The Colorado Rapids (5 wins, 7 losses, 4 draws) host Austin FC (9-4-4) Monday. Kickoff from DSG Park is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Colorado Rapids vs. Austin FC odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
After finishing with the most points in the Western Conference last season, Colorado has struggled to keep that same pace. It sits 12th in the West, having scored 17 goals and allowed 21 in 16 matches.
The Rapids haven’t received the same production from F Michael Barrios and F Jonathan Lewis this season. F Diego Rubio leads the team with 7 goals. Colorado’s defense is allowing .28 more goals per game than a season ago. The Rapids are 5-1-2 at home and are 0-6-2 on the road.
Austin FC, in its second season, has surprisingly pleased supporters. With 32 goals on the season, it sits only behind LAFC in goals per game in the West.
Austin sits 2nd in the West with 31 points in 17 matches. Austin has been impressive on the road, posting a 5-3-1 record. It has won 5 of its last 7 road matches and its last 2 away from Q2 Stadium.
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. 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 1:31 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Colorado Rapids -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Austin FC +350 (bet $100 to win $350) | Draw +285
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -135 | U: +110)
[tipico]
Prediction
Colorado 1, Austin 1
Money line (ML)
BET TIE OR AUSTIN FC -107.
Austin has been the better all-around team this season. It’s been a difficult side to beat, having lost just 4 times which is tied with LAFC for the fewest in the conference.
Austin has won 3 of its last 4 road games, having defeated the top team in both conferences while on the road.
Colorado is a capable side, but the Rapids have been awful when attacking. They’re 1 of 3 teams in the West with a sub-1.1 goals per game average.
I’ll trust the better offense with a strong road resume to at least come out with a draw.
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN UNDER 2.5 (+110).
Colorado’s defense has allowed multiple goals in 5 of 8 road matches, but at home, it’s that same defense that led the West a season ago.
They’ve gone under this total in 6 of 8 home matches, which include matches against LAFC and Seattle. Colorado and its opponent have combined for under 3 expected goals in all but 1 home match.
Austin is an attack-heavy side, but in its last 2 road matches, it has won 1-0, defying what it’s shown in the rest of its away games. Both teams also rank in the top half of the league in save rate.
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).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=3296]