Tag: LAFC betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

LAFC vs. San Jose Earthquakes odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s LAFC vs. San Jose Earthquakes odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

LAFC (9 wins, 6 losses, 5 draws) welcomes the San Jose Earthquakes (7-7-7) to BMO Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the LAFC vs. San Jose Earthquakes odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

LAFC comes into this game following a 2-1 road loss to the LA Galaxy. It has lost 3 straight games, including a 2-0 loss to FC Dallas on the road and 3-2 loss to Vancouver at home. LAFC is a strong 6-2-2 at home. It is led by F Denis Bouanga, who has 11 goals in 18 matches (16 starts). LAFC has averaged 1.45 goals per game and allowed 1.15 per game so far this season.

San Jose drew the LA Galaxy 2-2 last weekend. Before that, it lost 2-1 to St. Louis and 4-1 to Houston. It hasn’t won a game since June 10, a 2-1 home win over the Philadelphia Union. The Earthquakes are led by F Cristian Espinoza, who has 9 goals in 21 starts. They are just 1-6-3 on the road this season and sit 6th in the Western Conference.

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LAFC vs. San Jose Earthquakes odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:30 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: LAFC -225 (bet $225 to win $100) | San Jose Earthquakes +525 (bet $100 to win $525) | Draw +375
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +115 | U: -165)

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

LAFC vs. San Jose Earthquakes picks and predictions

Prediction

LAFC 3, San Jose 1

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

Neither team has necessarily been performing well as of late, and how LAFC has played at home and San Jose on the road, the odds here are justified. However, taking LAFC (-225) has no value as the price isn’t worth the risk.

Given its struggles as of late, considering the DRAW (+375) as a way to capitalize on LAFC’s struggles mixed with San Jose’s ability to play up to its opponent’s level (having drawn 2 of its last 4) would make sense.

Nonetheless, I would PASS here and play the total.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 3.5 (+115).

LAFC has thrived on the back of a competent defense, but that has gone by the wayside. It has allowed 2 or more goals in 3 straight games. Its offense has also started to surge, scoring in 4 of its last 5 and scoring multiple goals in 2 of those 5. LAFC has had at least 1.0 expected goals in 5 straight games and has allowed at least 1.0 expected goals in 4 of its last 5.

San Jose has struggled offensively this season, but it has scored in 3 straight games and has scored in all but 4 games this season. The Earthquakes have also given up 8 goals in their last 3 games, having allowed at least 1.5 expected goals in 6 of their last 7.

Many signs point to goals being scored. Back the OVER 3.5 (+115).

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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FC Dallas vs. LAFC odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s FC Dallas vs. LAFC odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

FC Dallas (7 wins, 7 losses, 5 draws) welcomes LAFC (9-4-5) to Toyota Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (Apple TV). Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the FC Dallas vs. LAFC odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

LAFC is tied for 1st in the Western Conference with St. Louis City. It actually has more points per game as well, having played 1 fewer match. LAFC is coming off a 3-2 home loss to Vancouver, its 3rd loss in its last 5 games. LAFC has scored 28 goals and allowed 19 through 18 matches and is led by F Denis Bouanga, who has 11 goals in 16 matches.

FC Dallas sits 7th on the West table and has scored 21 goals and allowed 22. It is a strong 5-2-2 at home though. FC Dallas has lost 4 of its last 5 and its last 3 on the road. FC Dallas is led by USMNT F Jesus Ferreira, who has 10 goals in 18 matches, but will be with the national team for their CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage games.

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FC Dallas vs. LAFC odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:15 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: FC Dallas +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | LAFC +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Draw +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -135 | U: -110)

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

FC Dallas vs. LAFC picks and predictions

Prediction

LAFC 2, FC Dallas 0

Moneyline (ML)

BET LAFC (+130).

FC Dallas has struggled immensely in the attack without the presence of Ferreira. The team has scored just 21 goals on the season, and he has 10. No other player has more than 2.

Without the star forward, the home side will struggle in the final third, and that should lower the expectations. FC Dallas is also riding a 2-game losing streak and has lost 4 of its last 5 and 1 of its last 2 home matches.

LAFC, on the other side, has had more expected goals than its opponent in 7 of its last 9 matches. It is the better side here. Take LAFC (+130).

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN UNDER 2.5 (-110).

LAFC has gone Under this total in 3 of its last 6 games and has allowed fewer than one expected goal in 5 of its last 8 matches. Both teams have performed well defensively this season, and the absence of Ferreira will be pivotal for the home side.

FC Dallas has gone Under in 2 of its last 3 games. It has allowed fewer than 1 expected goal in 7 of its last 9 games. Expect strong defensive performances and take UNDER 2.5 (-110).

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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LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

LAFC (8 wins, 3 losses, 5 draws) welcomes the Seattle Sounders (8-6-4) to BMO Stadium Wednesday. Kickoff in the high-profile MLS Western Conference showdown is set for 10:30 p.m. ET (Apple TV). Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

LAFC took down Sporting KC 2-1 last Saturday. However, it lost 2 straight prior to that match, having had fewer expected goals in 2 of its last 3 games as well. LAFC is 5-1-2 at home this season. Offensively, it is led by F Denis Bouanga, who has 10 goals in 14 matches. LAFC also has a solid defense, allowing just 1 goal per game.

Seattle hasn’t played since a 3-3 draw on the road with Charlotte FC on June 10. The Sounders have 2 straight draws and are 3-3-2 on the road this season. Like LAFC, Seattle has had a formidable defense, allowing just 0.94 goals per game. It is led on the other end by USMNT F Jordan Morris, who has 9 goals in 16 matches.

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LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:50 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: LAFC -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Seattle Sounders +290 (bet $100 to win $290) | Draw +260
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -135 | U: -110)

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

LAFC vs. Seattle Sounders picks and predictions

Prediction

LAFC 1, Seattle Sounders 0

Moneyline (ML)

LEAN LAFC (-120).

LAFC has been terrific at home and Seattle will be short-handed in this match. Morris and M Cristian Roldan will be with the USMNT, and Seattle could be without a few other key players also on international duty. The Sounders, for a team of their caliber, haven’t been great on the road, losing 2 of their last 5 matches.

LAFC bounced back well with a win over Sporting and has been terrific at home, winning 5 of 8 matches. Without Morris and Roldan, the Sounders wouldn’t be sitting No. 3, so they won’t be the same dynamic side.

With that in mind, take LAFC (-130).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (-110).

The Sounders have gone Under in 3 of their last 4 road matches, and they have scored more than 1 goal in just 3 of 8 road matches this season.

LAFC has gone Under this total in 3 of its last 6 and in its last 2 home matches. It has allowed multiple goals in 1 of its last 7 games and has scored multiple goals in just 1 of its last 4.

Both teams also have a strong defense. With each in in the bottom 5 in the MLS in shots against, the defenses should shine on Wednesday.

Put it all together and take the UNDER 2.5 (-110).

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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LAFC vs. Houston Dynamo odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s LAFC vs. Houston Dynamo odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

The Houston Dynamo (6 wins, 7 losses, 3 draws) visit LAFC (7-2-5) at BMO Stadium Wednesday. Kickoff is set for 10:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the LAFC vs. Houston Dynamo odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

LAFC is coming into this game after losing 4-0 to Houston on the road Saturday. It ended with just 0.7 expected goals, snapping an 8-game streak of having at least 1 expected goal. LAFC is led by F Denis Bouanga, who has 10 goals in 14 matches this season. It is unbeaten at home, posting a 5-0-2 record at BMO Stadium.

Houston is 0-6-2 on the road, but is 6-1-1 at home. It is led offensively by French F Amine Bassi, who has scored 7 goals in 13 matches. He is 1 of 3 Dynamo players to have scored more than 1 goal which has been an issue for Houston, which averages just 1.19 goals per game. It has lost 4 of its last 7 games this season.

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LAFC vs. Houston Dynamo odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 10:45 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: LAFC -210 (bet $210 to win $100) | Houston Dynamo +525 (bet $100 to win $525) | Draw +340
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -165 | U: +120)

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

LAFC vs. Houston Dynamo picks and predictions

Prediction

LAFC 2, Houston Dynamo 0

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

The Dynamo, as noted, have been awful on the road, so even though they demolished LAFC last weekend, there’s really no reason to assume they will do it again. On the flip side, LAFC has been incredible at home, but it isn’t worth the juice at (-210). Ultimately, avoid the moneyline and look to the total for value.

Over/Under (O/U)

TAKE UNDER 2.5 (+120).

LAFC has been shut out for 2 straight games, one being at home against Atlanta as well. It has scored 2 or more goals in just 2 of its last 7 matches. Similarly, LAFC has allowed just 14 goals on the season.

Both teams are stronger defensively than they have been offensively. In the matchup last weekend, there were just 2.8 combined expected goals.

Houston has gone Under this total in 3 of its last 5 road matches and has scored multiple goals in just 1 road match. It has been held scoreless in 3 of those matches as well.

Considering it is averaging just 1.19 goals per game, Houston should regress from its 4-goal performance this weekend. Given the value, take the UNDER 2.5 (+120).

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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LA Galaxy vs. LAFC odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s LA Galaxy vs. LAFC odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

LAFC (4 wins, 0 losses, 2 draws) visits LA Galaxy (0-3-3) Sunday in a high-profile Western Conference battle. Kickoff from Dignity Health Sports Park is set for 4:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the LA Galaxy vs. LAFC odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

LAFC, who have won all 4 of their games at home and drawn both games on the road, are coming off a 3-0 win over Austin on April 8. LAFC is averaging 2 goals per game while allowing just .5. They are led by F Denis Bouanga, who has a team-high 6 goals. LAFC also has 4 clean sheets in 6 games, showcasing dominance on both sides of the ball.

LA Galaxy is coming off back-to-back losses the last 2 weekends, losing 2-1 at home to Seattle and then 3-0 on the road to Houston. They have scored just 3 goals in 6 games while allowing 9. F Javier Hernandez, who had a team-high 18 goals last season, has played just 36 minutes in 3 games, leaving much of the scoring to F Dejan Joveljic, who has just 1 goal on the season.

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LA Galaxy vs. LAFC odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:36 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: LA Galaxy +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | LAFC +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Draw +250
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -165 | U: +115)

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

LA Galaxy vs. LAFC picks and predictions

Prediction

LAFC 3, LA Galaxy 1

Moneyline (ML)

LEAN LAFC (+120).

LAFC have won 2 straight games in the El Trafico derby, beating the Galaxy 3-2 at Banc of California Stadium on July 8 and Oct. 20. LAFC has been the far better side, but the hesitation comes in how well the Galaxy have played in this series at home.

Nonetheless, this isn’t the same Galaxy side, having scored just 3 goals in 6 games and having allowed 9. They are 0-1-1 at home, losing to Seattle. LAFC is arguably the best team in the league and is coming off a dynamic 3-0 win over Austin.

LAFC has D Aaron Long, M Jose Cifuentes and F Carlos Vela — all among the best in the league at their position. They are a dynamic group, and at plus-money value, LAFC is the better option.

Take LAFC (+120).

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN OVER 2.5 (-165).

LAFC has gone Over this total in 4 of their last 6 games this season. The rivalry, on top of that, has gone Over this total in 4 straight games and in 6 of their last 7. The matchups between these 2 clubs have gone Over 3.5 in 3 straight and in 4 of their last 6.

Given LA Galaxy’s poor defensive trends so far this season, LAFC will more than likely be able to break through often. The Galaxy have gone Over in 2 straight and in 3 of 6. They have had at least 1 expected goal in all but 1 game and have 1 expected goal against in every game.

Ultimately, the juice makes this slightly unappealing, but regardless, it’s the better side to play. Take the OVER 2.5 (-165).

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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Los Angeles FC at Colorado Rapids odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Los Angeles FC at Colorado Rapids odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

Los Angeles FC (3 wins, 0 losses, 1 draw) vist the Colorado Rapids (0-3-2) Saturday. Play at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park begins at 9:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Los Angeles FC vs. Colorado Rapids odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

LAFC has been solid at home, but it played to a scoreless draw against the Seattle Sounders in its only MLS road match of the season so far. It continues to be without D Tony Leone (leg) and GK Maxime Crepeau (leg), and may also be without M Kellyn Acosta who has been monitored after suffering a knock last weekend.

The Colorado Rapids played to a 1-1 draw last time out on the road against Austin FC. It has played 2 matches on its home pitch so far, playing to a scoreless draw against Sporting KC on March 5, and a 2-1 setback against Minnesota United on March 19.

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Los Angeles FC at Colorado Rapids odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:44 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: LAFC +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Colorado Rapids +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | Draw +240
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -140 | U: +100)

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

Los Angeles FC at Colorado Rapids picks and predictions

Prediction

LAFC 2, Colorado Rapids 1

Moneyline (ML)

LOS ANGELES FC (+125) is worth a look on the road at plus money, but go lightly. This team sits 3rd in the Western Conference table, while the Rapids are tied for last.

However, the home team has won the past 6 meetings between these sides and LAFC hasn’t won on the road against the Colorado Rapids since Oct. 7, 2018. Still, the Rapids are off to an atrocious start, and Colorado is tied for the worst goal differential in MLS at minus-6.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 2.5 (-140) is the lean in this Western Conference matchup, but go lightly here too since this is a little on the pricey side.

LAFC has scored at least 2 goals in 6 of its last 7 matches in MLS play, and the Over 2.5 has cashed in 6 of those 7 games.

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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Seattle Sounders vs. LAFC odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Seattle Sounders vs. LAFC odds and lines, with expert MLS picks, predictions and best bets.

The Seattle Sounders (2 wins, 1 loss, 0 draws) battle LAFC (2-0-0) Saturday. Kickoff from Lumen Field is set for 4 p.m. ET (Apple TV – Free). Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Seattle Sounders vs. LAFC odds, and make our best expert MLS picks and predictions.

The Sounders started off the season red-hot with a 4-0 home win over the Colorado Rapids on Feb. 26 and a 2-0 home win over Real Salt Lake on March 5. The Sounders took a step back and failed to capitalize on a late red card with a 1-0 loss at Cincinnati last Saturday. F Jordan Morris leads the team with 3 goals.

LAFC is led by 2 goals from F Denis Bouanga, while 5 other players have scored once. LAFC had its original season opener rescheduled due to weather, so it has played one fewer game than Seattle. It topped Portland 3-2 at home on March 4 and then thrashed New England 4-0 at home Monday. The reigning MLS Champions have yet to take to the road this season.

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Seattle Sounders 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 7:47 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Seattle Sounders +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | LAFC +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Draw +260
  • Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -135 | U: +115)

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

Seattle Sounders vs. LAFC picks and predictions

Prediction

Seattle Sounders 2, LAFC 1

Moneyline (ML)

LEAN SEATTLE SOUNDERS (+125).

Both teams have been extremely strong at home, and while LAFC is coming off a championship, 2022 leading scorer F Cristian Arango is no longer on the squad as he left for Liga MX.

LAFC was just 8-7-2 last season on the road and should be a touch worse this year without their former leading scorer. Seattle is healthy and far better than they were a year ago.

The Sounders have scored 6 and allowed 0 in 2 home games and when you couple their home success with LAFC potentially taking a step back on the road you can back the SEATTLE SOUNDERS (+125).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (-135).

While Arango might not be available, LAFC has no shortage of attacking talent. Bouanga has started his 2nd season strongly, and F Carlos Vela is still on the roster. LAFC is averaging 3.5 goals per game and has allowed 1 per game as well.

Seattle is averaging 2 goals per game overall and 3 goals per game at home. Its defense did show some flaws against FCC, which a more technical LAFC side should be able to exploit.

Considering the stars on display and how the teams have fared this season, back the OVER 2.5 (-135).

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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MLS playoffs: Philadelphia Union vs. LAFC odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Philadelphia Union vs. LAFC odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

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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MLS playoffs: Austin FC vs. LAFC odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Austin FC vs. LAFC odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

No. 2 Austin FC visits Banc of California Stadium to take on No. 1 LAFC in the MLS Western Conference final. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET (ESPN3). Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Austin FC 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.

Former Real Madrid F Gareth Bale was a big-time addition. He had 2 goals. F Cristian Arango had a team-high 16 and F Carlos Vela led the team in goals and assists with a combined 21.

On the other hand, Austin FC finished 12th of just 13 teams in the West last season and crushed preseason expectations, scoring 65 goals, the 2nd-most in the conference.

Austin was led by M Sebastian Driussi, who scored 22 goals on the season. His 22 was tied with Philadelphia’s M Daniel Gazdag for the 2nd-most in the league.

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Austin FC vs. LAFC odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11:32 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Austin FC +400 (bet $100 to win $400) | LAFC -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Draw +380
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +105 | U: -130)

Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

Prediction

LAFC 2, Austin FC 1

Moneyline (ML)

PASS.

While I certainly do not hate a draw, especially at +380, betting against this LAFC team is not wise. They clearly have the most talent in the MLS and will be at home. At -200, their moneyline value just isn’t worth the risk.

Austin actually beat LAFC in both meetings this season, a 2-1 win on the road and a 4-1 win at home. I don’t expect history to be repeated and would avoid any play other than potentially a small unit on the draw.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 3.5 (-130).

You don’t sit within the top 2 in a highly competitive conference without high-level defending, and although the offensive weapons will highlight analysis, both teams are strong defensively.

Both teams sit in the top half of the league in save percentage, and LAFC ranked No. 1 in shots against.

Had it not been for a stoppage-time penalty that helped them advance, Austin would have had this Under hit in 9 straight games. It allowed just 2.1 expected goals against in its 2 playoff games as well.

LAFC won 3-2 over the Galaxy in its lone playoff game, but its opponent has just .4 expected goals. It has gone Under this total in 6 of its last 8.

With this expected to be a highly competitive battle, goals should be difficult to come by as is typical with playoff action. Bet the Under 3.5 (-130) despite the juice.

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.

Want action on this contest or any other soccer matches? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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MLS playoffs: LAFC vs. LA Galaxy odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s LAFC vs. LA Galaxy Western Conference semifinal odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

LAFC welcomes the LA Galaxy to Banc of California Stadium Thursday in 1 of the 2 Western Conference semifinals. Kickoff is set for 10 p.m. ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the LAFC vs. LA Galaxy odds, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

LAFC received the only 1st-round bye in the West, finishing the season with  21 wins in 34 matches. The midseason additions of former international superstars headlined the LAFC season.

Fans will likely see Wales F Gareth Bale and Italian D Giorgio Chiellini for the full 90 minutes. F Carlos Vela will also play an impactful role and led the team in goals and assists with a combined 21.

The LA Galaxy got through the 1st round by beating the No. 5-seeded Nashville SC at home. The Galaxy were the No. 4 seed after winning 14 regular season matches.

F Javier Hernández led the team in goals this season with 18. Hernandez and F Dejan Joveljić are the only players on the Galaxy team who have more than 4 goals on the season.

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

LAFC vs. LA Galaxy odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:48 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: LAFC -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | LA Galaxy +310 (bet $100 to win $310) | Draw +310
  • Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +122 | U: -155)

Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

Prediction

LAFC 2, LA Galaxy 1

Moneyline (ML)

BET LAFC (-140).

LAFC is the most talented team in the MLS. They have veteran talent with Vela and Bale and then leadership in the back with Chiellini.

The home side will also have more versatility in its attack with 5 players having scored 6 or more goals this season. On top of that advantage, LAFC was 13-2-2 at home this season.

The Galaxy lost 7 of 17 road games as well as dropping 5 of their last 10 on the road. The Galaxy don’t have the firepower to hang with LAFC and should struggle as they’ll be less rested as well.

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN UNDER 3.5 (-155).

LAFC has allowed 38 goals on the season, the 2nd-fewest in the West. The Galaxy’s attack also wasn’t clicking well against Nashville as neither team had more than 1 expected goal and LA won just 1-0.

LAFC had the fewest shots against in the regular season as well, so their defense had held strong for most of the season. With playoff games already difficult to net goals in, I expect a low-scoring battle on Thursday evening.

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.

Want action on this contest or any other soccer matches? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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