In the MLS Western Conference Finals, the Portland Timbers face Real Salt Lake. The match will be held at Providence Park with kickoff scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview the Portland vs. Real Salt Lake odds and lines, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.
The Timbers entered the MLS playoffs as the No. 4 seed in the West. They took down Minnesota United 3-1 behind two goals from M Sebastian Blanco.
The Timbers won their semi-final meeting with the Colorado Rapids 1-0 after a dramatic finish that included a 90th-minute goal and an ensuing 94th-minute red card.
Real Salt Lake has arguably an even more impressive two victories on its path.
RSL defeated Seattle in penalty kicks then toppled Sporting Kansas City 2-1. Seattle and KC were largely considered the West’s two-best teams despite ranking No. 2 and No. 3 respectively. RSL entered as the No. 7 seed.
Portland vs. Real Salt Lake: Odds, picks and predictions
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:45 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Portland -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Real Salt Lake +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | Draw +290
- Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -150 | U: +112)
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Prediction
Portland 2, Real Salt Lake 1
Money line (ML)
“LEAN” to PORTLAND (-155) but keep in mind this is full-time odds.
The Timbers, throughout the season, were a fortress at Providence Park. They totaled 11 of their 17 wins in the regular season there. RSL had 10 losses in 17 road games.
The difference there is key. The Timbers are also better defensively. While RSL advanced past Seattle two games back it gave up 21 shots and didn’t generate a single shot of its own.
The difference in venue coupled with the Timbers’ more impressive playoff showings makes me more inclined to bet on them.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET on the UNDER 2.5 (+112) as both teams have had a game go under this amount in the playoffs.
In both teams’ semifinal round there were also 90th-minute goals. With RSL having just five shots on target through both games yet having given up just one goal, the Under feels like the better bet.
Also, Steve Clark, Portland’s starting goalkeeper, ranked eighth in clean sheets this season. He’s been a force between the sticks. With that in mind, at plus-money value, the Under is a good play.
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