We’re now entering Week 3 of the MLS season. We still don’t have a huge sample size of matches to base on, but that doesn’t mean MLS betting isn’t worth it this weekend. In this article, we’re giving you three free picks to make for Saturday’s MLS matches. Keep on reading if you want to make money at soccer betting sites!
3-Way Moneyline: New York Red Bull at Minnesota United FC
We begin up north where Minnesota plays host to New York. This is one of the most evenly-matched games of week 3, which is evident by the moneyline odds. As it stands, the Red Bull-United lines are almost even across the board:
| Outcome |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | +160 | +160 | +160 |
| NY Red Bull | +160 | +160 | +160 |
| Draw | +215 | +215 | +215 |
We can’t put our finger on New York. They’re one of the most head-scratching case studies through two games. Defensively, the Red Bulls could not be better. They have only allowed one shot on goal through 180 minutes of action this season, which leads the MLS in that timespan. But despite that, the team has one point to its name. They lost 1-0 to Orlando (the lone goal was a penalty too) and tied 0-0 last week vs. Nashville.
New York is missing a finishing touch on offense. Among the 28 teams in the league, the Red Bulls are one of four that are scoreless. And it’s not a lack of chances that’s the issue, it’s a lack of finishing. The squad needs a spark of creativity that hasn’t been there so far.
We expect a big effort out of Minnesota in this one too. That’s because it’s their first home game of the season after splitting two road games. The team is fresh off a 2-0 upset against Austin too so their mental confidence should be there. So our money is going on United. People, including bettors, love to overlook Minnesota but its consistency (four straight playoff appearances) is worth backing.
3-Way Moneyline: Los Angeles Galaxy at Sporting KC
We’re sticking with the 3-way moneyline bets, this time when Kansas City hosts Los Angeles. Here again, no outcome is massively favored, which creates a richer betting opportunity for you. Check out the three betting choices:
| Outcome | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sporting KC | +130 | +130 | +130 |
| LA Galaxy | +175 | +175 | +175 |
| Draw | +245 | +245 | +245 |
We’ll be completely blunt and say we’re not confident in Galaxy — not after getting romped 3-1 by FC Dallas. It was the team’s opening game last week after having its clash with LAFC delayed in week one. Galaxy looked completely lost without its star player, Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez, on the pitch. Hernandez will once again miss this week with an injury.
It’s easy to look at the Galaxy score and pin the defeat on the defense, but that’s not necessarily the case. LA was beaten for goals when its offense lost the ball midfield, then failed on the transition. Without Hernandez, LA’s offense has speed — the left and right-wing midfielders, Efrain Alvarez and Memo Rodriguez, can sure fly — but lack any sort of control to make them dangerous over a 90-minute match.
Sporting KC, though, isn’t exactly deadly at counter-attacking if Galaxy’s offensive woes continue. KC, like the aforementioned Minnesota, remains scoreless after two games. The team is getting shots on goal, 15 combined in both games, but nothing is going through. To us, this feels like a draw. We’d predict a 1-1 deadlock, so consider parlaying an under with a draw bet if you want to add extra risk.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Chicago Fire at Philadelphia Union
This is the single most lopsided game of the week from a moneyline perspective. No surprise, the Union is favored to win big time at -240. There’s no money to be made off that unless you believe Chicago will get an upset or draw — we do not think either. Therefore, our money is going squarely on the Chicago-Philly over/under. Here are the current odds:
| Outcome | | | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over 2.5 goals | -170 | -170 | -170 |
| Under 2.5 goals | +130 | +130 | +130 |
This is either going to be a rebound game or another slog for Philadelphia. That’s because Saturday will mark their third game in seven days. Yes, we know the season just started, but fatigue will be a factor in this one. A week ago, the Union traveled to Miami and proceeded to be blanked 2-0 by David Beckham’s side. They then traveled to El Salvador to play Alianza to a 0-0 draw in the CONCACAF Champions League. That’s a whole lot of traveling on top of football matches.
Yeah, we’re betting the under. No way the Union is at its best on Saturday. If Chicago was a competent team, we could argue they would take advantage and run up the score. But alas, the Fire is not competent. A year after winning just 10 games, they’re still rebuilding the roster. So bet on the under here with confidence.
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