Portland vs LAFC: Why the Total is Too Low

What: MLS regular season match, Portland Timbers vs Los Angeles FC
When: September 9, 2023
Time: 10:30 PM EST
Where: Providence Park, Portland, Oregon
TV: Available online via MLS Season Pass on Apple TV+

Portland vs LAFC: Betting Odds from Top Sportsbooks

Despite making the trek up north as the visiting side in this regular season matchup, Los Angeles FC have been pegged by bookmakers as the favorites in Portland, Oregon. The MLS defending champions opened up their 2023 campaign at home with a 3-2 victory over the Timbers, a result which may play a role in their moneyline price this weekend.

EPL
Everton	+520	+520	+475
Arsenal	-192	-192	-190
Draw	+362	+362	+350

LAFC Looking to Bounce Back from Loss to Messi’s Inter Miami

Los Angeles FC is coming off back-to-back losses, most recently against Lionel Messi & Co. Inter Miami entered the City of Angels to much fanfare. A star-studded cast of attendees including Prince Harry, Selena Gomez and Leonardo DiCaprio were all present for Messi's first game in LA. The bright lights may have been a bit distracting for the home team, who succumbed three unanswered goals. A late finish by defender Ryan Hollingshead ended the night with a final score of 1-3.

LAFC’s prior game out was an away loss to Charlotte FC, a shocker to many. Charlotte represents one of the youngest clubs in the MLS, a recent expansion team. Their odds of defeating the defending MLS champions at home are intriguingly similar to those of Portland’s this weekend. While Los Angeles currently sits in 3rd place in the Western Conference of the MLS, they are only up on the 6th-placed Vancouver Whitecaps by 2 points.

Portland Timbers Prediction: Porous Defense a Concern

The Timbers suffered an embarrassing early exit in this year’s inaugural Leagues Cup, bowing out in the Round of 32. Since then, Portland has only one win in 4 matches, leaving the club with a sour taste in their mouths. Manager Miles Joseph has dealt with serious defensive liabilities all season, and will have his hands full with Los Angeles FC, who only trail Real Salt Lake in total shots on target. Just recently, Portland has conceded in each of their last 6 matches and 9 of their last 11.

Best Bet and Prediction for Portland vs LAFC

Soccer can be seen as a game of form, so LAFC will be hungry to get a result and maintain their standing in the table after back-to-back losses. Meanwhile, the Portland Timbers have failed to score only twice all year. Their total has gone over the expected line in 8/13 home games and 9/15 as an underdog. From a head-to-head perspective, both teams have scored in all of their previous matchups, barring one, a scoreless draw way back in 2018.

It is important to consider the all-time history, anticipated desperation of LAFC and Portland’s scoring ability at home, when capping this matchup. With those factors in mind, I will roll with a popular prop for soccer bettors in this one. We can combine the over 2.5 total goals with Both Teams to Score - Yes to get a price of -110, currently available at BetUS. Both sides will be anxious, playing the ball up the pitch heavily and looking to grab some much-needed points. Besides, who doesn’t love rooting for some goals?

Over 2.5 Goals

+110

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LAFC To beat Portland Timbers

+130

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