MLS Picks and Predictions (7/16): Dead Day of Sports, But Tons of Action on the Pitch

Today might be known as the “dead day of sports,” but Major League Soccer isn’t sleeping, as we are blessed with 14 matches across the slate tonight. We’ve had some early success in the American soccer leagues this season, so let’s keep it going tonight. Check out our best MLS picks below.

• MLS YTD
• 31-26-1 (52.5%)
• +5.61u

Head over to our MLS Picks Page for our expert’s soccer analysis, or read my best bets below.

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Major League Soccer: Wednesday’s Predictions July 16

New York Red Bulls vs. New England Revolution: MLS Picks

Best Bet: New York Red Bulls ML (-120) BetOnline

Cue up the “Revenge Spot at Home” monologue. The Red Bulls lost to the Revolution back in March early this MLS season on a 90 +7′ penalty. Surely, they have been holding onto that heartbreak, and have had this one circled on the calendar.

They are netting 1.5 goals per game, and while the Revolution are sound defensively, that all goes away on the road. Not only is New England winless in their last six MLS matches, their only wins on the road this year are against CF Montreal (No. 15 in the East), Toronto FC (No. 14 in the East), Atlanta United (No. 12 in the East), and Charlotte FC (No. 9 in the East).

However, their losses come against top squads, and the Red Bulls are ready to add to that list. I see New York gaining a much needed three points tonight against a struggling team that is worse away from home.

Prediction: Red Bulls Win 2-0 (+800)

Philadelphia Union vs. CF Montreal: MLS Picks

Best Bet: Philadelphia Union ML/Both Teams to Score No (+190) BetOnline

This one is easy. The Union are the top team in the East (and the MLS) in terms of points, while tied with San Diego in goal differential, whereas Montreal is dead last in the league in points and second worst in goal differential.

Yes. It could be this easy.

The Union allow less than one goal per match, which is ironically what Montreal scores. On the flip side, Philly nets 1.68 goals per match while the Canadien side allows more than that but not quite two. Philadelphia is coming off a shutout home win against the Red Bulls, and have five shutouts at home this season.

They beat this team once, scoring in the third minute of the game, but after allowing an equalizer just before halftime, it took an 84′ minute winner to seal three points on the road. Look for them to dish out a dominant performance tonight.

Prediction: Philadelphia Union Win 3-0 (+850)

Seattle Sounders vs. Colorado Rapids: MLS Picks

Best Bet: Seattle Sounders -1 (-109) BetOnline

The Sounders are red hot. Since laying three stinkers in the FIFA Club World Cup, Seattle has two wins and a draw in domestic league play. They are unbeaten at home in 9/10 matches this season, with five shutouts as well.

For that, we also sprinkled on Seattle ML/BTTS No (+210) on BetOnline.

Colorado is 2-3-5 on the road this year (W-D-L), and is winless in their last seven away from home (five losses, two draws). Seattle is tied with the Portland Timbers for fourth place in the West, five points behind the Vancouver Whitecaps. They drew in Denver when they played earlier, with the Rapids battling for a late equalizer.

With some push potential if they win by one, and a long shot if they get the shutout, look for Seattle to get an easy home win against a team trending in the wrong direction.

Prediction: Seattle Wins 2-0 (+650)

Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake: MLS Picks

Best Bet: Under 3 (-110) BetOnline

These teams played to a scoreless draw about two months ago. Is that the only reason we’re taking the under again tonight? Not exactly.

We have push potential with a nice whole number, and both defenses are very strong. Diego Luna is back with his club after a Gold Cup stint with the USMNT, and I’m sure he’s hungry to keep contributing. Portland will put a special focus on making sure he is marked and his space is limited, forcing him to give the ball up early.

The Timbers desperately need points like the Sounders, and I trust them to smother the Real Salt Lake offense, that is barely netting a goal per game.

While I do lean with Portland and think their ML is a good price, this match has 1-1 draw written all over it to me. Real Salt Lake nets an early goal on the road, and the Timbers spend all game fighting for an equalizer, finally finding one with less than 10 minutes remaining.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw (+575)

San Jose Earthquakes vs. FC Dallas: MLS Picks

Best Bet: San Jose Earthquakes -1 (-110) BetOnline

Last but not least, back the Earthquakes with me with some push potential. You can find -1.5 for +140 which would cash if we do as well, but I’m okay laying a little juice.

San Jose beat FC Dallas in Texas earlier this season in a 4-2 thriller. However, the Earthquakes netted their last goal when FC Dallas had just nine men on the pitch after two red cards. Regardless, back in California, I trust San Jose at home.

They are coming off an embarrassing loss to Minnesota, losing 4-1 on the road. The Earthquakes have drawn in their last four MLS matches at home, with their last win in front of their fans coming on May 3.

San Jose ranks No. 2 in the Western Conference in goals scored, netting 42 overall and 1.91 per match. FC Dallas are giving up 1.86 goals per match this season, ranking third-worst in the West, allowing 39 goals this season.

The Texas team has also lost four straight, and are winless in 10 of their last 11 MLS matches.

San Jose rolls again tonight.

Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes Win 3-1 (+900)

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