The MLB season is over. The NHL is nowhere to be found. The NBA campaign has begun, and college football (among other sports) continues. With that mind, there are five prominent games to look out for this week.

L.A. Galaxy Opens Postseason Push

Facing the visiting Vancouver Whitecaps FC, the Los Angeles Galaxy, led by Landon Donovan, Robbie Keane and David Beckham, open its playoff picture on Thursday, Nov. 1 at The Home Depot Center (7:30 p.m.). During the regular season, L.A. struggled in the beginning. Slowly, but surely, the Galaxy regained its confidence on the playing pitch en route to securing a spot in the postseason. Look for the Galaxy to comfortably defeat Vancouver.

USC Women’s Soccer Entertains No. 2-ranked UCLA

Despite an unfavorable 2012 season, the USC Trojans’ record (5-10-3, 2-6-2) isn’t indicative of their performances on the pitch. Their affair against 2nd-ranked archrival UCLA (15-1-2, 8-1-1) drops on Senior Day, and it’s both teams season finale. Look for the USC seniors to energize their group with hopes of upsetting the Bruins on Friday, Nov. 2 at McAllister Field. Kick-off is at 2 p.m.

Battle of L.A. Continues: Lakers Against Clippers

The Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard and company host the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday, Nov. 2 at Staples Center.  The first meeting of these two NBA teams (that are aiming to claim bragging rights of L.A) starts at 7:30 p.m. For the Clippers, Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are essential for its success on the court, especially against a re-structured Laker force. However, look for the Lakers to win game one.

Trojan Football Hosts No. 2-ranked Oregon Ducks

If the No. 18-ranked USC Trojans (6-2, 4-2) want to at least be considered a Top 10 team, they must win  against No. 2-ranked Oregon (8-0. 5-0). The Trojans are coming off a disappointing 39-36 loss to the Arizona Wildcats, even though receiver Marqise Lee set a conference-record with his 345 receiving yards. Expect this game to be decided in the final minutes with USC upsetting Oregon. USC battles Oregon on Saturday, Nov. 3 at the L.A. Coliseum at 4 p.m.

Homecoming Week for UCLA: Bruins Face Wildcats

Fresh off its surprising victory over the USC Trojans, the 24th-ranked Arizona Wildcats (5-3, 2-3) football unit is prepared to keep its momentum going as they visit 25th-ranked UCLA (6-2, 3-2) on Saturday at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena (7:30 p.m.). This is another meeting that could go down to the wire. UCLA sports a physical defense and rejuvenated offense, so look for them to somehow pull out a win in the homecoming game.