Once more, Vegas online betting sites like Bovada delivered some great 2022 MLS Bets this season. Here at VegasBetting, we examine the final game of the season this weekend for the championship. Now it is nice to see how the trends played out for this 2022 season, as LAFC and Philadelphia were the class of the MLS. In this article, we reveal our MLS Top Bets for the finale.
The competition for the 27th MLS Cup began February 26th, but honestly, only a handful of teams had a shot at the title. LAFC established itself early and often. The team added pieces to its depth that no one in the West could compete with. Austin FC was thought to be a team that could be a threat. In the conference final, LAFC swatted them away like flies by a score of 3-0. LAFC was and is an MLS Top Bets darling for a reason.
The beginning of June saw LAFC as the top choice at +500. Since then, the team kept rolling along and dipped to +300. By the season’s final month, they were almost down to Even at one point. That was despite going 7-5 over the final 12 regular-season games. When a team double-digits above and beyond the rest of a conference, it is natural for the said squad to coast into the postseason. It did not impact LAFC in the least.
So, despite the cooler final month of the regular season, LAFC played a full lineup last weekend against Austin FC. That match was no contest. Arguably LAFC won the game by four goals, but one tally was called back due to an offside. Either way, Austin FC had little chance as they were dominated by the better team from the first whistle.
Now, MLS Top Bets answers the biggest question. Can LAFC seal the deal on the West Coast this Saturday?
Some take for granted that teams can falter at the worst possible time. However, LAFC is one scary team. That is the essential thing here. Despite some longer breaks and clinching early, this MLS squad still wound up with five players scoring six or more goals. They were led by the duo of Cristian Arango and Carlos Vela. Between the two, they struck 28 times for LAFC this season. Opposing defenses had a tough time trying to cover both players.
Possession was pretty even in their game against Austin FC, for those wondering. The clash with the LA Galaxy was different and showed LAFC’s mettle. Now, the match against Austin featured their might. LAFC dominated corners 11-5 and shots on goal 10-1 (22-7 attempts). With this weekend’s game being played again at Banc of California Stadium, this advantage will be pretty significant. LAFC averages more than two goals a game at home.
This setup looks excellent for a team like LAFC. LAFC can sub their depth like Gareth Bale for a little more offensive pop. Alternatively, LAFC enjoys high-paced games with teams and will not be exhausted by the second half. Can the same be said about the Philadelphia Union? It’s a great question. As we found out in “El Traffico”, the LA Galaxy did not have the second-half depth, which ultimately showed.
LAFC wants to seal the deal when it comes to MLS Top Bets. Watch the shadows and nuances of this tilt on Saturday, November 5th. The game starts at 4:05 pm ET (1:05 pm PT). The expectation is that Philadelphia’s spurts may not be enough against the thrust of the LAFC attack. That “front three” can scare even a team that allowed a mere 0.76 goals per game all season. LAFC remains our pick to win outright.
MLS Top Bets for the Philadelphia Union proved to turn out well because the Union took advantage of a second chance. Remember, NYCFC lost two players midway through the season and limped into the postseason. Meanwhile, the Union rolled along and then started scoring goals in bunches. They totaled a league-high 72 on the season. Some debate exists about lineups and LAFC clinching so early, but the numbers are there.
Not surprisingly, this was a theme of the second half for Philadelphia. Some joked they were a second-half team the second half of the season. That was true to an extent. Against NYCFC, Philadelphia scored three times and arguably could have had four or five. NYCFC had no answers for the Union onslaught. It was not a conventional attack, as all three goals were more or less on “counters.”
For the 2022 MLS Top Bets, a value bet must be earned on Philadelphia. They have enough offense to cause LAFC problems and have the structure to somewhat hold the team from LA off the scoreboard just enough on Saturday.
What else is out there for other MLS Top Bets? That is a great question. For starters, do we consider that early over of three goals? At just -118, the wager remains ripe for the picking and will not be there come Thursday or Friday.
Once more, the LAFC spread of -0.5 goals has stayed around Even this week. The number sits at about -105, but no one would be surprised if it stays between +100 and -105.
The contention for 2022 Top Bets is to make room for Philly. Their number might decrease a bit more as the defense does win championships.
One last thing is more betting site bonuses to aid the bankroll this first weekend in November. Good luck.
