Another exhilarating week of MLS is in the books. There were predicted winners, surprising results, and stunning upsets. In short, there was a bit of everything, showcasing the unpredictability of MLS action.
To name a few of the most significant outcomes: Philadelphia continues to lead the Eastern Conference, Colorado and Charlotte clinched a home win while Chicago stays holding the fort at the bottom of the table. Over in the West, LAFC remains in first, Vancouver continues to prop up the table, and Minnesota drops out of the Top 7.
This weekend offers a full schedule of matches to spot at the sportsbook exchange. Join us as we dive into those in this column and serve up our selections for this weekly installment of the soccer picks!
Minnesota United FC vs. New York City FC
Saturday, May 28, 2022 – 08:00 PM EDT at Allianz Field
New York City FC Analysis
New York City is coming off back-to-back, no-nonsense victories against a couple of Eastern Conference stragglers. Ronny Deila’s side defeated Chicago and then New England at home, winning both games by a 1-0 score.
Since mid-April, NYFC has been nothing short of the best team in the MLS, stringing together a 10-match unbeaten streak that includes eight wins and two draws.
Overall, they’re second in the Eastern Conference table with a 7-2-3 mark and 23 points. Only a point separates them from the conference leaders, Philadelphia Union.
Minnesota United FC Analysis
Although Minnesota United beat Dallas 2-1 on the road, they fell out of the Top 7 in the Western Conference. Houston Dynamo tied Minnesota on 18 points but leapfrogged into the coveted spot with a better goal-differential.
The Loons have had an up and down month. May began with a three-game losing streak before they finally picked up a point at the expense of LA Galaxy at home. Last weekend’s win over Dallas marked their first win since beating Chicago Fire 3-0 on April 23.
Minnesota United FC vs. New York City FC: Odds and Pick
NYFC is undoubtedly one of the best teams in the league right now, and when a team of their quality is tipped in plus money on the MLS odds board, it’s hard not to bite.
Soccer Pick: New York City FC ML (+120) at BetOnline
Inter Miami CF vs. Portland Timbers
Saturday, May 28, 2022 - 08:00 PM EDT at DRV PNK Stadium
Inter Miami CF Analysis
Inter Miami are reaping the rewards of their good fortunes of late, climbing up to tenth in the Eastern Conference table.
The Herons are 4-3-6 on the season with 15 points. Only a point separates Inter Miami from seventh-placed Charlotte FC.
Phil Neville’s side stood up to Philadelphia Union, holding the conference leaders to a scoreless draw. They followed up that positive result with a surprising win over New York Red Bull in their last lap around the league.
Portland Timbers Analysis
The Portland Timbers are tenth in the Western Conference table with a 3-6-5 record and 15 points. Three points separate the Timbers from the seventh-ranked Houston Dynamo.
The Timbers are notoriously unpredictable and inconsistent. Case in point, after recently beating Sporting KC 7-2 they went on to lose 3-2 to San Jose Earthquakes.
Their last account was a 2-0 loss to Philadelphia Union, but that was to be expected against the top team in the conference.
Inter Miami CF vs. Portland Timbers: Odds and Pick
One can never count out the Timbers. They’re a most unpredictable team that has a penchant for surprises and upsets.
That said, Inter Miami should capitalize on its recent wave of form and home advantage to clinch the all-important win.
Soccer Pick: Inter Miami CF ML (+150) at BetOnline
LA Galaxy vs. Austin FC
Sunday, May 29, 2022 - 06:00 PM EDT at Dignity Health Sports Park
LA Galaxy Analysis
LA Galaxy started the season brightly but recent form has been patchy. They’re winless in their last three fixtures, prompting a steady slide down the rungs of the ladder.
As it is, LA Galaxy is fifth in the table with a 6-2-5 mark and 20 points. The Galaxy’s last five matches feature one win, two draws, and three losses.
In their last lap, they were stunned by Houston Dynamo 3-0 at home.
Austin FC Analysis
Austin FC is proving to be the surprise package of the season. They’re second overall in the Western Conference table with a 7-3-3 record and 24 points.
Austin is riding a two-game unbeaten streak into the weekend. They clinched a 2-1 win over Los Angeles on the road a couple of weeks ago and then followed it up with a 2-2 draw against Orlando City FC at home.
LA Galaxy vs. Austin FC: Odds and Pick
LA Galaxy is desperate to stop the skid and get back on track while Austin is eager to prove they’re the real deal.
Top sportsbooks and betting sites are cornering this game with the hosts wholeheartedly, which is quite telling.
Soccer Pick: LA Galaxy ML (-120) at Heritage Sports (visit our Heritage Sports Review)
*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.
