LA Galaxy vs. FC Dallas: Match prediction thread

The breakdown of LA Galaxy at FC Dallas should be simple, Dallas has lost it's last two matches 3-0 while LA is getting the band back together. Dallas fans are simply hoping their team can snag a playoff spot to stave off the embarrassment of starting off hot and missing the post-season. Meanwhile, Galaxy fans look at Portland taking the weekend off and see opportunity to move back into the Supporter's Shield race.

Robbie Rogers and Robbie Keane had been doubtful before the International Champions Cup, but both saw minutes during the tournament and should be good to go in Dallas. Landon Donovan and Omar Gonzalez return to MLS play, while Dallas gets back Eric Hassli who was suspended last weekend for violent play in Dallas' match against Salt Lake.

Thins are bad for Dallas recently, failing to score in their last five matches and without a victory in nine. Losing outright four of their last five, it's safe to say Dallas has gone from slump to outright collapse. Their are significant trends working against LA too, losing six of their last seven on the road in MLS and conceding at least two goals in five of their last six.

Still the match predictions favor LA. With the Galaxy looking to control the match in the opponent's half and Dallas willing to play in their own half, LA should have no problem dictating the pace of the match. Unlike the last time they were in Dallas, solid finishing from either Keane, Zardes, or Donovan could put things out of reach avoiding the late match letdown.

It's be interesting to see with the new goalkeeper if the position is open for competition. Cudicini was back in the starting spot against AC Milan, but Jaime Penedo and Brian Rowe certainly feel at this point that the position is up for grabs.

Gonzalez, Marcelo Sarvas, and Keane should be the skewer in the shish kebab controlling possession and the run of play. 2-1 in favor of LA seems like a fair result, I don't see more than a one goal difference. 1-0 used to be the preferred result in these matches for LA, but that seems like ages ago.

What's your prediction?