MLS Picks - Matchweek: 14
Another weekend of Major League Soccer action is upon us and as usual there’s no shortage of stories and plot lines to draw. The surging Vancouver Whitecaps are at home to Toronto FC, while the Portland Timbers finally return home to Providence Park after a long, long spell on the road. Here are four tips for the weekend.
Vancouver Whitecaps v Toronto FC
BC Place, Friday May 31
Friday night’s match sees two Canadian rivals face off at BC Place with the Vancouver Whitecaps taking on Toronto FC. The Caps have lost just one of their last six games in the league, winning three and drawing twice. This is the second leg of a three-game home stretch for Vancouver and they look to be in good shape to claim three points.
Toronto FC, on the other hand, have hid a real slump of late. Greg Vanney’s side are without a win in their last five matches and have conceded at least two goals in eight of their last 10 outings. Michael Bradley is a doubt for the trip to BC Place with TFC also struggling for firepower in the final third at the moment.
1u - Vancouver Whitecaps to Win to Nil @ +400
New York Red Bulls v Real Salt Lake
Red Bull Arena, Saturday June 1
The New York Red Bulls have recovered from a difficult start to the 2019 Major League Soccer season, winning five of their last seven league matches. However, their one defeat over that run came at home, with the Vancouver Whitecaps also holding the Red Bulls to a draw in their last game played in front of their own supporters.
Real Salt Lake’s three-game winning streak came to an end away to Minnesota during the week. The Utah side are still riding a wave at the moment, with over 2.5 goals scored in their last seven league matches. They have also scored at least two goals in two of their last four outings.
1u - Back Over 2.5 Total Goals @ -150
Portland Timbers v Los Angeles FC
Providence Park, Saturday June 1
There’s no place like home. After the redevelopment of their Providence Park stadium, the Portland Timbers at long last will play their first home game of the season this weekend. Providence Park has long been a stronghold for the Timbers. Going back to last season, they have kept a clean sheet in five of their last seven matches. They are also undefeated in their last seven games played in front of their own supporters.
Los Angeles FC, however, arrive in the Pacific Northwest as the form team in the Western Conference. Bob Bradley’s side are unbeaten in their last seven league outings, also scoring 10 times in their last four matches. LAFC stand a good chance of spoiling the Portland Timbers’ welcome home party this Saturday.
1u - Back Los Angeles FC to Win @ +125
LA Galaxy v New England Revolution
Dignity Health Sports Park, Sunday June 2
A statue of David Beckham was erected at Dignity Health Sports Park earlier this year. The idea is that the LA Galaxy will unveil a number of legend statues over the coming years. Bruce Arena, the three-time MLS Cup winner with the Carson club, can probably count on his own tribute at some point, but there can be no room for sentimentalism this weekend as he returns to the Galaxy.
New England have failed to win in their last 11 away matches. However, Arena has managed to tighten things up at the back since taking over at Gillette Stadium, with the Revs drawing back-to-back games. More will be expected of his team going forward, although a win in Carson might be beyond them at this stage.
1.75u - Back Under 2.5 Total Goals @ +170