With the World Cup Final going Sunday between Argentina and Germany (check out our preview and prediction here), soccer fans will be waiting with baited breath until the big game. However, Major League Soccer will be there to provide the fans some action to satisfy their soccer hunger. The league will feature seven matches on July 12, capped off by Real Salt Lake and the L.A. Galaxy as they meet each other for the last time this regular season.
The intense rivalry between the two teams should make for a great game. Read on for everything you need to know for this blockbuster matchup in the MLS.
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Real Salt Lake vs. L.A. Galaxy, Major League Soccer, Betting Preview and Prediction
Where: StubHub Center, Los Angeles, California
When: July 12, 10:30 PM ET
Line: Real Salt Lake +485 at L.A. Galaxy -210, tie +280; total 2.5 – view all MLS lines
Betting on Real Salt Lake
Real Salt Lake will be confident coming into their match against the L.A. Galaxy having won three of their last four games at the Galaxy’s home field. To further boost the team’s morale, defensive midfielder Kyle Beckerman and goalkeeper Nick Rimando have returned to don the Claret and Cobalt after fulfilling their USMNT duties at the World Cup in Brazil.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]In his first game back against the New England Revolution, Beckerman made an immediate impact, barely a day after returning from Brazil. One of the league’s best defensive midfielders, Beckerman sets up his teammates beautifully, and can score himself if the opportunity presents itself.
Beckerman’s presence in the midfield will help Real Salt Lake manage possession in this one. However, if their opponents still manage to get past the veteran midfielder, there’s still goalkeeper Rimando to save the day. The veteran goalkeeper has 31 saves in nine starts this season, and has conceded 11 goals. Nevertheless, he has not lost a game this season, going 6-0-3.
The return of Beckerman and Rimando revitalized a struggling Real Salt Lake who went 0-3-2 prior to the win against New England.
Leading the Real Salt Lake frontline is Joao Plata. The Ecuardorian forward is the team’s leading scorer this season with seven goals. Two of the seven goals came in his best performance against the Chicago Fire on May 4. Plata’s individual prowess will test the Galaxy’s ability to contain skillful players.
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Betting on L.A. Galaxy
The L.A. Galaxy come into this one undefeated in their last six matches, having gone 3-0-3. The Galaxy are adept at creating chances to score while keeping possession for the majority of their matches. They will be a stern challenge to the struggling Real Salt Lake.
Los Angeles’ attack will be led by team captain Robbie Keane. The Irishman is the Galaxy’s leading scorer this season with seven goals, but the talented forward has not scored a goal this season since May 25 against Philadelphia. His struggles are a microcosm of the team’s: the Galaxy have just 19 goals in 14 games, tied for fourth-worst in the league.
With 24 shots on target so far in the season, Keane has not shied away from creating chances to score, and will challenge Real Salt Lake’s sketchy defense.
Another key player on the field for Los Angeles will be talented central midfielder Marcelo Sarvas. The midfielder is a strong tackler capable of wresting the ball away from the opposition as well as a proficient dribbler. He takes shots when he has to, but has been mostly inaccurate with just three shots on target from a total of 14 shots this season.
His efforts finally paid off when his first goal in the season opened up the scoring for the L.A. Galaxy’s match against Portland. Sarvas has also delivered some key passes, recording two assists for the current season.
Center back Omar Gonzalez is back from starting two games for the USMNT at the World Cup. However, the Galaxy’s defense will be taking a hit as the center back may not start against Real Salt Lake due to an injury picked up during the team’s loss to Belgium. Gonzalez’s ability to win important aerial duels to prevent scoring opportunities will be missed.
Writer’s Prediction
The L.A. Galaxy (-210) manage to get past Real Salt Lake’s midfield to create chances to score. The Galaxy will do just enough to score a goal to extend their unbeaten streak to seven.
