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The Colorado Rapids host the LA Galaxy in DSG Park for the 2nd match of their best-of-3 Western Conference first-round playoff series. Kickoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET (Apple TV). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s soccer odds around the Colorado Rapids vs. LA Galaxy odds, and make our best MLS picks and predictions.
The Galaxy annihilated the Rapids 5-0 in the first game at home. The total soared Over, and LA won with ease; however, that doesn’t have any bearing on this game in terms of goal differential or any substantial advantage moving forward.
The Rapids finished seventh in the Western Conference. Colorado was significantly better at home, posting a 10-3-4 home record. It scored 33 points at home and 17 on the road. The Rapids’ strength is their offense, averaging 1.79 goals per game. They are struggling though, having lost 5 in a row, including their last 2 at home. The Rapids are led by F Rafael Navarro, who has netted 15 goals.
LA ended the regular season second in the West with a +19 goal differential, the second-best in the conference. The Galaxy also have an extremely potent offense, having averaged 2.03 goals per game. They went just 6-4-7 on the road this season. LA is led by F Gabriel Chaves, who has tallied 16 goals. Four Galaxy players have scored double-digit goals this season. LA has won 4 of its last 5 matches.
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Colorado Rapids vs. LA Galaxy odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of soccer odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 6:16 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline: Colorado Rapids +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | LA Galaxy +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Draw +300 (bet $100 to win $300)
- Over/Under: 3.5 (O: -135 | U: -110)
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Colorado Rapids vs. LA Galaxy picks and predictions
Prediction
LA Galaxy 3, Colorado Rapids 2
Moneyline (ML)
BET GALAXY (+130).
In the playoffs, it is about getting hot and staying hot, and the Galaxy are doing just that. LA has won 4 of its last 5 games with 3 of those wins coming by multiple goals. It beat the Rapids 3-1 on the road on Oct. 2, and ended with 1.3 more expected goals.
Colorado has less potent starts and have fallen off a cliff as of late, having been outscored by 12 goals (15-3) over its last 5 games. The Rapids have allowed at least 2 expected goals in 3 of their last 4 matches. Those persistent issues will be a problem against an offensive team like LA.
That said, back GALAXY (+130) to end the series Friday.
Over/Under (O/U)
BET OVER 3.5 (-135).
The Rapids have allowed at least 3 goals in 4 of their last 5 games and have scored at least 2 goals in 6 of their last 11. Colorado is allowing 1.76 goals per game while scoring 1.79 per game. Both of those are impressive, the former impressively bad and the latter impressively good.
The Galaxy have gone Over this total in 5 of their last 7 games and have combined for 3 goals in those 2 other matches. Their games have consistently been filled with goals. Expect that to continue and back OVER 3.5 (-135). If you’re feeling adventuresome, you could consider a little something on the Alternative Over 4.5 (+165) for tidy payout.
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.
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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