Old Arenas and New Stadiums Make For A Fun MLS Weekend

There’s LAFC, and everyone else. That’s the takeaway yet again after last weeks results. Unlike the Premier League, there hasn’t been a solid “Top Six” that’s come to the fore in the MLS, as parity continues to be a blessing and a curse for the league. With the upcoming influx of international call-ups in the next few weeks, we’ll see even more instability in which teams can make extended runs and which stay in the middle of the pack. Teams like the already struggling Sounders will suffer as two of their top players (Raul Ruidiaz and Nicolas Lodeiro) head off to represent their countries in Copa America. So a weekend like this, with full squads at their disposal, are more important than ever.

Fortunately, there are some great matchups that will help not only give a preview of how the rest of the season will shake out, but also give us some incredible soccer as well.

Here are a few of the ones we’re keeping an eye on.

LAFC at Portland Timbers

The world’s longest road trip finally ends as the Timbers finally open their newly renovated Providence Park on Saturday night. And what a way to open it! Their first opponents will be none other than Carlos Vela and his league leading LAFC, who want to push themselves even further ahead in the Western Conference and maybe sew up the Supporter’s Shield by mid-season. 

It will be a battle of powerhouse midfields, as club-record signing Brian Fernandez (already a force with 3 goals in his first 2 games) teams up with Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco to face off against Vela, Diego Rossi, and Eduard Atuesta. Portland took 4 games out of the 12 road games they’ve played so far, not bad considering how poorly they started. Now they have 17 home games in a stadium that was already one of the most difficult to play in for road teams, along with Fernandez, and things could start to look scary for the rest of the West.

Even with all that going against them, LAFC is still a slight favorite at +116 to Portland’s +195, with a very enticing +270 for the draw. Neither team has been too remarkable on defense, so look at the Total Goals line which is +325 for over 4.5.

New England Revolution at Los Angeles Galaxy

The Bruce Arena era began in New England a few weeks ago when he was hired to replace struggling manager Brad Friedel, but this will be the first official return to the sideline for the coaching legend. It’s fitting that it would be against the team that he won 3 MLS Cups with in his time as manager. This time, however, the international celebrity signing isn’t David Beckham, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who fresh off his 2 game suspension, is back in form with a goal and an assist in LA’s win on Wednesday.

The Revs have been a different team since Arena took over, coming away with two draws against two of the top teams in the East, a feat made even more impressive by the fact that they had to do most of it in the last game with 10 men.

With 15 more points and a goal differential of + 21 over New England, Ibra and the Galaxy are clear favorites at -195 to the Revs +475, with a healthy +320 for the tie.

Lately the Revs have been keeping opponents from scoring in bunches (Wayne Rooney had to wait until the 90^thminute- against 10 men- in last week’s match) so there’s good chance we’ll get a low-scoring affair. Building a bet with a Galaxy win, both teams to score, but under 3.5 goals is a pretty good +700, or build your own bet for an even better take.

Bonus Game To Watch

Wondo vs Rooney: Chris Wondolowski can’t be stopped! With 6 goals in the last two games, he’s taking that MLS scoring record and running up the score. But it’ll be a tougher task against a D.C. United team that’s only given up 17 goals in 16 games. Can the Quakes keep up their form in the nation’s capital? DC is at -114 with the surging San Jose at +280, and a tie at +260. DC has been good but not great as of late (i.e. the last minute tie against the 10 men Revs last week) so Wondo may be able to steal a win and steal you some winnings.

Have a great weekend of soccer and good luck!