MLS Picks - Matchweek: 4
It might be international week, but in MLS only so much note is made of that. There are five fixtures in North America’s top flight this weekend and with the 2019 season still in its infancy there is plenty to draw the eye. Here are four picks from this weekend’s games in MLS.
Toyota Stadium, Saturday, 23 March
Luchi Gonzalez has attempted to keep some continuity after taking over from Oscar Pareja at FC Dallas for this season and that seems to have resulted in a steady start to the new MLS campaign, with the Frisco side winning one, drawing one and losing one of their opening three fixtures. FC Dallas remain a well-organised outfit and that shows.
The off-season rebuild of the Colorado Rapids has shown some green shots of progress, but Anthony Hudson’s side are still waiting for their first win of the new season having been denied by a late Sporting KC equaliser last weekend. However, breaking down this FC Dallas side might prove too much for the Rapids.
1u - FC Dallas To Win (3-Way Moneyline) @-187
Los Angeles FC v Real Salt Lake
Banc of California, Saturday 23 March
The early signs are that Los Angeles FC won’t suffer from Second Season Syndrome, with Bob Bradley’s side picking up seven points from their opening three games. The Californian outfit remain one of the most entertaining teams to watch in the league, with over 2.5 goals scored in LAFC’s last nine MLS fixtures.
Real Salt Lake conceded five times in their last away outing, while LAFC are the Western Conference’s second top scorers. RSL’s only hope was that Carlos Vela would be unavailable this weekend, but he was not called up by Mexico. Meanwhile, Mike Petke will be without Albert Rusnak, Corey Baird, Jefferson Savarino, Luis Silva, Justin Glad and Sam Johnson. Gulp.
1u - Over 2.5 Total Goals @-225
New England Revolution v FC Cincinnati
Gillette Stadium, Sunday 24 March
Brad Friedel’s side have suffered a difficult start to the 2019 season, losing two and drawing one of their opening three fixtures. Most concerning for the New England Revolution is the number of goals they have conceded in their last two games, losing three to Toronto FC last weekend and two to the Columbus Crew the week before that.
MLS newbies FC Cincinnati, on the other hand, are riding a wave of momentum after a draw away to Atlanta United and their first win at home to Portland last weekend. Alan Koch’s side look to have found their feet quickly, continuing the trend of impressive expansion teams in recent years, but how will his players react when the adrenaline wares off and the reality of a long, hard season kicks in?
1u - FC Cincinnati Asian Handicap +0.5 @+120