El Trafico Stands Out
If you’re a soccer betting enthusiast, with a special interest in Major League Soccer, there’s good news for you. The Round of 16 of the U.S. Open Cup is basically a version of the MLS Playoffs. Only three of the 16 teams don’t play in MLS.
There’s more. You won’t have to wait until the weekend to enjoy some action as all eight games are scheduled for Wednesday. The matchup between the Los Angeles Galaxy and Los Angeles FC, better known as El Trafico, stands out. Both are among the favorites to go all the way. However, all matchups have something interesting to offer.
Let’s check the latest news, stats, injury reports, and MLS odds. We’ve plenty of predictions for you to consider.
Orlando City vs Inter Miami
Orlando City and Inter Miami will kick off things at 7 p.m. ET. Also known as Florida’s Derby, this will be the first meeting between the two in 2022.
Orlando City already eliminated the Tampa Bay Rowdies (2-1) and the Philadelphia Union (2-1). After missing most of last season due to injury, Alexandre Pato has taken advantage of this tournament to keep regaining confidence. He scored against Tampa Bay.
On the other hand, Inter Miami eliminated Miami FC (1-0) and the South Georgia Tormenta FC (3-1). Ariel Lassiter scored two of those four goals.
Playing at home is the main reason for the Lions to come in as betting online favorites at -150. They won their last two home games with a 4-2 aggregate.
Louisville City vs Nashville SC
Louisville City is one of the three teams that doesn’t play in MLS. The Boys in Purple play in the USL Championship. Louisville started its journey in the second round and has eliminated the Chattanooga Red Wolves (1-0), St. Louis City (0-0, 9-8 in penalties), and Detroit City FC (0-0, 4-2 in penalties).
As expected, Nashville SC dominates the odds board (Ev). The Six Strings eliminated Atlanta United in a very intense Round of 32 matchup that ended 3-2. They overcame a two-goal deficit in extra time.
New York City FC vs New England Revolution
After a very rocky start to the season, the reigning MLS champions have turned things around in the last couple of weeks. That includes defeating the Rochester Rhinos 3-1 in the Round of 32. The bad news is that Gabriel Pereira got a red card, meaning he won’t be available to face the New England Revolution.
Talking of the Revs, they had no mercy for FC Cincinnati. Carles Gil led them to a 5-1 victory with a hat trick in what was the team’s best game of the season. However, it wasn’t enough to avoid being the underdogs for this contest at +290. That’s very tempting considering New England finished atop the MLS in last year’s regular season.
New York Red Bulls vs Charlotte FC
Another interesting matchup between teams from the MLS. The New York Red Bulls already eliminated Hartford Athletic (2-1) and DC United (3-0). Cristian Casseres Jr. will return after missing the Round of 32 due to suspension.
As for Charlotte FC, the newest franchise of the league, Greenville Triumph SC came first. The game went to extra time and Charlotte ended up winning 2-1. Most recently, they crushed the Richmond Kickers 5-1 with McKinze Gaines as the Man of the Match after scoring two goals.
The visitors (+320) are one of the most tempting online gambling underdogs for one reason: The Red Bulls are 0-4-2 when playing at home.
Minnesota United vs Union Omaha
The only matchup between a team from the MLS and a team from the USL League One. Therefore, Minnesota United is the clear favorite at -210.
The Loons eliminated Forward Madison FC (2-0) and the Colorado Rapids (2-1). Brent Kallman won’t be available due to suspension, but that shouldn’t affect much. After all, we’re talking about one of the best defensive teams in MLS.
Union Omaha already eliminated a team from the MLS. They drew 2-2 to the Chicago Fire and then won the penalty shootout 5-4. They also eliminated the Des Moines Menace (2-1) and Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (2-0).
Sporting KC vs Houston Dynamo
Sporting KC is having a terrible season in the MLS. The Wizards are sitting in 13th place in the Western Conference thanks to a 3-4-7 record. Therefore, winning the U.S. Open Cup seems like their best chance to win some gold.
In the Round of 32, the Wizards defeated FC Dallas 4-2. They needed extra time and Dallas ended up with 10 players. Jose Martinez got a red card at the end of regulation.
The Houston Dynamo is having a better season. Not ideal, but better. They sit in seventh place in the Western Conference. Regarding the cup, this will be their first real test. Previously, they eliminated RGV FC Toros 2-1 and San Antonio FC 1-0.
The home side is offering a -105 price to win straight up.
Sacramento Republic vs San Jose Earthquakes
The last matchup between a team from the MLS and a team from the USL Championship. The Republic crushed the Portland Timbers Sub-23 (6-0) in the second round. Later, they defeated Central Valley Fuego FC 2-1. Most recently, they eliminated Arizona United 2-0.
The San Jose Earthquakes are starting to turn things around in MLS. That’s why they come in as the favorites (Ev). They crushed the Bay Cities FC 5-0 in the second round and pulled off the stunner against the Seattle Sounders in the Round of 32. The game ended 2-2 before Sacramento won an epic penalty shootout 10-9.
Sacramento remains unbeaten when playing at home in all competitions. In other words, they have a chance.
Los Angeles Galaxy vs Los Angeles FC
If you were looking for an underdog to include in your soccer picks, Los Angeles FC is the answer. Carlos Vela and company are offering a +150 price. On the other hand, Javier Hernandez and company are offering a +140 price.
The Galaxy eliminated San Diego Loyal SC 1-0 and California United Strikers 3-2. LAFC eliminated Orange County SC 5-1 and the Portland Timbers 2-0.
These two already met this season. It was also at Dignity Health Sports Park and the Galaxy won 2-1. However, LAFC is sitting in first place in the Western Conference, with the Galaxy fifth. Plus, LAFC is the second highest-scoring team in the league.
