MLS Best Bets: Expert Sporting KC vs LAFC Prediction on Total

Will Chace
By , Updated on: Mar 21, 2025 12:00 AM
lafc prediction

LAFC looks to end its 3-match losing skid under the lights this weekend in Kansas City. The star-studded squad loaded with import French talent has stumbled out of the gates in 2025. The same can be said for Sporting KC, who are still looking for their first win in the new term. Read on for an expert LAFC prediction and explore stats and tips for 2025 MLS best bets.

  • Sporting Kansas City vs Los Angeles FC
  • March 22, 2025
  • 8:30 PM EST
  • Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, KS
  • MLS Season Pass on Apple TV

LAFC Prediction: Odds from Top Online Sportsbooks

LAFC are the slightest of favorites to take this game on the road. Los Angeles is marked at (+160) across most sportsbooks. Sporting KC is (+164) to defend their home turf at Children’s Mercy Park. That translates to an implied probability of 37.9%, without taking out vigorish. A draw is lined at (+250). 

MLSBetOnlineBetUSBetNow
Sporting KC+164+164+164
LAFC+160+160+160
Draw+250+249+249

Want to better understand the 3-way moneyline (1X2) market? See our soccer betting tips and learn about top MLS betting sites.

Sporting KC 2025 Schedule: Winless Start

Still salivating in anticipation of their first victory, Sporting KC will not be too optimistic this weekend. LAFC were the best team in the Western Conference in 2024 and finished as runners-up in the Leagues Cup. To compound the situation further, Kansas City has not beaten LAFC in four years. That marks an 8-game winless run dating back to August 2021. 

The club will look to build upon the unusually impressive draw they earned against Minnesota. One of the league’s more stout defenses could not hold a 3-0 lead as SKC stormed back to salvage a point. With the final 20 minutes to go and the home side still scoreless, some fans headed for the exits. But a pair of goals by Daniel Salloi and Dejan Joveljic sandwiched an own goal gift from Minnesota, securing the crucial draw. It was Sporting KC’s first and only result to date in league competition. Across all competitions and dating back to last year, Sporting KC has not won a game in 16 consecutive tries.

That drought is enough to justify a change at the top, but Sporting clearly values longevity at the managerial position. Peter Vermes has led Sporting Kansas City for 16 straight years, and an additional 3 way back at the turn of the millennium when the club still went by its original “Wizards” moniker. Now simply an unofficial nickname used by its supporters, the Wizards remain eternally grateful for Vermes’ presence.

Leading the club to five major trophies, Vermes signed an extension two years ago and remains signed with the club through 2028. He will be forced to make some tough decisions Saturday as the club will have to play without two key defenders. Daniel Rosero and Andrew Brody are both out of this clash due to injury.

Sporting KC To Win
BetOnline
+164

LAFC Losing Streak Extended to 3 After Shocking Home Defeat

LAFC are not making their route back to title contention any easier with back-to-back losses in the West. A devastating 5-2 loss to the Seattle Sounders rang the alarm bells, but the home defeat at the hands of lowly Austin really sent the club into a crabswirl. In my opinion, little stock should be put into LAFC’s 2-1 loss to Columbus in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, as LAFC still advanced on aggregate and likely played more conservatively to preserve their lead. 

But losing to Austin should not be glossed over too quickly. The Texas-based club was one of the lowest-scoring teams in the MLS last season. Not only did they score the critical game-winner, but they also held a clean sheet on the road. LAFC must pick up the pieces quickly ahead of a tough draw with Inter Miami in the Champions Cup. This is a side that still believes every trophy is theirs for the taking.

Steve Cherundolo seemed to allude to dysfunction as the main culprit for the club’s early-season struggles. LAFC’s lauded manager stated to the media: “If you are losing games because you are disorganized, then it really matters [...] right now we have lost three in a row - that's something we need to deal with." Of course, a congested schedule may also play a role, but LAFC are well- accustomed to playing deep into tournaments. 

LAFC To Win
BetUS
+160

MLS Best Bets: Sporting KC vs LAFC Prediction

Sporting KC’s defensive injuries could become a real issue in this battle with LAFC. Last year Los Angeles only trailed the Cup-winning Galaxy, high-elevation Real Salt Lake, and Inter Miami in goals. But LAFC have conceded goals in three straight games and allowed 5 past their last line of defense against Seattle.

Similar to Sporting KC’s last game against Minnesota, I believe the total is far too low. Sporting and Minnesota each scored over 2.5 goals, effectively doubling the line for the entire game. Now against tougher competition, the line is around the same price. This is clearly off. 

My numbers suggest the total should be fairly priced at (-155) for over 2.5 goals, yet most top online sportsbooks are offering (-120) on the over. I like this line and recommend it for a typical full-unit play. Additional factors in our favor are a full week of rest for both sides and an archetypal over spot. Typically when road teams are live to win, the over is underrated.

Go with Over 2.5 goals at BetOnline, BetUS or BetNow, all posting a line of (-120) currently.

Over 2.5 Total Goals
BetNow
-120

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Meet the author

Will Chace

From Boston, Will's passion for sports is more of a hereditary characteristic than a learned hobby. He regularly attends games in the area such as those of the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, New England Patriots, New England Revolution. He also enjoys th...

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