FC Cincinnati (7 wins, 7 losses, 2 draws) hosts New York City FC (8-4-3) at TQL Stadium Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the FC Cincinnati vs. New York City FC odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
FC Cincinnati defeated Orlando City FC 1-0 at home last Friday, and they did so on the back of a dominant defensive effort, allowing just 0.2 expected goals. They’ve won 5 of their last 8 matches.
FCC is led by 23-year-old F Brandon Vazquez. With 8 goals on the season, Vazquez’s recent play has caught the eye of USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter. M Luciano Acosta is the team’s captain and has 8 combined goals and assists on the season.
As for NYCFC, they went on the road to Philadelphia and lost via a 96th-minute goal. Their lone goal of the 2-1 defeat was a penalty kick. NYCFC now sits 2nd in the Eastern Conference.
NYCFC is led by F Valentín Castellanos with 8 goals on the season. It’s truly been their defense that has them sitting in 2nd place, having allowed just 13 goals in 15 matches.
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FC Cincinnati vs. New York City 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 Tuesday at 11:04 p.m. ET.
- Money line: FC Cincinnati +235 (bet $100 to win $235) | New York City FC +111 (bet $100 to win $111) | Draw +260
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)
[tipico]
Prediction
FC Cincinnati 1, NYCFC 1
Money line (ML)
LEAN FC CINCINNATI OR TIE -135.
FC Cincinnati has played surprisingly well as of late. It looks like the expansion team, behind Vazquez is starting to figure things out.
While a 3-4-0 record at home may not look like success, FCC has had as many or more expected goals in all but 1 game, which was against the MLS’s best team, LAFC.
New York is coming off a disappointing effort against Philadelphia, and most of its success is based on thriving at home. NYCFC is just 2-3-1 on the road.
Also, Castellanos played a full 90 Sunday against the East’s best defense, Philadelphia. He may not see the full time again which would bode well for FCC.
Over/Under (O/U)
LEAN UNDER 2.5 (+105).
While I don’t have a strong play in this game, the plus-money value on the under is enticing.
In the 5 games that FCC has played against an opponent that has allowed under 20 goals on the season, they’re 2-3 O/U. NYCFC has one of the best defenses in the league and has gone under in 6 of their last 7.
The only time they failed to, Philadelphia scored a 96th-minute goal and NYCFC scored on an 89th-minute penalty. NYCFC only has 6 multi-goal games, and they’ve only scored 5 goals in their 6 road matches.
Signs point to the under being the better value here, but considering FCC’s defense, I wouldn’t put a full-unit bet on the total.
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