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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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

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)

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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.

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MLS playoffs: Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

The No. 1 Philadelphia Union host No. 3 New York City FC at Subaru Park Sunday. Kickoff of the Eastern Conference final is set for 3 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC odds, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

The Union are coming into this game following a 1-0 win over FC Cincinnati at home, a game they were outplayed in, but saved by heroics from GK Andre Blake.

Philadelphia’s strength is in its defense, having allowed just 26 goals this season. During the regular season, it beat NYCFC in both battles, a 2-1 win at home and 2-0 win on the road.

As for NYCFC, it has had a more complicated season as it no longer has star F Valentín Castellanos, who still has the most goals on the team this season with 13. That said, it has made its way through though with wins over Inter Miami and CF Montreal, scoring 3 goals in each and allowing just 1 goal to the high-octane Montreal attack.

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Philadelphia Union vs. New York City FC odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 11:16 p.m. ET.

Money line: Philadelphia Union -114 (bet $114 to win $100) | New York City FC +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Draw +270
Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -120 | U: -101)

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Prediction

Philadelphia Union 1, New York City FC 0

Moneyline (ML)

LEAN PHILADELPHIA UNION (-114).

The Union are a well-balanced team and have proven that time and time again. They rank No. 1 in the MLS in save percentage, clean sheets and interceptions.

Offensively, it ranked No. 1 in shooting percentage and 3rd in shots on target. Those numbers, and having posted a 12-0-5 home record, combine to make betting Philadelphia the wise play.

Also, NYCFC beat Montreal 3-1, but it had fewer expected goals, losing that battle 2.9 to 1.8. Play that game again, and the outcome may have been different.

Montreal was weak defensively all season, as was Inter Miami. NYCFC is going to meet a team that is elite on both sides of the pitch, and considering that, I’d back the Union to win in regulation.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (-101).

While NYCFC dominated its 2 games so far, Philadelphia is a different beast and has strong, capable defenders.

They have pitched 4 clean sheets in its last 6 games and have allowed just 1.2 expected goals in its last 2 matches. FC Cincinnati was 1 of the most dynamic attacks in the East, having scored the 2nd-most goals in the conference. The Union, behind Blake, didn’t allow a single goal.

NYCFC has a good defense as well, allowing just 41 goals in 34 matches. With the Union having scored 8 goals in 6 matches against the other 3 top-4 defenses in the East, I would expect a low-scoring battle.

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!

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

Analyzing Sunday’s Austin FC vs. FC Dallas Western Conference semifinal odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

Austin FC welcomes FC Dallas to Q2 Stadium Sunday for a Western Conference semifinal matchup. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Austin FC vs. FC Dallas odds, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

The winner will face LAFC in the Western final Oct. 30.

Austin FC comes into this match off a penalty kick shootout with Real Salt Lake in its postseason opener, winning 3-1 on penalties after the full 120 minutes finished 2-2. RSL did have a 2nd-half red card.

Austin drew FC Dallas 2-2 and 1-1 this season, having fewer expected goals in both battles. M Sebastián Driussi has been one of the MLS’ most dynamic players, scoring 22 goals this season and notching 5 assists as well.

FC Dallas is led by a USMNT duo of F Jesus Ferreira and F Paul Arriola, respectively scoring 18 and 10 goals this season. They have made up 28 of FC Dallas’ 48 goals this season.

FC Dallas has not been great away from home this season, winning just 4 games. FC Dallas did win or draw in 11 of the 17 though. It allowed just 1.09 goals per game as well.

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Austin FC vs. FC Dallas odds

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

Money line: Austin FC -101 (bet $101 to win $100) | FC Dallas +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Draw +275
Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -150 | U: +117)

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Prediction

FC Dallas 2, Austin FC 1

Moneyline (ML)

BET FC DALLAS (+240).

Austin had a tremendous regular season, but it did not play well against Real Salt Lake and arguably should have lost.

Its defense has also not been up to par, allowing 1.44 goals per game. Also, the note that FC Dallas had more expected goals in both regular-season matchups should be concerning for Austin fans.

FC Dallas went to penalty kicks with Minnesota United, but it also wasn’t held with zero non-penalty kick goals while up a man for 68 minutes like Austin was. Austin’s attack just wasn’t there, and without a dominant forward to get the ball to, it could struggle against a quality Dallas defense.

Dallas has been far more successful as of late as well with 5 wins in its last 9 regular season games. It should continue to thrive despite taking to the road in this battle.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (-150).

Austin doesn’t have a great defense, and Dallas had more than 2 expected goals in each of the team’s regular-season performances while Austin had at least 1 in each as well.

While only 1 went Over this total, the combination of Austin’s attack, which has the 2nd-most goals in the West, and FC Dallas’ star-studded attacking duo should bode well for goals in this one.

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.

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MLS playoffs: CF Montreal vs. New York City FC odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s CF Montreal vs. New York City FC Eastern Conference semifinal odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

CF Montreal welcomes New York City FC (NYCFC) to Saputo Stadium Sunday for the 2nd Eastern Conference semifinal match. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the CF Montreal vs. New York City FC odds, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

The winner will face Philadelphia Union in the Eastern final Oct. 30.

CF Montreal comes into this game following a 1st-round win over Orlando City 2-0. Montreal netted both of its shots on target and limited Orlando just to 5 shots and none on target.

CF Montreal faced NYCFC twice this season, losing 4-1 in and drawing the other. Montreal scored a conference-high 63 goals for a 1.85 goals-per-game average.

NYCFC was tied with the Crew and Red Bulls for the 2nd-fewest goals allowed in the East. That was its strength this season. F Valentín Castellanos led the team in scoring this season but is no longer with the club.

NYCFC kicked off its postseason with a 3-0 win over David Beckham’s Inter Miami. It ended the match with 27 shots and didn’t concede despite allowing Miami 12 shots.

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CF Montreal vs. New York City FC odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 12:15 p.m. ET.

Money line: CF Montreal +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | NYCFC +245 (bet $100 to win $245) | Draw +250
Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -120 | U: -101)

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Prediction

CF Montreal 2, NYCFC 1

Moneyline (ML)

BET CF MONTREAL (+105).

CF Montreal is on absolute fire right now, having won 12 of its last 16. It made easy work of a solid Orlando City team and won 9 of 17 home games during the regular season.

Montreal also has far more scoring options as 3 players netted 9 or more goals while not a single player on the current NYCFC had 9 or more this season.

Also, while New York did draw a match and win the other against Montreal during the regular season, CF Montreal had more expected goals in both games, even the 4-1 loss.

NYCFC had 8 road losses in 17 games as well, so it hasn’t been that good away from home this season.

Considering it all, BACK CF MONTREAL (+105).

Over/Under (O/U)

LEAN OVER 2.5 (-120).

NYCFC has gone over this total in 3 straight games and in 6 of their last 9. While typically playoff goals are harder to come by, both clubs scored at least 2 goals in their postseason opener.

Montreal has gone over this total in 8 of its last 13 matches as well. Almost averaging 2 goals per game, their attack has been their strength this season, and at home, it should continue to be.

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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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

Analyzing Thursday’s Philadelphia Union vs. FC Cincinnati East semifinal odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

The Philadelphia Union welcome FC Cincinnati to Subaru Park Thursday for an Eastern Conference semifinal match. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Philadelphia Union vs. FC Cincinnati odds, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

The Union were the lone team in the East to get a 1st-round bye, barely edging out 2nd-seeded CF Montreal. The Union’s strength is in their defense, allowing a league-low 26 goals (next closest was 37).

Philadelphia was led in scoring by M Dániel Gazdag with 22 on the season. The Union won a remarkable 6 of their last 8 matches. Another key strength for the Union is GK Andre Blake. He had 15 clean sheets this season.

FC Cincinnati, on the other hand, took down the No. 4-seeded New York Red Bulls to get their spot in the conference semis. The Red Bulls’ home-field advantage was non-existent. Subaru Park should bring the energy.

This season, FCC was led by captain M Lucho Acosta. He had a team-high 12 assists and 10 goals. F Brenner and F Brandon Vazquez both had 18 goals this season, creating a lethal attacking trio.

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

Philadelphia Union vs. FC Cincinnati odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:18 a.m. ET.

Money line: Philadelphia Union -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | FC Cincinnati +310 (bet $100 to win $310) | Draw +295
Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -155 | U: +122)

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Prediction

Philadelphia Union 1, FC Cincinnati 1 (Union advance on penalties)

Moneyline (ML)

LEAN DRAW (+295).

There are 2 reasons why playing a draw is smart here, and both have to do with the road side.

For starters, FCC has been a drawing machine as of late. If it weren’t for a penalty kick against the Red Bulls, that match could have ended 1-1. FCC has drawn 12 of their last 21 games.

Also, FCC has played the Union well, beating them at home and drawing them at Subaru Park earlier in the season.

This game should be close throughout, and considering how these teams have played each other this season, I’d back a Draw (+295).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (+122).

FCC beat Philadelphia 3-1 at TQL Stadium and drew them 1-1 at Subaru Park. However, while this total would have hit in 1 of the 2, in neither of the 2 games had a team had more than 1.5 expected goals.

Philadelphia had, by far, the best defense in the MLS, so it should be expected to limit FCC.

FCC has only allowed 12 goals in their last 10 games though, so its 1.65 goals per game average hasn’t held up late in the season. The midseason addition of D Matt Miazga has aided their defense quite a bit as well.

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.

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

Analyzing Saturday’s LA Galaxy vs. Nashville SC odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

The LA Galaxy (14 wins, 12 losses, 8 draws) welcome Nashville SC (13-10-11) to Dignity Health Sports Park Saturday in a 1st-round playoff game. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the LA Galaxy vs. Nashville SC odds, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

The LA Galaxy have had a very up-and-down type season. They were able to lose just 1 of their last 11 to rise in the rankings. They finished 4th in the Western Conference, while Nashville placed 5th.

Both teams used a late-season surge to get higher in the table. Saturday’s winner will play 1st-place LAFC, which received a bye.

The Galaxy are led by 34-year-old Mexican star F Javier Hernández, who has a team-high 18 goals on the season. LA went 1-0-1 against Nashville this season.

As for Nashville, which won 5 of its last 8, it was led by a remarkable 23 goals from F Hany Mukhtar.

Nashville finished with a +11 goal differential. The Galaxy closed the regular season with a +7 goal differential.

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

LA Galaxy vs. Nashville SC odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6 p.m. ET.

Moneyline: LA Galaxy -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Nashville SC +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Draw +285
Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -135 | U: +107)

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

Nashville SC 2, LA Galaxy 1

Moneyline (ML)

LEAN NASHVILLE SC (+280).

Nashville is the better team here. It had the better goal differential for a reason. With Mukhtar set to start up top, the Nashville attack should be more potent as well.

The Nashville defense is also captained by USMNT defender and All-Star D Walker Zimmerman. He’s a stud and should be able to help Nashville win Saturday. Nashville has also been surging, coming off a 1-0 win at LAFC.

The Galaxy, on the other hand, have remained relatively unbeaten, but haven’t had a clean sheet in 13 games. In playoff soccer, goals aren’t easy to come by, and they’ve allowed them as of late.

With the best player on the field and the best defender, I’ll back NASHVILLE SC (+280).

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 2.5 (-135).

Both teams have stars up top that should be primed to be involved in most of the action.

Along with his 23 goals, Mukhtar had 7 assists on the season. He should create a lethal attack, and as noted, the Galaxy defense hasn’t been great at shutting teams out.

Expect Nashville to get on the board at least once. Similarly, LA has only been shut out once in its last 13 battles.

With Hernandez healthy, it should be able to get a goal in this one. The Galaxy have been a fast-paced side, scoring 1.71 per game while allowing 1.5 per game. Those figures held justify backing a high-scoring battle.

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.

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MLS playoffs: New York Red Bulls vs. FC Cincinnati odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s New York Red Bulls vs. FC Cincinnati odds and lines, with MLS picks and predictions.

In the first round of the MLS Playoffs, the New York Red Bulls (15 wins, 11 losses, 8 draws) welcome FC Cincinnati (12-9-13) to Red Bull Arena. Kickoff is set for noon ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the New York Red Bulls vs. FC Cincinnati odds, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

With the top seed in each conference getting a bye, this will be the No. 4 seed hosting the No. 5 seed with the chance to play the top-seeded Philadelphia Union (19-5-10) on the line.

These played twice in the regular season, both resulting in a 1-1 draw. They split the two games in terms of expected goals as both played better as the home side.

FCC is spearheaded by captain M Luciano Acosta, who has 10 goals 12 assists on the season. Offensively, it is F Brenner and F Brandon Vazquez, who did the heavy lifting, both scoring 18 goals this season.

The Red Bulls were led by F Lewis Morgan, who tallied 14 goals. No other New York player had more than 5 goals. They are certainly a defensive-heavy club, allowing just 1.21 goals per game.

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New York Red Bulls vs. FC Cincinnati odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:04 a.m. ET.

Moneyline: New York Red Bulls +102 (bet $100 to win $102) | FC Cincinnati +250 (bet $100 to win $250) | Draw +250
Over/Under: 2.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Prediction

New York Red Bulls 2, FC Cincinnati 1 (full time draw)

Moneyline (ML)

LEAN DRAW (+250).

How can you not love a draw here? For this value, it is great. These teams drew both matches during the regular season, and FC Cincinnati has proven time and time again that it plays to the level of its opponent.

New York doesn’t have a lethal attack either, averaging just 1.47 goals per game. Its defense is solid, but it doesn’t have an attack that generates goals often. The Red Bulls drew 5 games at home this season.

FCC has been a drawing machine for the last few weeks of the season, and it almost killed its playoff hopes in the end. Cincy drew 12 of its last 20 games, a remarkable amount.

Considering that and the limited attack for Red Bulls that should slow the game, I’d back the full-time DRAW.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET UNDER 2.5 (-112).

This full-time Under 2.5 has value, mainly due to the way the Red Bulls play. Both games this season also went Under this total with neither team exceeding 2.0 expected goals in either battle.

The Red Bulls had the 3rd-fewest shots against them in the MLS this season. Their defense is the real deal and should be able to calm a quick FCC attack.

Against the top-4 defensive teams in the East, FCC was 3-5 O/U this total. I’ll back UNDER 2.5 (-112) here.

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.

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Austin FC vs. Colorado Rapids odds, picks and predictions

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

Austin FC (16 wins, 10 losses, 7 draws) hosts the Colorado Rapids (11-13-9) in Q2 Stadium Sunday. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. ET. Below, we preview Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Austin FC vs. Colorado Rapids odds, and make our best MLS bets, picks and predictions.

This season’s fate for both of these teams is already secured. Austin cannot fall or rise out of 2nd place in the West, and the Rapids, in 10th, cannot get into playoff position.

The Rapids have been one of the MLS’s worst teams on the road, recording just 1 win and a 1-11-4 record away from DSG Park. It has been a disappointing campaign after finishing atop the West last season. Colorado is led by F Diego Rubio,who has 15 goals on the season.

Austin has had tremendous success this season, rebounding off a 12th-place (13 teams in the conference) finish a season ago. It is 8-3-5 on at home this season and is led in scoring by F Sebastián Driussi, who has 21 goals, the 2nd-most in the MLS.

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

Austin FC vs. Colorado Rapids odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:32 a.m. ET.

Money line: Austin FC -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Colorado Rapids +310 (bet $100 to win $310) | Draw +300
Over/Under: 3.5 (O: +122 | U: -155)

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Prediction

Austin FC 3, Colorado Rapids 2

Moneyline (ML)

LEAN AUSTIN FC (-125).

The season-long trend for the Rapids is that they’ve been awful on the road, and one shouldn’t suggest that will be different even though both teams are in a meaningless match.

Austin has won 3 of its last 5 matches at home while the Rapids have lost 4 of their last 5 on the road.

Colorado’s last 3 road losses were 4-1, 4-1 and 6-0, so they haven’t just lost at home, good teams like Philadelphia, Nashville and the Galaxy have dominated them.

Considering that and the expectation the home team would want to send their fans back home with 3 more points, I’d back AUSTIN (-125) here.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET OVER 3.5 (+122).

Colorado has given up 4 or more goals in 4 of its last 6 road games.

In those matches as well, it has been shut out just twice. The Rapids would’ve gone over this total in 4 of the 6, and against a team that has scored the 2nd-most goals in the West, they may struggle.

The Austin backline isn’t great either as they’ve allowed the 2nd-most goals of a top-5 team in its conference. Austin has gone over this total in 7 of its last 10 home matches as well.

Couple it all together, and for this value, I’d play the OVER 3.5 (+122).

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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