Category: MLS Picks and Predictions

USA vs. Uruguay odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s USMNT vs. Uruguay odds and lines, with international friendly picks and predictions.

USA welcomes Uruguay to Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City for a friendly Sunday. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we preview the USA vs. Uruguay odds and lines, and make our best USMNT bets, picks and predictions.

Both clubs will be using this as a tuneup for the 2022 World Cup, which is set to take place in Qatar, starting in November.

The USMNT is in Group B with Iran and England along with Sunday’s winner between Ukraine and Wales. Uruguay is in an easier Group H with Portugal, Ghana and South Korea.

USA will have many of its big-name players like F Christian Pulisic, who played 65 minutes against Morocco Wednesday, star M Weston McKennie, who played 18 minutes, and Bayern Munich M Malik Tillman, who made his USMNT debut.

The USMNT comes is No. 15 in the FIFA men’s rankings, and 13th-ranked Uruguay should provide a better match than what No. 24 Morocco did.

The South American side is led by Manchester United’s F Edinson Cavani, who has 56 goals in 131 caps.

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.

USMNT vs. Uruguay odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:13 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: USA +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Uruguay +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Draw +205
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +120 | U: -160)

[tipico]

Prediction

USA 2, Uruguay 1

Money line (ML)

LEAN USA (+180).

The USMNT has won 8 straight games in its home country, including a 2-0 win against 9th-ranked Mexico. USA’s most-recent win was a 3-0 victory over Morocco Wednesday.

Uruguay beat Mexico 3-0 Thursday despite only having 4 shots on goal. Two of the goals came from Cavani.

Uruguay has won all 5 of its international matches this year. While it has dominated lately, Uruguay was just 8-6-4 in World Cup qualifying, scoring 22 goals and allowing 22 in 18 matches.

Since Copa America, Uruguay is 0-3-1 against FIFA top-15 sides, losing twice to Argentina and once to Brazil.

Given the USMNT’s record in domestic-played games along with the extremely talented roster it is gearing up to play with at the World Cup, I’ll  back the home side.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (+120).

As mentioned, USA beat Morocco 3-0. There could’ve been far more goals though as the road side tested the USMNT often and even had a missed penalty kick.

Replay the match with those chances (22 shots and 8 on target) and Morocco scores at least 2. USA capitalized on its chances, hitting 10 shots on target with 11 total attempts. USA has gone over this total in 3 of its last 5.

Uruguay is a lethal attacking side led by Cavani and also 23-year-old M Federico Valverde. Uruguay has gone over this total in 3 of its last 6 matches.

Uruguay should break through at least once in this battle.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Colorado Rapids vs. Nashville SC odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Colorado Rapids vs. Nashville SC odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

The Colorado Rapids (5 wins, 5 losses, 3 draws) welcome Nashville SC (5-4-4) to DSG Park Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Colorado Rapids vs. Nashville SC odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

The Rapids have been among the best home teams in the MLS with 5 wins and 2 draws in their 7 matches at DSG Park. Colorado has traded off home wins and road losses over its last 5 contests and is coming off a 1-0 home win against Seattle.

Colorado sits 9th in the Western Conference and is tied for the second-fewest goals allowed in the conference, having given up just 14. It is led in scoring by 29-year-old F Diego Rubio who has 6 goals.

Nashville has maintained a high level of success even with switching to arguably the more challenging conference. It sits 6th in the West, having scored 15 and allowed as many.

It’s been decent with a 3-4-2 record on the road. Nashville is led by M Hany Mukhtar and F C.J. Sapong, both of whom have 4 goals and 3 assists on the season.

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.

Colorado Rapids vs. Nashville SC odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Colorado Rapids +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Nashville SC +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | Draw +230
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +120 | U: -145)

[tipico]

Prediction

Colorado 1, Nashville 1

Money line (ML)

LEAN DRAW (+230).

Colorado has been solid at home, but it hasn’t been completely invincible.

The Rapids are 1-0-2 when taking on teams in current playoff position, which Nashville is. Nashville has 4 draws in 13 games, 2 of which have come on the road.

Nashville has a high-quality leader in each position group with D Walker Zimmerman on its backline. It has allowed more than 1 goal in just 5 games. The Rapids play a similar slow-pace style. They’ve allowed 3 total goals in their last 6 games.

Neither team is an attack-heavy side, and I believe that’ll translate into this game. Nashville is the better side, but Colorado is at home. I’ll put a small unit on DRAW (+230).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (-145).

This is a tad expensive for what I typically like giving out in terms of a full-unit bet, but this is the far superior bet. As noted, neither team is an attack-heavy side.

Nashville and Colorado have both scored 15 goals in 13 games. That’s tied for the 6th-fewest goals scored in the Western Conference.

Their defense picks up the slack though with Nashville, who is led by a young star in Zimmerman, having given up 15 which compares to Colorado’s mere 14 allowed.

Colorado has gone under 2.5 in 5 of its last 6 contests while Nashville has gone under 2.5 in 4 of its last 6.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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CF Montreal vs. FC Cincinnati odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s CF Montreal vs. FC Cincinnati odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

CF Montreal (6 wins, 5 losses, 2 draws) welcomes FC Cincinnati (6-6-1) to Saputo Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the CF Montreal vs. FC Cincinnati odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

CF Montreal has been among the best teams in the MLS, sitting 4th in the Eastern Conference. They have collected 9 points in 5 home games, posting a 3-2-0 home record.

Montreal is one of the more high-paced teams in the MLS. It has scored 24 goals and allowed 23, which are tied for the most in the conference and the second-fewest, respectively. It is led by 23-year-old F Djordje Mihailovic, who has 7 goals on the season.

FCC is led in scoring by 23-year-old F Brandon Vazquez, who has scored 7 goals as well and is drawing attention from the United States Men’s National Team.

Only Vazquez and M Luciano Acosta have more than one goal for FCC. FCC is 4-2-1 on the road this season, totaling 13 points in 7 matches. The club has scored 18 and allowed 21.

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.

CF Montreal vs. FC Cincinnati odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:45 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: CF Montreal -145 (bet $145 to win $100) | FC Cincinnati +380 (bet $100 to win $380) | Draw +310
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -160 | U: +130)

[tipico]

Prediction

CF Montreal 3, FC Cincinnati 2

Money line (ML)

LEAN CF MONTREAL -145.

FCC might be better on the road, but that’s not a typical pattern. I assume their road record will regress. Also, FC Cincinnati lacks depth in the goal-scoring department with just two players scoring multiple goals.

Montreal, on the other hand, can attack with a plethora of high-level finishers. It has had 5 players, 4 of which consistently start, score more than 1 goal.

One could even say FCC’s road record is lucky as it has either had as many expected goals or fewer expected goals in 5 of their 7 matches away from TQL Stadium, yet accrued 3 points in 4 of them.

Considering Montreal already beat FCC this season, I expect its strength at home to be showcased. This is only a lean because of the -145 value. That doesn’t give enough return for this to be a full-unit bet.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN OVER ALTERNATE TOTAL 3.5 (+155).

FC Cincinnati and Montreal play high-scoring games. That’s about all there is to it. The score earlier this season was 4-3, and in the three matches that the two sides played last season, there were 12 goals.

On top of that, as noted earlier, Montreal is tied for the most goals in the conference and has allowed the second most. CF Montreal topped 2.5 goals in every home game and has topped 3.5 once.

Given how FCC plays, having allowed 1.62 goals per game, I expect this game to be a thrilling, scoring-heavy match.

However, the Over 2.5 at -160 doesn’t give the value I prefer considering the wager being taken, and the 3.5 at +155 is relatively risky, which is why this is again just a lean as well.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Atlanta United vs. Columbus Crew odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Atlanta United vs. Columbus Crew odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

The Atlanta United (4 wins, 4 losses, 4 draws) welcome the Columbus Crew (3-5-4) to Mercedes-Benz Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Atlanta United vs. Columbus Crew odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

Both Atlanta and Columbus have disappointed so far this season with United sitting 8th in the East and the Crew 12th. Three points separate the 2 sides. As for United, they’ve drawn 2 straight games, both 2-2.

One was at home against New England, and the other, more recently, was a loss on the road against Nashville. Atlanta is led by F Ronaldo Cisneros, who has 4 goals on the season. It’s allowed 18 goals in 12 games.

As for the Crew, they’ve lost two straight and have failed to score in 6 of their last 8 games.

Columbus has scored 15 and allowed 15 through its 12 games this season. It is led in scoring by 2021 M Lucas Zelarayán, who has 4 goals on the season. The Crew are a pitiful 0-4-2 on the road this season.

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.

Atlanta United vs. Columbus Crew odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Atlanta United +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Columbus Crew +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Draw +250
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

[tipico]

Prediction

Atlanta United 2, Columbus Crew 1

Money line (ML)

LEAN ATLANTA UNITED +100.

The Crew just haven’t played up to par on the road, and their struggles over the last 8 games are real.

The Crew were unbeaten through the first 4 games of the season and have lost 5 of their last 8. Columbus must figure things out, and at a rowdy Mercedes-Benz Stadium won’t be where that happens.

There’s a chance star F Josef Martinez makes his return from injury as well. Martinez won the league’s Golden Boot in 2018. Even without Martinez, United has been playing better as of late. They’ve also not lost at home.

Combine United’s 3-0-3 home record with how bad Columbus has been away from Lower.com Field along with the potential return of Martinez, and I’ll take Atlanta at this value.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (-115).

The United defense has been terrible the last few games, which is why the OVER 2.5 (-115) is my favorite bet of the game. United has allowed 18 goals in 12 games and would have combined to top this total in their last 5 games.

The Crew would’ve hit this total in 2 of their last 4, having allowed 2 goals to their opponent in 3 straight games.

Columbus has one of the most experienced midfielders in the MLS. Zelarayan should be able to help the Crew break down a susceptible Atlanta defense.

Columbus ranks 9th in scoring attempts while Atlanta sits 4th in on-target scoring attempts. The 2 attacks combined should be able to net at least 3 goals.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Colorado Rapids vs. Seattle Sounders odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Colorado Rapids vs. Seattle Sounders odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

The Colorado Rapids (4 wins, 5 losses, 3 draws) welcome the Seattle Sounders (4-5-1) to DSG Park Sunday. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Rapids vs. Sounders odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

The Rapids, who had one of the best defenses in the MLS a year ago, have allowed 14 goals in 12 games. Only 5 teams in the Western Conference have given up more goals.

However, they’re still in playoff positions and are 4-0-2 at home. Colorado is led by F Diego Rubio who has 6 goals on the season. Only 1 other player on the roster has more than 1 goal this season.

The Sounders are tied for 11th — 2 points behind the Rapids — but are averaging more points per game. They’ve played just 10 games. Seattle is led by F Raúl Ruidíaz.

He’s 1 of 4 Sounders players with multiple goals on the season. The Sounders are 2-1-0 since their CONCACAF Champions League-winning run. Things are returning to normalcy, and they should start to rise in the standings.

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.

Colorado Rapids vs. Seattle Sounders odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:35 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Colorado Rapids +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | Seattle Sounders +275 (bet $100 to win $275) | Draw +250
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

[tipico]

Prediction

Seattle Sounders 1, Colorado Rapids 1

Money line (ML)

BET TIE OR SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC (-135) ON THE DOUBLE CHANCE.

While I don’t usually head to alternate lines here, this is one I think has a ton of value.

The Rapids are one of the better home teams in the league, but they’ve regressed as of late with 4 losses in their last 7 games. Their late-game red cards with Sporting KC may carry some extra weight.

However, this bet is more for Seattle than against Colorado. The Sounders have won 2 straight contests and really only have multiple losses because of the energy used to win the CONCACAF Champions League.

Those 2 wins came against Minnesota United 3-1 and Houston Dynamo 1-0, both playoff-caliber teams in the West. I expect the Sounders to start to ramp up their play in MLS action considering Ruidíaz has just 3 starts, F Jordan Morris has 6 and M Nicolás Lodeiro has just 4.

I don’t want to bet them to win outright, but the value on the draw or win is worth the risk.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN UNDER 2.5 (-110).

The Sounders have gone under this total in 3 of their last 5 games. The Rapids have gone under this total in 4 of their last 5 matches.

Both teams have allowed 14 goals this season, Seattle in 10 games and Colorado in 12. Both are still allowing their opponent under 1.5 goals per game.

With that in mind, and considering the trends, I’ll take the UNDER 2.5 (-110) here.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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FC Cincinnati vs. New England Revolution odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s FC Cincinnati vs. New England Revolution odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

FC Cincinnati (6 wins, 5 losses, 1 draw) welcomes the New England Revolution (3-5-3) to TQL Stadium. Kickoff Saturday is set for 6 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the FC Cincinnati vs. New England odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

The Revolution have been a shadow of the team that consistently took the pitch last season. Without GK Matt Turner and F Tajon Buchanan, the Revolution sit in 11th place on the Eastern Conference table.

F Adam Buksa who has 6 goals and 2 assists leads the team in scoring and helps captain the offensive output with M Carles Gil, who has 3 goals and 5 assists. New England has scored 18 and allowed 20 in 11 matches.

FC Cincinnati has soared up the table with 4 straight wins and is just 1 of 2 playoff teams with a negative goal differential. They have a similar tandem in F Brandon Vazquez and M Luciano Acosta, the first of which has 8 goals and assists and the latter of which has 6.

FCC has never had a 3-game winning streak in club history, so they’re playing quality soccer right now. They’ve scored 16 and allowed 18 in 12 matches.

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.

FC Cincinnati vs. New England Revolution odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: FC Cincinnati +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | New England Revolution +145 (bet $100 to win $145) | Draw +260
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -165 | U: +133)

[tipico]

Prediction

FC Cincinnati 2, New England Revolution 2

Money line (ML)

LEAN DRAW +260.

FC Cincinnati has been on fire, but that flame will eventually be quenched. The Revolution haven’t gotten many results this season, but they have drawn two straight matches 2-2.

New England has drawn 2 of its 5 road games. FCC has yet to draw at home, but they have actually been far worse at TQL than on the road, posting just a 2-3-0 record.

In 2 of FCC’s 4 recent wins, they’ve either tied or had fewer expected goals than their opponent. They’re a solid side, but this streak will come to an end soon.

A draw, at +260, gives good value considering how each team has played this season.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN ALTERNATE OVER 3.5 (+145).

FC Cincinnati hasn’t necessarily won at home, but they’ve been a scoring machine, also giving up a large number of goals on their home field.

In 5 home games, FCC has scored 9 goals and allowed 8, which includes a 1-0 loss to D.C. United to start the season. They’ve gone over 3.5 goals in 2 of 5 home games.

FCC also has the league’s leader, Acosta, in total attacking assists. As for New England, it has gone over this total in 2 straight and in 4 of its last 6. Gil is tied for the second-most assists in the MLS.

This should be a high-paced game against 2 sides that have had relatively disappointing defenses so far this season. Expect a plethora of goals, which is why the alternate Over is my favorite play.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Columbus Crew vs. LAFC odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Columbus Crew vs. LAFC odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

The Columbus Crew (3 wins, 4 losses, 4 draws) welcome LAFC (7-3-2) to Lower.com Field Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Columbus Crew vs. LAFC odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

The Crew have had a relatively disappointing season. Although early in the season, they are outside of playoff position. However, Columbus has won 3 of its 5 games at home.

The Crew are led by 29-year-old M Lucas Zelarayán. Zelarayan was an All-Star midfielder a season ago. Columbus is coming off a 2-0 road loss to NYCFC last weekend.

LAFC is led by F Carlos Vela the last few seasons. While that’s true again, it has struggled as of late, losing at home to Austin FC 2-1. LAFC has lost two straight and is 0-2-1 in the last 3.

LAFC has been decent on the road for a club of its caliber, posting a 3-2-0 record. However, LAFC had more expected goals in all but one road game this season.

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.

Columbus Crew vs. LAFC odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Columbus +117 (bet $100 to win $117) | LAFC +225 (bet $100 to win $225) | Draw +255
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -145 | U: +120)

[tipico]

Prediction

LAFC 2, Columbus 1

Money line (ML)

LEAN LAFC +225.

LAFC hasn’t played well as of late, but it’s an ultra-talented club, some of which are still figuring out how to play with each other.

Veteran M Kellyn Acosta will likely accrue another start and should impact the game. He should be able to neutralize the possession-dominating Zelarayán.

Considering Columbus has scored 5 goals in its last 7 matches and were held scoreless in 5 of those, I’m not sold they’ll be able to thrive against the Western Conference’s best and deepest club.

LAFC is one of four teams with a double-digit goal differential, and it’s still positive even when just considering road matches. If I can ever get LAFC to win for more than double my wager, I’ll take it.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (-125).

If there’s something LAFC likes to do, it is score. They have had 24 goals in 12 games, averaging 2 goals per game. Columbus is averaging 1.36 goals per game and has had 5 multi-goal games as well.

It has scored 2 or more in 3 of its 5 home matches. Columbus has had 3 goals scored in 2 of its last 3 matches while 3 or more have been scored in 7 of LAFC’s last 9.

With all the star power from the mix of Acosta, Vela and Zelarayan, I expect goals to be scored.

Both defenses allow over a goal per game as well. They both also rank in the bottom half of the league in interceptions, so attacks may be able to find steam early and often.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Sporting KC vs. Colorado Rapids odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Sporting KC vs. Colorado Rapids odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

The Colorado Rapids (4 wins, 4 losses, 3 draws) visit Children’s Mercy Park to take on Sporting KC (2-7-3) Wednesday. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Sporting KC vs. Colorado Rapids odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

The Rapids haven’t been great this season, but they have been a dominant side at home. Colorado has 4 wins and 2 draws in its 6 home games, while posting an 0-4-1 road record.

The Rapids are led by 29-year-old Chilean F Diego Rubio, who has 6 goals on the season. Canadian M Mark-Anthony Kaye has 3 goals and is the only other Rapids player with multiple goals.

Sporting KC has been a shell of what it was a season ago. Sporting has been decent at home, going 2-1-2. It has earned just 1 point in 7 road matches.

KC has scored only 9 goals on the season with 32-year-old Johnny Russell leading the way with 3. Sporting is coming off a road match in which it gave up 7 goals to Portland. Sporting KC has allowed 23 goals in 12 games.

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.

Sporting KC vs. Colorado Rapids odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:49 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Sporting KC +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Colorado Rapids +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Draw +220
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +102 | U: -125)

[tipico]

Prediction

Sporting KC 1, Colorado Rapids 1

Money line (ML)

LEAN DRAW (+220).

Sporting KC is coming into this game having drawn 2 of its 5 home games.

Both of KC’s wins this season at home were just 1-0 victories as well, so it isn’t extremely dominant at home. It has scored 5 and allowed 4 in its 5 home games this season.

Colorado hasn’t been great on the road. It is the better side and has more points on the season, but it has scored just 1 point away from home. The Rapids have scored just 3 goals on the road.

Neither team has a significant advantage in the current situation. For that reason, I’ll LEAN DRAW (+220) at this value.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN UNDER 2.5 (-125).

On paper, Sporting KC has the second-worst defense in the Western Conference.

However, in 4 games, it has yielded 16 goals, and in the other 8 it has allowed just 7. Sporting has also pitched 4 shutouts and, as noted, is far better defensively at home. Sporting KC is 2-3 at home when the O/U line is 2.5.

Colorado is 3-2 O/U on the road but has given up 3 goals 3 times. The Sporting KC offense hasn’t shown enough consistent attack to likely get that many, especially against a Rapids defense that has been otherwise solid.

Combine the strengths of both teams with how they’ve played in the situation they’ll be entering, and I like the UNDER 2.5 (-125) here as my best bet. I wouldn’t quite put a full unit because of the overpriced value of -125.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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LAFC vs. Austin FC odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s LAFC vs. Austin FC odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

LAFC (7 wins, 2 losses, 2 draws) welcomes Austin FC (6-3-2) to Banc of California Stadium for a 10:30 p.m. ET kickoff Wednesday. Below, we preview the LAFC vs. Austin FC odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

Austin FC has been among the league’s bright spots so far this season. Austin sits 3rd in a tough Western Conference and is tied with LAFC with an MLS-best 23 goals.

Austin is led by 26-year-old Argentinian F Sebastián Driussi, who has 7 goals on the season. Austin had 31 points in 34 games last season, ending 24th in the league, making this start to the year that much better.

However, Austin will be on the road to take on LAFC, and there isn’t a tougher place to play in the nation. LAFC is 4-0-2 at home, having yet to lose at Banc of California.

The home side is led by star Mexican F Carlos Vela, who has 4 goals on the season. He is one of 6 LAFC 6 players, who have at least 2 goals. LAFC has allowed just 12 goals in 11 games.

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.

LAFC vs. Austin FC odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:46 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: LAFC -205 (bet $205 to win $100) | Austin FC +490 (bet $100 to win $490) | Draw +380
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +120 | U: -145)

[tipico]

Prediction

LAFC 2, Austin FC 0

Money line (ML)

PASS.

I like LAFC to win this game, but at -205, I wouldn’t bet on it. Austin FC has proven it’s a competent side. Austin has won or tied 3 of its 5 road games this season.

Usually when I PASS on a money line, I dive into either both teams to score or not score. This game has odds of -170 on both teams to score and +122 on both not to score.

I suggest a “lean” on BOTH TEAMS NOT TO SCORE (+122). The thought process here is that LAFC is one of 7 teams (Austin FC being one of them) to allow 12 or fewer goals.

Austin has played 2 of those teams this season (Minnesota United and LA Galaxy) and scored just 1 goal in those 2 games. It’s a “lean” with the overall Under my favorite play Wednesday.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 3.5 (-145).

It’s absolutely two dynamic offenses against each other. However, it’s also two of the Western Conference’s best defenses. Austin FC has allowed 11 goals in 11 games and, as mentioned, LAFC has allowed 12 goals in 11 games.

Both teams have Under 15 expected goals against as well, so it’s not just a luck factor for each. They have legit defenses with LAFC having the sixth-fewest shots against and Austin FC having the sixth-best save rate.

Austin FC has gone Under 4 goals in a game 4 straight times, while 3 of LAFC’s last 4 cashed Under tickets.

UNDER 3.5 (-145) is a little pricey, but it’s worth the risk.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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Chicago Fire vs. FC Cincinnati odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Chicago Fire vs. FC Cincinnati odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

Chicago Fire (2-4-4) welcome FC Cincinnati (5 wins, 5 losses, 1 draw) to Soldier Field Saturday for a 8 p.m. ET kickoff. Below, we preview the Chicago Fire vs. FC Cincinnati odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

FC Cincinnati already has more wins than it did all of last season, and sitting in 5th place, it finally looks like the club, welcomed into the MLS in 2019, that fans expected it to be.

FCC is on a club-long 3-game winning streak, having down Minnesota and Toronto on the road during it. They’re led in scoring by 23-year-old F Brandon Vazquez, who has 6 on the season.

As for Chicago, it has been disappointing so far this season. While it has been slightly better at home, the Fire have only been able to garner 6 points in 5 home matches.

The Fire are led by M Xherdan Shaqiri, who was once a Swiss star. Their issue comes offensively, having only scored 7 in 10 games.

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.

Chicago Fire vs. FC Cincinnati odds, lines, picks and predictions

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:50 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Chicago Fire -107 (bet $107 to win $100) | FC Cincinnati +295 (bet $100 to win $295) | Draw +255
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

[tipico]

Prediction

FC Cincinnati 1, Chicago Fire 1

Money line (ML)

LEAN DRAW +255.

While the draw is a strong play here, I also wouldn’t mind FC Cincinnati or the Draw, which can be taken at -127. Mainly because the Fire have struggled recently, and there’s no reason to believe they’ll turn it around now.

They’ve lost 3 straight games and have only won 1 of 5 at home. They’ve drawn 3 at home, which is why I lean toward the value on the draw. The Fire have lost or drawn their last 6 matches.

On the other side of the pitch, FCC has the league leader in total attacking assists, M Lucho Acosta. He should be able to control the pace and break down a formidable Fire defense.

FC Cincinnati has won or drawn 6 of its last 9 and 4 of its last 5. I’d bet on them to get some points on the road.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET the UNDER 2.5 (-105).

Basically put, the Fire’s offense is awful while their defense has consistently held up. They’ve scored 7 and allowed 10 through 10 games. The Fire would’ve gone under this total in 6 of their 10.

While FCC hasn’t typically been known for defensive strength, they’ve pitched two straight shutouts and have gone under this total in 3 of their last 5.

Also, the more lethal attack, FC Cincinnati, is coming off a midweek loss to Minnesota, so there couldn’t be different combinations of players taking the field for the road side.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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