Six-Pointer
Being the new franchise on the block is never easy. However, Charlotte FC has been putting up a good fight. In fact, the Light Blues are one victory away from climbing to seventh place in the Eastern Conference. Finishing in the top seven means qualifying for the playoffs.
On the other hand, DC United is having a terrible season, but Wayne Rooney has come to the rescue. The Black and Reds, who are offering +310 in the sportsbook, can’t afford to lose, at least not if they want to keep hope alive. Despite having the worst record in the Conference, they’re only five points behind Charlotte.
Let’s check the latest MLS news, stats, injury reports, and MLS odds for Red Bulls vs Rapids. We’ve plenty of MLS picks and predictions for you to consider.
Charlotte FC: Well-Rested
Last Saturday, Charlotte FC was supposed to face the Columbus Crew, and they did, well, kind of. Due to severe weather in the area, league officials decided to postpone the match in the 16th minute. Therefore, the Light Blues are more rested than their rival. That’s one of the main reasons for them to control the soccer odds at -120.
The other one is that they’ve been considerably better when playing at home, winning seven of their previous 10 games. They’re the third expansion team in MLS to achieve such a record. Most recently, they crushed Nashville SC 4-1 and drew 1-1 to Chelsea. Yes, the powerhouse from the English Premier League. The two collided in a friendly match, which the Light Blues ended up winning in penalties.
Those are great results, but they suffered a humiliating loss in their last game. They visited Toronto FC and lost 4-0. Curiously enough, they won possession with 52% and took more shots on target. As if the result wasn’t bad enough, they also lost Christian Fuchs, who was sent off 20 minutes into the second half.
The Light Blues conceded seven goals over their last two games, the thing is that both were on the road. At home, they’ve allowed only seven goals in total. Only the Philadelphia Union have let fewer with six.
D.C. United: Can’t Go Any Lower
Actually, the Black and Reds can go a little bit lower. Yes, they already are last in the Eastern Conference with 21 points, but they could still become last place in the league. Right now, that spot belongs to Sporting KC with 20 points.
To avoid that, D.C. hired Wayne Rooney as its new head coach. The former Manchester United and England player knows MLS very well as he also played for the Red and Blacks for two seasons, scoring 25 goals in 52 games.
His methods have already taken effect as last Sunday they came from behind to defeat Orlando City 2-1. Chris Durkin scored the equalizer at 91 minutes, while Taxiarchis Fountas scored the winning goal four minutes later. It marked the tenth time in MLS history that a team entered stoppage time trailing but went on to win. Never give up, that’s something Rooney learned throughout his award-winning career.
Besides the Rooney effect, Fountas is another good reason to consider including the Black and Reds in your soccer picks, especially at +310. He’s among the league’s top scorers with 11 goals. There’s also Ola Kamara, who has scored seven. In other words, the visitors have many ways to deal damage to their opponents.
Charlotte FC vs D.C. United Head-to-Head
D.C. United defeated Charlotte FC, 3-0, at home in the opening match of the season and the first MLS match in the Light Blues’ history. Michael Estrada was the Man of the Match after scoring the first two goals, while Kamara sealed the deal.
Nevertheless, keep in mind that the Black and Reds have lost 7 of their last 12 away matches against expansion sides dating to 2010.
Charlotte FC vs D.C. United Game Information
- Date: Wednesday, August 3
- Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte
- Charlotte FC vs DC United Live Stream: fubo.tv
Charlotte FC vs D.C. United Betting Lines
| Team | Handicap | Moneyline | Total | Team Total |
| Charlotte FC | -½ -120 | -120 | 2½-130o | 1½-120o
1½-110u |
| D.C. United | +½ -110 | +310 | 2½Evu | ½-230o
½+180u |
| Draw | +275 |
Charlotte FC vs D.C. United Prediction
Charlotte is the better team, but D.C. United is the experienced side. Plus, having a new head coach makes every player want to show off to earn a spot in the starting lineup, which consequently makes the visitors a more dangerous rival. Not enough to win, but to draw, which is precisely our betting online prediction. Charlotte hasn’t drawn at home, but you know what they say, there’s always a first time. Take advantage of it.
Score Prediction: Charlotte FC 1, D.C. United 1
