MLS Picks - Matchweek: 22
Another weekend of Major League Soccer action is upon us and as usual there’s no shortage of stories and plot lines to draw upon. The LA Galaxy travel east to face Atlanta United while the New York Red bulls are at home to Toronto FC. Here are four tips for the weekend in MLS.
Mercedes Benz Stadium, Saturday August 3
Both these teams have been in good form of late, but come into this game on the back of defeats. Atlanta United lost to Los Angeles FC in their last outing, while the LA Galaxy suffered defeat to the Portland Timbers last weekend. This should, however, be one of the meetings of the weekend in Major League Soccer.
Atlanta United have kept a clean sheet in seven of their last nine games played at Mercedes Benz Stadium and have won eight of those matches. Frank de Boer’s side have also scored two or more goals in each of their last six outings and there has been over 2.5 total goals in seven of last eight matches overall. It seems reasonable to expect goals from this one.
2u - Back Over 2.5 Total Goals @ -238
New York Red Bulls v Toronto FC
Red Bull Arena, Saturday August 3
Chris Armas’ side have allowed their form to dip in recent weeks, suffering a home defeat to the Columbus Crew last weekend. However, the New York Red Bulls have scored at least two goals in each of their last home matches, a record which always gives them a chance as long as they can keep things tight at the back.
Toronto FC have managed to pick things up in the last few weeks, winning three of their last four games. In terms of goals, their recent record is somewhat contradictory. They have scored two or more goals in each of their last three games, but there has been under 2.5 total goals in each of their last three matches away from BMO Field.
0.75 - New York Red Bulls to Score 2+ Goals @ -150
DC United v Philadelphia Union
Audi Field, Sunday August 4
DC United come into this match having won just one of their last five games. Since sticking four goals past FC Cincinnati a few weeks ago the capital club have gone two games without finding the back of the net. This toothlessness can’t be allowed to continue, especially against East coast rivals like the Philadelphia Union at home.
A visit to Audi Field isn’t without its challenges for opposition teams. DC United are undefeated in their last seven games in front of their own supporters There has been over 2.5 goals scored in six of the last seven matches that the Philadelphia Union have played away from home. This will be a tough test for the team that have led the Eastern Conference for much of the season.
1u - Back DC United To Win @ +135
Seattle Sounders v Sporting KC
CenturyLink Field, Sunday August 4
This is usually a heavyweight clash in the Western Conference. Both these franchises have got their hands on silverware in recent years, but Sporting KC make the trip north to take on the Seattle Sounders in dreadful form having lost four of their last six fixtures. This, at this moment, doesn’t look like a Peter Vermes team.
While Sporting KC in the Vermes years have become renowned for being solid at the back and well organised, they have conceded five times in their last two matches. A few weeks ago they were thumped 5-1 by LAFC as well. The Sounders lost their last home game, but have been more consistent and will be favourites for this one.
1u - Back Seattle Sounders Asian Handicap -1 @ +190