MLS Best Bets for This Weekend (May 7-May 8) (Archive)
A full slate of MLS action is just around the corner, and with soccer odds in full swing across multiple betting sites, we take a look at some of the best bets for this weekend.
Before that, here’s a quick recap of where things stand after the books closed on another exciting week of MLS action.
Eastern Conference: Philadelphia Union earned a second-straight draw at the weekend, but they continue to hold the top spot in the Eastern Conference table despite their recent wobbles. The New York Red Bulls and Orlando City, meanwhile, are continuing their excellent form and are in second and third place, respectively.
This week’s biggest movers and shakers in the table were Montreal, New York City, Cincinnati, and Columbus Crew – all making significant strides to climb inside the Top 7. This week’s basement dwellers are D.C. United.
Western Conference: LAFC tops the Western Conference table after nine rounds while Austin FC nip at their heels, two points adrift and in second place. LA Galaxy and Dallas are not too far behind. On the other side of the table, the Seattle Sounders and San Jose Earthquakes continue to disappoint while the Vancouver Whitecaps prop up the table.
That’s the recap done. Let’s turn to the upcoming matchups this weekend.
Charlotte FC vs. Inter Miami FC
Saturday, May 7, 2022 – 03:30 PM EDT at Bank of America Stadium
Inter Miami
Inter Miami will look to bounce back from a 2-0 defeat against New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium in their last outing. The loss snapped a three-game winning streak that had Phil Neville’s side climbing up to 12th place with a 3-1-5 mark and 10 points.
Inter Miami are tied with New England, Charlotte, and Chicago Fire with 10 points ahead of this weekend’s round of action. A win over Charlotte, therefore, could see Inter Miami climb up the table significantly.
Charlotte
Charlotte’s inaugural season is off to a so-so start. They are tenth in the table behind a 3-1-6 record and 10 points. Most recently, Charlotte is coming off a 2-1 loss to Orlando City.
If there’s one bright spot for the hosts in this expansion year, it’s their home form. Beating Charlotte at home is proven challenging as they are a solid 3-0-1. They beat New England (3-1), Cincinnati (2-0), and Atlanta United (1-0). The only team to beat Charlotte on home turf was LA Galaxy (1-0)).
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This fact appears to underscore Charlotte’s favorable soccer odds for this game. Considering they’ve beaten teams that rank higher than Inter Miami, there would appear to be some value in backing another home win. Top-rated sportsbooks favor Charlotte to win with the best price of -131 available with Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review).
That said, Inter Miami’s recent form can’t be overlooked, even though they’re coming off a tough loss. Before losing to New England, they were on a three-game winning streak. They’ll be eager to get back on track here and claim a fourth win this season. Inter Miami’s odds are a tasty +385 to win at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review).
The Pick
Neither of these two sides strikes a convincing pose to make them a sure bet on the moneyline. As such, the recommended play here is the draw which is best priced at +290 with BetOnline. It’s possible these two sides will cancel each other out at the Bank of America Stadium on Saturday.
Soccer Pick: Draw (+290) at BetOnline
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Toronto FC
Sunday, May 8, 2022 - 04:00 PM EDT at VBC Place Stadium
Vancouver
The Vancouver Whitecaps enter this weekend’s contest with Toronto FC as the firm home favorites on the soccer odds board. Talk about a headscratcher.
It’s been a terrible start to the 2022 MLS season for the Whitecaps as they prop up the Western Conference with a woefully inadequate record of 1-1-6 and four points. In the broad spectrum of the league, the Whitecaps have the fewest points to their credit of any team after eight rounds.
The last match saw the Whitecaps dealt a 3-0 loss by Austin City at the Q2 Stadium. It marked their third straight loss after losses to the Portland Timbers and Montreal Impact.
Home form has been a source of hope for the Whitecaps. Vancouver boasts a 1-1-1 record in its last three domestic fixtures. However, their last home game resulted in a 3-2 loss to the Timbers.
Offensively and defensively, Vancouver has issues. One of the most worrying aspects is goals per game average. They’re scoring an average of 0.75 goals per game (six goals scored through eight games)!. On the flip side, they’ve conceded 17 goals!
Toronto
Toronto FC’s campaign is off to a modest start as the Eastern Conference stalwarts are sitting pretty in ninth place with a 3-2-5 record and 11 points. They’re tied with Atlanta United (8th) on points and they’re two points adrift of Columbus Crew (7th).
Toronto have dropped three on the bounce, losing a nine-goal thriller to New York City (5-4) and back-to-back games against Cincinnati (2-1 and 2-0).
Unlike Vancouver, Toronto has had some quality wins against top-tier competition. For instance, they beat Philadelphia Union 2-1 – handing the Eastern Conference leaders their first defeat of the season. They’ve also held Real Salt Lake to a 2-2 draw on the road.
The Pick
For all intents and purposes, Toronto FC are a much better team on paper than the Vancouver Whitecaps. And they’re in a better position – literally and figuratively – to get back on track this week.
Why the hosts are tipped as the -105 favorites (or thereabouts depending on the choice of online sportsbook) is a bit perplexing. Nevertheless, it means a bet on Toronto to come through with the road upset is worthwhile, if not the value bet for soccer picks.
Soccer Pick: Toronto FC (+290) at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.