Week One MLS Picks

Major League soccer is back and every franchise from L.A. Galaxy across to New York City will be desperate to begin with three points. Who will grab the initiative on Matchday 1?

Best MLS bets on Match Day One

By Paul Seaton

Friday 3rd March

Portland Timbers (-150) vs. Minnesota United (+400) 9.30pm ET

In some ways, Minnesota is basing their advancement from the NASL to MLS soccer on the template of Portland. As U.S. legend Alexei Lalas explains here, Minnesota is very much a local team who are thinking globally.

Can Minnesota United go to Portland Timbers in the first game and start their MLS journey with a win? Unlikely. We like 3-1 to Portland at +900 but if you prefer a safer bet, take Portland by a single goal at +275.

Saturday 4th March

Columbus Crew (-145) vs. Chicago Fire (+395) 2pm ET

Columbus Crew look to bounce back from a disastrous 2016 finish, when they slid from second to eighth and missed the playoffs altogether. We like the half-time score to be 1-0 to the home side, which pays to invest at +300.

L.A. Galaxy (+130) vs. FC Dallas (+205) 4pm ET

Two of the preseason favorites clash on the West Coast, but who will represent best? Dallas are good value to get three points. Galaxy may take a few weeks to warmup to the new campaign. Take the away side at +205.

Real Salt Lake (+120) vs. Toronto F.C. (+220) 4.30pm ET

This could be a big weekend for away victories. TFC are on a high after reaching the MLS Cup Final, and look good value at +220.

Colorado Rapids (-120) vs. New England Revolution (+345) 6pm ET

Colorado Rapids don't have the strongest record against New England Revolution as we can see below from the 2016 season when the Rapids lost on the road to the Revs.

The Rapids could come unstuck again, but we think they'll begin their campaign with a +250 tie.

DC United (Evens) vs. Sporting Kansas City (+290) 7pm ET

DC United have promised to abandon 'Bennyball' and play a more expansive style. Expect goals. Over 3.5 goals is +230.

Houston Dynamo (+150) vs. Seattle Sounders (+180) 8.30pm ET

Sounders are reigning MLS Cup winners but Houston are no pushover at home. The 1-1 tie is +550.

San Jose Earthquakes (+105) vs. Montreal Impact (+265) 10pm ET

Impact are the value at +265.

Sunday 5th March

Orlando City (+135) vs. New York City (+200) 5pm ET

Atlanta United (+180) vs. New York Red Bulls (+150) 7.30pm ET

The New York double (both New York teams to win) is +700 and only NYC should have to work hard to get it done. Those are great odds.

Vancouver Whitecaps (-110) vs. Philadelphia Union (+305) 9.30pm ET

Vancouver are an appetizing +450 to win by 2 goals exactly. Invest via Bovada (below).

Category : News

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