[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]
The Colorado Rapids (11 wins, 5 draws, 9 losses) welcome Real Salt Lake (12-8-4) to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park for a battle of Western Conference powerhouses Saturday. Kickoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET (Apple TV). Below, we preview FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Colorado Rapids vs. Real Salt Lake odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.
The Rapids, who are 7-3-2 at home this season, lost a midweek battle with the LA Galaxy 3-2 Wednesday. Colorado did end with 0.1 more expected goals in the road defeat. It is 2-1-2 over its last 5 games and 4-1-0 in its last 5 at home. The Rapids have scored 47 goals while allowing 41 through their 25 matches. They are led offensively by Brazilian F Rafael Navarro, who has netted 11 goals in 25 matches.
Real Salt Lake, which is 4-7-2 on the road, has one of the most potent offenses in MLS and has tallied 2.04 goals per game while allowing 1.29. It sits 3rd in the West, coming off a 1-1 road draw against LAFC Wednesday. RSL will continue to be without its leading goal-scoring option in F Cristian Arango, who is still serving a 4-game suspension. RSL is 1-5-1 in its last 6 on the road.
World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+
Colorado Rapids vs. Real Salt Lake odds
Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 9 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Colorado Rapids -105 (bet $105 to win $100) | Real Salt Lake +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Draw +270
- Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +130 | U: -160)
[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]
Colorado Rapids vs. Real Salt Lake picks and predictions
Prediction
Colorado Rapids 2, Real Salt Lake 1
Moneyline (ML)
BET COLORADO RAPIDS (-105).
When the lights are the brightest, the Rapids have shown up. The Rapids have won home games against LAFC (4th in the West) and the Vancouver Whitecaps (2nd in the West), winning 3-2 and 1-0, respectively. Colorado has won 4 of its last 5 home games.
RSL did get a road draw against LAFC, but it will be down its most elusive scoring option. That was clearly seen, as it notched just 1.4 expected goals. RSL has had as many or fewer expected goals in 3 of its last 4 road games despite a 1-2-1 record in those outings.
Considering how well Colorado has faced against top competition at home, back COLORADO RAPIDS (-105).
Over/Under (O/U)
BET UNDER 3.5 (-160).
RSL has scored with ease this season, but it will be without Arango Saturday. It has gone under this total, and scored 1 or fewer goals, in 4 of its last 5 road games. It has been held scoreless in 2 of its last 5 away trips as well.
The Rapids have gone under this total in 3 of its last 5 home games and 6 of its last 9 overall. Despite the expensive valuation here, take UNDER 3.5 (-160).
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.
[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=3296]