Superstars from overseas have been signing contracts in the MLS like mad in recent years, and yet another could be making his debut on Saturday night.
The LA Galaxy could be introducing Steven Gerrard into their lineup for the very first time in the International Champions Cup on Saturday against Club America.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The International Champions Cup is largely just an exhibition event, which makes this match a really tough one to handicap. Logic will tell you though, that Club America, the Mexican giants, will be the slight favorites in this match, even on the road.
There should be a fairly largely contingent of Mexican fans coming across the border to Southern California in support, and the Liga is still a better league than the MLS is in our
eyes. Furthermore, Club America did just win the CONCAFAC Champions League against the Montreal Impact.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"I can't wait to get my boots on and play in front of you guys. I wish I could play tonight. The first game just can't come quick enough. I'm really looking forward to a successful future and I'm happy." – New Galaxy designated player Steven Gerrard in his introduction to the LA fans last week
RECENT FORM
Club America most certainly isn't short of goals right now domestically. The team has netted 14 goals in its last five matches, and it has scored at least once in seven consecutive games.
However, if there is a concern about the Mexican side though, it is that defense has figuratively been optional. Club America has allowed at least one strike in nine consecutive duels, which has led to a lot of over performances. These last two matches before heading into the International Champions Cup were 4-3 and 3-2 losses, though of course, it should be noted that both matches were played right at the end of the domestic season two months ago.
The Galaxy had a rough start to the season, but all of a sudden, they have started to get back on track in the Western Conference in the MLS. They have won consecutive matches, blasting Toronto FC 4-0 just three days after beating San Jose 1-0 on the road.
This of course, is an odd match sort of thrown into the middle of the schedule. Bruce Arena has a history of using a really strong side in matches like this even though nothing is really up for grabs, but it should be remembered that a duel against Real Salt Lake on the road is waiting in the wings on Tuesday night.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
These exhibitions almost always produce lots of goals, and we would almost be surprised if Gerrard didn't get his name on the stat sheet right away for the Galaxy.
Let's remember that the three exhibition matches which LA played this year resulted in a 2-1 loss to Hammarby, a 1-0 win over Shamrock Rovers and a 3-2 loss against San Jose, a schedule which wasn't really all that impressive.
Remember too, that both of these teams are going to be hampered just a bit by the Gold Cup. We hate the fact that Club America isn't going to have its top scorer, Oribe Peralta Morones, but Pablo Aguilar should be able to do enough offensively to put Club America into the winners' circle to kick off the International Champions Cup.
Club America 3, Los Angeles 1
The International Champions Cup lines for this contest will be first released by BookMaker Sportsbook. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time moneylines, spreads and totals. Live betting is open during every step of this match!
Need to fund your account before the big game but don’t have your computer? No problem! BookMaker Sportsbook now offers a mobile betting cashier so you can deposit money directly from your smartphone. Don’t miss out on getting paid because you couldn’t bet. Click here and deposit at BookMaker now! The fixture between The LA Galaxy and Club America is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2015 at 11:30 p.m. ET at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA. The match will be televised live on FOX Sports 1.
