The Colorado Rapids (0 wins, 1 loss, 0 draws) host Atlanta United (1-0-0) Saturday at DSG Park. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Colorado vs. Atlanta odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
Colorado was given a difficult test in its opener on the road against LAFC with a fully healthy F Carlos Vela. Vela netted a hat trick against the Rapids, a team that gave up just the second-fewest goals in the Western Conference a season ago.
The Rapids lost 3-0 in their opener after finishing first in the conference last season. That was more about how good Vela was than a weak Rapids side.
Atlanta is led by F Josef Martinez. United beat Sporting KC at home 3-1 for an impressive season-opening win. Atlanta committed just 6 fouls which is tied for the fewest in the MLS through the opening week.
Atlanta finished 4-6-7 on the road a season ago.
Colorado Rapids vs. Atlanta United: Odds, 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 12:45 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Colorado -103 (bet $103 to win $100) | Atlanta +300 (bet $100 to win $300) | Draw +245
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +105 | U: -130)
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Prediction
Colorado 1, Atlanta United 1
Money line (ML)
“LEAN” to a DRAW (+245).
Atlanta is a talented side and showed that as it knocked off one of the Western Conference’s best teams in their opener. However, it’s far more difficult on the road and Colorado will be looking to bounce back.
The Rapids’ strong defensive play should be able to limit Martinez and company. Colorado gave up just 35 goals in 34 games a season ago and its mistakes against LAFC should be corrected at home.
The Rapids were 9-1-7 at home last season, failing to get any points in just 1 match. Against a talented United side that’s coming off an impressive win, I think a draw could be in store.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET the UNDER 2.5 (-130).
The Rapids allowed just 1.03 goals per game last season. Vela ripped them apart, but their coaching and defensive core are still intact and should rebound in this home battle.
United totaled 3 goals against Sporting, but they allowed just 2 shots on goal, one of which Sporting managed to score on.
United has USMNT star D Miles Robinson captaining their backline as well, so the experience is there to succeed. I expect a hard-fought battle, one that finishes relatively low scoring.
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