No. 1 Philadelphia Union visits Banc of California Stadium to take on No. 1 LAFC in the MLS Cup Final. Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Philadelphia Union vs. LAFC odds, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
LAFC added several former international superstars in the middle of the season to a roster that was already the best in the West. They had one of the best seasons in MLS history, totaling 67 points in 34 games.
To get to this point, LAFC had to take down in-state rival LA Galaxy and No. 2-seeded Austin FC, respectively winning 3-2 and 3-0. F Cristian Arango had a team-high 16 and F Carlos Vela led the team in goals and assists with a combined 21.
The Union, on the other hand, will be bringing their league-best defense to the West Coast. They allowed just 1 goal in their 2 playoff games and just 26 in 34 games this season. That’s not to say they don’t have an attack though.
Philadelphia M Daniel Gazdag was tied with Austin M Sebastian Driussi for the 2nd-most goals in the league. The Union beat FC Cincinnati 1-0 in the second round and NYCFC 3-1 in the second round.
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Philadelphia Union vs. LAFC odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Philadelphia +310 (bet $100 to win $310) | LAFC -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Draw +290
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -135 | U: +107)
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Prediction
LAFC 1, Philadelphia Union 1
Moneyline (ML)
LEAN DRAW (+290).
Philadelphia is the real deal, and its ability to defend at a high level should be on display Saturday afternoon. It led the league in clean sheets, save rate and interceptions.
The Union allowed just 1 goal through 180 minutes to 2 clubs that combined for 121 in the regular season. The Union had more than double their opponents expected goals in both games as well.
LAFC has the best attack in the MLS, but it did struggle early against Austin and didn’t truly pull away from the Galaxy either. The superstar additions, especially Bale, hasn’t added much fire.
I would trust in GK Andre Blake to keep this game close, and a draw, at this value, is a good play.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET UNDER 2.5 (+107).
The Union had the best defense in the MLS, and as by the stats they finished first in above, they have a side that isn’t going to allow many opportunities. Similarly, LAFC allowed the fewest shots against.
LAFC allowed just 0.7 expected goals through 2 games while Philadelphia allowed just 1.4.
Oddly enough, both teams also were in the bottom half of the league in passing accuracy rate, so with the stiff defense, neither side may be able to truly string together good possessions.
Considering it all, I would back the UNDER 2.5 (+107), especially with the value being given here.
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