To help commence the first weekend of MLS action, FC Cincinnati welcomes the Houston Dynamo to TQL Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the FC Cincinnati vs. Houston Dynamo odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.
FC Cincinnati finished 5th in the Eastern Conference last season, having scored the 2nd-most goals (64) in the conference. They lost to the Philadelphia Union in the conference semifinal. They will be returning both their top goal scorers, F Brandon Vazquez (18) and F Brenner (18).
Houston, on the other hand, had a disappointing campaign, finishing 13th in the West, having 18 losses and a -13 goal differential. They will also be returning their top scorer, F Sebastian Ferreira (13). Houston had 12 losses in 17 road games last season.
[betwidget_tipico]
[betwidget_gambbetmgmsb]
[betwidget_gambfanduelsb]
FC Cincinnati vs. Houston Dynamo odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:40 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: FC Cincinnati -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Houston Dynamo +420 (bet $100 to win $420) | Draw +330
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -175 | U: +135)
World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+
FC Cincinnati vs. Houston Dynamo picks and predictions
Prediction
FC Cincinnati 3, Houston Dynamo 2
Moneyline (ML)
PASS.
FC Cincinnati finished last season strong, defeating the New York Red Bulls in the first round of the playoffs. Houston, on the other hand, lost 3 of their 6 and 3 of their last 4 road matches.
The odds for this match are justified, especially with FCC at home and having retained most of their talent. Nonetheless, they aren’t worth a play at (-165). Instead, look to the total for better value.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET OVER ALTERNATE TOTAL 3.5 (+140).
The Dynamo topped this total in 3 of their last 4 games to end last season, and while that might seem important, the Dynamo didn’t do a ton to address their lacking defense, allowing 1.65 goals per game last season. Those same concerns for their backline should be alive.
FCC also allowed 1.65 per game and didn’t add much firepower on the backline, but both teams kept their key weapons. FCC averaged 1.88 goals per game and scored 15 goals in their last 5 home games to close last season.
Considering both teams returning talent and slacking backlines, back the OVER 3.5 (+140).
Check out Pro Soccer Wire: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.
For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=3296]