Reigning Champs Against the Wall
Winning back-to-back titles in the Major League Soccer isn’t easy. It hasn’t been done since 2012. This season, New York City FC could rewrite history, but as of now, things aren’t good. The reigning champs have won only one game, sitting last in the Eastern Conference.
Real Salt Lake are in third place in the Western Conference, The Claret and Cobalt have lost only one game, making them a very tempting underdog. Despite recent results, the Citizens dominate the soccer odds thanks to a -185 price.
Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and USA MLS odds for NYC FC vs Real Salt Lake. We’ve plenty of predictions for you to consider.
Were Two Tourneys Too Much for New York City FC?
After winning the MLS Cup, New York City FC focused on winning the CONCACAF Champions League. That ended Wednesday after the Citizens drew, 1-1, against the Seattle Sounders. Seattle won the series, 4-2.
Now, the Citizens will be able to focus on defending their domestic title. As was mentioned before, things aren’t looking good as they currently own a 1-1-3 record. They lost, 2-1, to Toronto FC, the team with the third-worst defensive record in the Eastern Conference.
Returning home will be good for the spirits. Their lone victory was at Yankee Stadium, 4-1 over CF Montreal. Perhaps that’s the real NYCFC, the team that easily ends a game with 13 shots and more than 400 passes. The team that has no trouble with possession. The team that has no mercy.
The only good news from the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals was that Valentin Castellanos returned from injury. He’s the team’s top scorer and main reason for NYCFC to be the soccer picks favorites. Last season, he was the league leader with 19 goals.
Real Salt Lake Meeting Expectations
Prior to the start of the season, Real Salt Lake was our dark horse in the Western Conference. So far, the Claret and Cobalt have not disappointed. Own a 3-1-1 record, they’re just one point behind Los Angeles FC, the team atop the standings.
Last weekend, Salt Lake drew, 2-2, to Toronto FC. Justin Meram and Damir Kreilach were the scorers. RSL finished with 16 shots, or twice as many as Toronto.
When it comes to playing on the road, the Claret and Cobalt are 1-2-1, including a 1-1 draw against the Colorado Rapids as huge soccer betting underdogs at +450.
Tate Schmitt is the team’s top scorer with two goals. That means striker Sergio Cordova isn’t meeting expectations, but head coach Pablo Mastroeni isn’t worried.
“Forwards can be so streaky with their production. He’s going to start scoring goals and his confidence is going to put fear into our opponents and open up even more space for other players,” Mastroeni said after their last game.
The visitors are offering a +500 price to win. That would mean a $600 payout per every $100 you bet on them.
NYC FC vs Real Salt Lake Head-to-Head
- Previous Matches: 5
- New York City Victories: 1 (8 goals
- Real Salt Lake Victories: 4 (10 goals)
- Draws: 0
These two haven’t met since 2019. Real Salt Lake came from behind to win that match, 3-1. Jefferson Savarino, Albert Rusnak and Nick Besler were the scorers. Only Besler remains on the roster.
New York’s only victory was in 2018, 4-0 at Yankee Stadium. Each finished with a clean sheet once.
NYC FC vs Real Salt Lake Game Information
- Date: Sunday, Apr. 17th
- Time: 2:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Yankee Stadium, New York
- NYC FC vs Real Salt Lake Live stream: fubo.tv
NYC FC vs Real Salt Lake Betting Lines
INSERT ODDS WIDGET HERE
NYC FC vs Real Salt Lake Prediction
There’s no doubt New York City FC is much better than the record. They weren’t ready to play in two tournaments at the same time. Now, the coaching staff doesn’t need to rotate players, so we expect the team’s best version.
Real Salt Lake won’t be easy prey, though. The Claret and Cobalt average one goal per game when playing on the road. I think that trend will continue, therefore, my soccer prediction is the total going over.
Score Prediction: New York City FC 2, Real Salt Lake 1
