MLS Gamblin' Preview
TODAY
Chicago @ New England
Chicago +180
New England +125
Draw +260
Both teams are coming off 2-1 losses, but Chicago actually looked defensively sound vs the reigning champs last week, as tired as they were. New England looked decent as well, but pretty much gave up after losing a go-ahead goal to an offside call. I’m siding with the home team here In what I expect to be a 3 goal affair.
Prediction: New England wins 2-1
NY Red Bulls @ Real Salt Lake
NYRB -105
RSL +254
Draw [+300]
NYRB is coming off a 3 goal performance vs Cincy, but also gave up 2 goals to last year's lowest scoring offense. RSL drew Orlando 0-0, and GK Zac MacMath was looking like a beast. Expect a lower scoring game.
Prediction: 1-1
Montreal @ FC Dallas
Montreal +500
Dallas -200
Draw +264
FC Dallas is the favorite for a reason. Paxton Pomykal was healthy and looks like this is the season he truly arrives at the MLS, which bodes very poorly for Montreal.
Prediction: FC Dallas wins 2-0
Inter Miami @ DC United
Inter Miami +200
DC +110
Draw +260
DC had a rough last outing, losing in extra time last weekend. The big takeaway from that game, though, is that Julian Gressel is still Julian Gressel. He assisted their opening goal off a corner and nearly assisted on another goal. I give Inter credit for only losing 1-0 to LAFC (My god, was Vela's goal beautiful) and there is definitely a gap in talent between DC and LAFCs rosters, but I think water will find its level.
Prediction: DC wins 2-0
NYCFC @ Toronto
NYCFC +254
TFC -118
Draw +295
I was present at the last meeting between these two teams, and it was more or less evenly matched, but Toronto basically won off 2 horrid errors by NYCFC defenders. TFC may be the reigning silver medalists, but I think my city boy's take this one.
Prediction: NYCFC 2-1
FC Cincinnati @ Atlanta
Cincy +1700
Atlanta -1000
Draw +850
Atlanta may have lost Josef Martinez, but they are going to win this handily.
Prediction: 2-0 Atlanta
Minnesota United @ San Jose
Minnesota +287
San Jose -135
Draw +319
Like I said last week, I refuse to bet against Wondo because EVERY time I do he proves me wrong. Minnesota is coming off a 3 goal game and San Jose is coming off 2, so maybe the over is the easier play.
Prediction: 2-2
Houston @ SKC
Houston +346
Kansas City -145
Draw +293
Houston managed to spoil Chicharito's LA debut by playing them to a draw, which I didn't see coming. SKC is coming off a 3-goal performance vs the Whitecaps which also impressed. I think the over might have some good value here.
Prediction: Houston 3-2
Orlando @ Colorado
Orlando +350
Colorado -161
Draw +300
I'm one of the suckers that refuses to bet against home teams in Denver. I think this is tracking to a lower scoring game with the Rapids coming out on top.
Prediction: Colorado 2-0
Vancouver @ LA Galaxy
Vancouver +900
LA Galaxy -500
Draw +550
Vancouver just got smacked by SKC, but the Galaxy also drew Houston. Tough to say! Might be worth making the draw play, but LA is a safe bet.
Prediction: Galaxy 3-0
Columbus @ Seattle
Columbus +400
Seattle -175
Draw +300
Columbus spoiled City's debut, but I will not bet against the reigning champs in century link. I'd feel safe taking them outright and 1H at least.
Prediction: Seattle 2-0
SUNDAY
Nashville @ Portland
Nashville +647
Portland -278
Draw +404
Portland was smoked in their last outing vs Minnesota while Nashville actually looked competitive vs Atlanta FC (injury notwithstanding). It's tough to gauge this one, and my gut is kind of telling me Nashville sneaks away with a draw. Hmmmm. Gonna go with my brain instead.
Prediction: Portland 2-1
Philly @ LAFC
Philly +450
LAFC -250
Draw +400
Philly was in really poor form last outing, and LAFC only scored a single (highly improbable) goal vs an expansion team. I think LA gets back to form here and knocks these guys out.
Prediction: 3-1 win for LA
I'll tweet out my locks later, so look for those. I went a hearty 3-1 last weekend, and would have went perfect if it wasn't for those bastards on Philly.