MLS Game Odds Analysis

The latest round of 2016 MLS regular season fixtures see some interesting matches, and could see the New York Red Bulls climb to the top of the Eastern Conference once they are completed.

MLS Game Predictions

By Matt Pitt

Sporting Kansas City (-115) vs. Portland Timbers (+290)

Dom Dwyer

Sporting Kansas City go into their weekend game at home to Portland Timbers on a real high thanks to beating Seattle Sounders by three goals to nil at home last Sunday. A brace from Dom Dwyer, and a goal from Jacob Peterson secured all three points; Dwyer now has 10 goals for the season.

Portland will not be as buoyant as they fell 2-1 to LA Galaxy, ending their nine-game unbeaten streak. The defeat was even harder to take becuause Timbers lost defender Nat Borchers to a season-ending Achilles injury.

Sporting have a 7-4-1 record at home this season, compared to the Timbers’ 0-4-6 away record. A draw could see the Timbers climb into the playoffs if Vancouver Whitecaps lose away to Dallas, but I think Sporting are just too strong for them.

This game has added interest as it is being broadcast to the nation on FOX, and the sides meet again on August 7 at Portland’s Providence Park.

Pick: Sporting Kansas City to win at -115

FC Dallas (-145) vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (+370)

Dallas

FC Dallas find themselves at the top of the Western Conference, and the MLS overall, with a lead of three points over Colorado Rapids. Still unbeaten at home (8-0-3), Dallas are going to take some beating when they take on Vancouver Whitecaps at the Toyota Stadium, which is reflected in the odds.

Dallas are -145 favorites, with Vancouver available at a long +370. Do not be tempted by these long odds, however, as Vancouver are 3-6-1 on the road, and have lost in Dallas 2-0 and 2-1 in their past two meetings.

Vancouver did beat Dallas 3-0 on home soil, but the long trip south will play its part and Dallas should extend their impressive home form.

There could be goals in this game. Dallas games have seen a total of 66 goals in 23 games, while Vancouver’s 22 games have produced 68 goals, which is a combined average of 2.978 goals per game!

Pick: FC Dallas to win at -145

Chicago Fire (+200) vs. New York Red Bulls (+125)

Red Bulls

Chicago Fire are all that stand between New York Red Bulls climbing to the top of the Eastern Conference this weekend, and I think the Red Bulls can do exactly that.

Red Bulls routed NYCFC 4-1 thanks in part to two more Bradley Wright-Phillips goals (he now has 11 for the season). The Red Bulls would go top if they win in Chicago and NYCFC lose or draw at home to Colorado Rapids.

Fire are bottom of the Eastern Conference with only 17 points, 15 of which have stemmed from home games because they are 0-8-2 on the road. Red Bulls are equally poor on their travels with a 1-7-3 record, imagine how far ahead they would be in the league if they could rectify their away form.

These sides faced each other on May 18 at the Red Bull Arena where Red Bulls won 1-0. Fire have struggled for goals this season, which will allow Red Bulls to press further up the pitch and show their attacking prowess.

Pick: New York Red Bulls to win at +125