding a classy player like Bright to our roster and hopefully have him here for a while to come.”

As a member of the Timbers in the USSF D2 Pro League, Dike scored 10 goals in 23 appearances and was one of four holdovers that made it to the current MLS team roster.

“The Timbers coaches told me I needed to get more minutes at a high level and that there were a few possible destinations,” Dike told Berndt. “From what they said, it seemed like the Blues were the best fit, with coaches who can really help my game and who are determined to get the most out of every player.

"After one day of training, that’s exactly the impression I have. They know what they want to see on the field and what they expect out of us.”

The hope for the Blues was that they would get at least one win from their road trip. They didn't figure that they would get two.

“We probably need to be a little bit better with our possession than we were against Wilmington,” Naimo remarked last week. “While it was good that we generated some goals, the games were much more wide open than I’d like them to be. That said, we’re introducing a different system this week that might be better suited against certain opponents."

The system worked. On Friday, the Blues shut out Dayton in Bellbrook, Ohio 1-0 thanks to Allan Russell, whose missed penalty kick in the 66th minute was countered by a wonder strike in the 73rd minute. Furthermore, the Blues played total defense and frustrated the Dutch Lions from start to finish.

That set things up for an even better performance against the Riverhounds on Saturday. Ricky Waddell opened the scoring in the 46th minute and both Dike and Matt Fondy traded goals and assists in the 52nd and 69th minutes to cap off a 3-0 victory for Los Angeles over the Pittsburgh Riverhounds at Chartiers Vallery High School in Bridgeville, Pa.

The Blues have the week off but will return to action on Thursday, May 24 to take on their toughest assignment since Rochester: the Lions of Orlando City.

Kickoff at the Florida Citrus Bowl is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PT/7:30 p.m. ET.

Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Montreal Impact: Rating David Beckham's Performance


Sad to say, this performance came one week too late. But it sure was miles ahead of the gong show that was the match with the New York Red Bulls at the Home Depot Center on Cinco De Mayo.

Midfielder David Beckham may have been all but cut from the roster of Team Great Britain, but he proved that he can still finish when he gets an opportunity to do so.

Just past the hour mark, Beckham gets a set piece from 20 yards out. Picking his spot, his volley bends past the wall, beats Donovan Ricketts and hits the top right corner to give the Los Angeles Galaxy a 1-1 draw with the Impact at Stade Olympique.

It should be noted that Beckham had 10 corners to work with compared to Montreal's 2. And the Impact were conceding a lot of set piece opportunities. Montreal should be thankful the damage was not worse that it could have been, because the Galaxy, for the most part, still couldn't find someone to finish those long balls.

Never mind that Ricketts, a former Galaxy netminder, had plenty to do with Beckham being held at bay. The Big Cat from Montego Bay made six saves on the night, and a number of those were on LA's No. 23.

But when all is said and done, it is certain that David Beckham did leave Montreal fans impressed. Many were applauding the goal, and it's those fans who can say that "Hey, I got to see David Beckham score in his signature fashion, just like in LA, just like in Manchester, just like in Madrid and Milan, and all points in between."

So to the Montreal sporting public—all 60,000-plus on hand to witness this occasion—I say to you, enjoy this match for what it was. It may have only ended in a draw, but this could potentially be the last ever time you get to see David Beckham score on your Montreal Impact as a member of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Aside from the goal and his orchestration of LA's attack, Beckham's stamina and ability to disrupt play defensively shows why he is my man of the match for the Galaxy against the Impact on Saturday.

Rating: 7/10

Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Montreal Impact: Ranking the Galaxy Players


The Los Angeles Galaxy were consigned to seeing their winless streak extend to four matches after drawing 1-1 with the Montreal Impact at Stade Olympique in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Davy Arnaud opened up the scoring in the eighth minute of play for Montreal but it was David Beckham who salvaged a point for the Galaxy in the 61st minute of play.

With the draw, the Galaxy improve to 3-5-2 but find their road back to contention a little bit more difficult as they prepare next week for Chivas USA. Here are the player ratings for the Los Angeles Galaxy against Montreal.

Brian Perk 4.5

Gets negative points for failing to stop Arnaud early in the first half but otherwise had very little to do in the match, aside from one save.

A.J. DeLaGarza 6

A.J. DeLaGarza has been one of the more consistent center-backs, and he had another typical performance in the back line.

Sean Franklin 5

Was in on a number of offensive sequences and helped deliver some chances to Robbie Keane and Landon Donovan.

Todd Dunivant 5

Decent outing from the Iron Man. Nothing too remarkable to see here.

Kyle Nakazawa 3

Was completely nonexistant this match and never got a good touch. Subbing him out for Pat Noonan proved to be a godsend.

Michael Stephens 2

Headless chicken play has been Michael Stephens's calling card, and he did not acquit himself today in Montreal.

Dan Keat 1

Let's face it, folks. Dan Keat is not a center back. He is a midfielder, period. Maybe the Los Angeles Blues can considering shoring up their back line with this incomptent En Zedder. Keat underimpressed today, and he knows it. Worst player on the pitch for the Galaxy against Montreal as he was responsible for failing to mark Arnaud.

David Beckham 7

Man of the Match for sparing LA some Galaxy-sized blushes on the road with a signature free kick. Also had an embarrassment of set pieces but was held at bay by Donovan Ricketts.

Juninho 4

Struggled to get some decent touches and lost the ball one too many times. Had to be subbed for Marcelo Sarvas.

Robbie Keane 5

While he matches up better with Donovan, Robbie Keane didn't have a lot of touches and shots to work with. Quiet day from the Irishman.

Landon Donovan 5.5

Donovan needed to be onsides on a number of his chances so that his player rating would be higher. Needless to say, he matches better up top with Keane.

Pat Noonan 5

Noonan and Magee gave the Galaxy a couple of competent flankers, and he was instrumental in creating some scoring opportunities in the second half.

Mike Magee 6

A true gamechanger, Magee's presence not only elicited improved play from the Galaxy but a few flashes of a certain Argentinean playing for FC Barcelona.

Marcelo Sarvas 5

An upgrade from Juninho. Got forward and pressured the Impact's back line. Improved performance from Sarvas.