Cincinnati is rated as underdogs against NY Red Bulls in the MLS playoffs, but they look like a good bet against their Eastern Conference rivals.
Checking out the main sports online betting sites it’s clear that bettors favor the Red Bulls over their rivals from Cincinnati. You can bet them to progress to the Conference Semi-Finals at -105 while the visitors are priced at +280, and the draw is available at +270 across popular Vegas odds markets.
The New York Red Bulls are one of the most recognizable MLS teams, thanks to their distinctive soccer brand. They also have the unfortunate distinction of frequently losing in the postseason, despite qualifying for the playoffs yearly but once since 2003. They can be tough opponents because of their energy and high press, but can they handle the pressure of the playoffs?
Cincinnati’s frequently flimsy defense means they are beatable but in Luciano Acosta, Brandon Vazquez, and Brenner, they have a dangerous front line. Only Philadelphia had more goals scored during the regular season, so given the odds, it is worthwhile to take a chance on Cincinnati here.
LA Galaxy overcame a difficult stretch in the summer and finished the regular season with three victories in a row to lock up a playoff position. They have some star players, including Chicharito, who has scored 18 goals and creative Spanish midfielder Riqui Puig, who joined the Galaxy in August.
Their major issue has been the number of unforced errors they commit, and that could cost them here. Hany Mukhtar was the regular season Golden Boot, and he is supported by an experienced Nashville roster that had a notable win over LAFC to end the regular season. That level of form gives them a chance here, and they are an excellent bet to go through at Galaxy’s expense.
Montreal surprised the doubters by finishing second in the East during the regular season and are a good bet to make the Conference Semi-Finals. The Montreal team lacks stars, but they have a strong, experienced group, and that counts for a lot in the playoffs.
Given their triumph in the US Open Cup, their opponents should not be taken lightly. However, since the Cup final, Orlando has dropped four of their last six, and in the regular season, they came in 17 points behind Montreal. Bet on Montreal to prevail here.
The turnaround at Austin has been impressive, and they ended the regular season in second place in the West scoring only one goal less than LAFC, who won the Supporters Shield. Sebastian Driussi, one of the top players in MLS, is mostly responsible for this progress, but there are other seasoned MLS talents on the roster, like Maxi Urruti, Ethan Finlay, Alexander Ring, and Diego Fagundez.
The Austin players won’t underestimate their opponents after what happened last year when RSL went as far as the Western Conference Final. Still, expecting them to match that effort is asking a lot, and Austin is the stronger side. Don’t expect surprises in this fixture.
Going into August, the defending MLS Cup champions NYCFC was looking good, but they went on a terrible run of form after Valentin Castellano moved to Girona on loan. Fortunately, a streak of three victories at the close of the regular season ensured that they finished third in the East.
Their opponents in the First Round rely greatly on their star striker Gonzalo Higuain. Still, like many MLS sides, defense has been a problem, though their stretch of four victories in a row to end the season saw them let in just seven goals, which suggests they have made some modest defensive progress.
Due to the ongoing MLB Playoffs, NYCFC will have to play this game at the Red Bull Arena, which makes this harder to weigh up, so the regular time tie looks like the safest option.
FC Dallas relied largely on Jesus Ferreira and Paul Arriola for goals throughout the regular season. Still, fortunately, they have the best defensive record in the West, conceding only 37 goals in 34 games. Their main chance of getting to the latter stages of the playoffs will be based on that strong defense, which is likely enough to get them past their First Round opponents.
Minnesota has a solid goalie in Dayne St Clair and a high-caliber number 10, Emanuel Reynoso, but they have lost form at the wrong time. Their winless streak included a 3-0 loss to Dallas, who, by contrast, finished strongly. This could be a tight game, but Dallas is strong enough to edge it.
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