Teams in the MLS have less than five matches remaining in the regular season before the playoffs begin, so motivation is at an all time high across the entire league. Throughout the entirety of College Football Saturday, there are plenty of matchups in Major League Soccer with edges to be found on the betting board. Let’s waste no time and get in to my favorite MLS Picks for Saturday’s loaded slate of action on the pitch.
We’ve had some success in this league so far this season, so let’s keep it going today!
- MLS YTD
- 49-49-4 (50%)
- +5.17u
- Avg Odds: +112
Head over to our MLS Picks Page for our expert’s soccer analysis, or read my best bets below.
Major League Soccer: Saturday’s Predictions September 27
New York Red Bulls vs. New York City FC MLS Picks
Hannes Wolf has 11 goals for New York City FC so far this year
Best Bet: New York Red Bulls/ New York City FC Under 2.5 (+108) BetOnline
Under, under, under! For starters, these teams just sort of scream under to me. New York City FC is very sound defensively, and are not afraid to play conservative and get involved in low scoring affairs. For starters, three of the last five head to head meetings have stayed under this number, including the past two. Back in May, New York City FC shutout the Red Bulls at Yankee Stadium, winning 2-0 at home. They also did so in November of 2024.
Now, NYCFC is already in a playoff position and is at home. They don’t necessarily need three points. Earning one solid point on the road would likely keep them ahead of Orlando City while jumping Charlotte on the Eastern Conference table. I see them being extra cautious, avoiding making any defensive mistakes that would result in a cheap goal for the Red Bulls.
As for the other team from New York, the Red Bulls need this win. They are currently two points behind the Chicago Fire for the final spot in the MLS playoffs, and I expect them to be incredibly aggressive coming into this match. However, the NYCFC defense is one of the best in the league, giving up just 39 goals in 31 matches this season, which ranks No. 4 in the conference.
Give me a 1-1 draw after NYCFC goes up early, with the Red Bulls finding an equalizer but not a winner.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw (+575)
Sa Diego FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes: MLS Picks
Anders Dreyer leads San Diego with 15 goals and 17 assists, starting all 31 matches
Best Bets: San Diego ML/Under 4.5 (+160) BetOnline
Let me be clear, I do not hate under 3.5 (-116) as a straight bet if you are uncertain of San Diego winning this match. However, they are on top of the Western Conference table right now, they have much more to play for (in my opinion), and they’ve kept this San Jose Earthquakes team in check already this year.
Back in the middle of August, San Diego FC took down the Earthquakes on the road, beating them 2-1. In that match, all three goals happened with less than 20 minutes to play, and the visitors even came back from being down 1-0, scoring two goals just three minutes apart to take the lead and hold on for victory.
Two Teams That Score Plenty – And We’re Backing the Under?
Yes, these are two of the most high flying offenses in the entire MLS. Each club has netted 56 goals this year in their 31 matches, but the new kids on the block have a much more solid back line. So far this year, San Jose has a -2 goal differential, allowing 58 goals compared to the 56 they have scored. San Diego FC has only given up 38 goals while scoring the exact same number, as they are just one of four teams who have conceded less than 40 in the Western Conference this season.
Ultimately, even though San Jose has fallen out of a playoff spot, I believe San Diego needs this win more. They are on top of the conference, with three other clubs breathing down their neck. They lead the Vancouver Whitecaps by just one point, Minnesota United by three, and LAFC is just seven points back with an extra two games in hand. San Diego will do everything in their power to earn three much needed points at home tonight, and I have faith that they get the job done in a low scoring contest.
Sure, the Earthquakes are probably going to score, and a 2-2 draw would screw us, but I trust the newcomers to realize how good they’ve played this season and to rally around each other to finish the regular season strong.
Prediction: San Diego Wins 2-1 (+750)
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