Tonight is a massive night for Major League Soccer. Every team is in action except for the Seattle Sounders and the Colorado Rapids. Not bad for a Wednesday night with the only other sport being baseball. We will have action in seven of the twelve games. Here’s the plays:
For an in-state rivalry that’s only three years in age, the 'Hell is Real Derby' is a bold but accurate name for a great series between the two Ohio sides. Columbus has not lost this Ohio derby in the last five outings however, with 3 wins and 2 draws. As soccer fans know, anything can happen in a derby. I would be absolutely SHOCKED if Columbus lost this one tonight. Yes, Columbus’s poor run of form in their past three games has been alarming. Let’s keep in mind though that this is an FC Cincinnati team that has parked the bus against every MLS team in 2020. This presents the perfect opportunity for the Crew to grab three points and steer the ship back on track against their Ohio rivals. If you have a favorable pick ’em, take Columbus and don’t look back. Otherwise, we are riding Columbus Crew Moneyline in tonight’s Hell is Real derby.
The Play: Columbus Crew Moneyline -110 - 1 Unit
The Montreal Impact have had a very sad showing in their past seven games. With only one win, and one draw in those seven, it’s hard to even consider picking them against a wild card New England team. However, Montreal has not gone scoreless in a match since August 28th and look to continue that streak tonight win loss or draw. With New England pushing to stay in the Top 6 spots in the Eastern Conference, I expect both teams to score tonight.
The Play: Both Teams to Score -180 - 1 Unit
Orlando and NYCFC stake the 4th and 5th best teams in the Eastern Conference in a great matchup of two different stories. Orlando has had an incredible run of form, staying undefeated in their last 10 games. They have not lost since August 22, which you could argue was a hangover loss after they lost the MLS is Back Final to the Portland Timbers 2-1. With Orlando’s record being 8-6-2, NYCFC is the other side of the spectrum with a record of 8-2-7 but only four points back of their opponents. You could argue New York’s wins have come from having an easier local schedule with COVID-19 scheduling preventing teams from their usual diverse schedules. I can’t see Orlando losing tonight, but I understand why the game is a toss up in Vegas with a top of the table matchup.
The Play: Orlando City Pick Em -115 - 1.5 Units
Toronto FC are the best team in Major League Soccer and are on a five-game winning streak. They face off with the very average New York Red Bulls who are staring at a play-in game if the season ended today to get into the playoffs. The injury to well know U.S. Men’s National Team forward and Toronto FC striker Jozy Altidore has allowed Toronto’s young striker Ayo Akinola to break out and be supplemented by his center attacking midfielder Alex Pozuelo in their goal scoring campaign. This barrage on the league will continue tonight, making New York Red Bulls hopes of breaking into the Top 6 in the Eastern Conference even more difficult to achieve.
The Play: Toronto FC Moneyline -110 - 1.5 Units
Philadelphia faces off tonight against last place DC United. The Union have only lost two games since they were knocked out in the MLS is Back semi-finals by the Portland Timbers. Those two losses were against first place Toronto and third place Columbus. The Union have every right to demand the respect of the league, and we will give them that respect tonight by taking them Moneyline against the worst team in the sport.
The Play: Philadelphia Union Moneyline -115 - 1.5 Units
Minnesota United appeared to be the real deal when they snuck into the MLS is Cup semifinals back in early August. But when you look at their record since, they’ve only won three games since they were knocked out. Minnesota is suffering from the injury of top defender Ike Opara, and Chicago will look to jump on this opportunity tonight. Chicago have turned around their season recently, winning three of their last five games. I do not see why Minnesota are the slight favorites tonight, so we will try to capitalize on Chicago’s form or the draw.
The Play: Chicago Fire +0.5 -140 - 1 Unit
This is my big play of the night. The Portland Timbers have won their last five games. Real Salt Lake are on a three game losing streak, with only three wins during the regular season restart. They have also only beat the Timbers once since 2017. Portland had a rough patch after they won the MLS is Back Tournament but have found their form once again and will continue to roll tonight against Real Salt Lake. Take advantage of them being the very slight underdogs while you can.
The Play: Portland Timbers +0.5 -170 - 2 Units
Andrew Chase is 44.5-22.5-13 since July 8th on Major League Soccer, winning 22.7 total units. He is 9-3-2 on the MLS since joining Bettors Insider on September 25th, netting 5.27 units. Here’s to keeping the ball rolling tonight. Thank you for your time and your trust!