MLS Wild Card Picks and Predictions: Four Clubs Playing for Their Lives

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Can Diego Luna lead Real Lake Lake to a playoff victory on the road? - MLS Picks

The regular season is behind us, and now it’s time for the MLS Playoffs. The postseason kicks off tonight with the Wild Card round, featuring single elimination matches between the No. 8 and No. 9 seeds on the table in each conference. The higher seeds get to play host in these 90 minute contests, that will go straight into a penalty kick shootout if still tied after regulation. No extra time will be played. Let’s get into our favorite picks and find some winners tonight as the postseason begins!

We had a successful regular season, let’s hope it continues in the playoffs!

  • MLS YTD
  • 56-55-5 (50.5%)
  • +5.41u
  • Avg Odds: +113

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

Major League Soccer: Wild Card Predictions October 22

Tonight these four teams are playing for their seasons. A win earns them a date in Round One of the MLS Playoffs against the top seed, but it will be a best of three contest. They’ll have multiple chances to get it done. But tonight, it’s do or die.

After a best of three series in Round One, the Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals and the MLS Cup will all be single elimination matches hosted by the higher seed, but with regular extra time, followed by a PK shootout if necessary.

Chicago Fire vs. Orlando City SC MLS Picks

Orlando City heads to Chicago to face the Fire in the MLS Wild Card round - MLS Picks

Orlando City heads to Chicago to face the Fire in the MLS Wild Card round

Best Bet: Orlando City +0.25 (-108) BetOnline

Chicago gets to play host, and it’s a lot colder in the Windy City than the Sunshine State this time of year. In two head to head matches, these teams played to a scoreless draw last time at SeatGeek Stadium, while the visitors picked up a win in Orlando, 3-1. Both of those contests were way back in May. Which begs the question, what have you done for me recently?

The Fire were unbeaten in their final five MLS matches with three outright wins. They were also without a loss in nine of their final 11 matches as they made their way up the Eastern Conference table. Orlando City was the opposite. They lost two straight to end the year and were winless in their final four. Their last road win came against the Columbus Crew in late July. However I still think the value lies with them.

Splitting our unit will give us a win and a push if the visitors can just last 90 minutes and force a shootout. In a match where both teams have so much to lose, I expect a more conservative effort, leading me to think we see a low scoring draw as our final.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw (+625)

Portland Timbers vs. Real Salt Lake: MLS Picks

Antony was very involved in the Timbers offense this MLS season - MLS Picks

Antony was very involved in the Timbers offense this MLS season

Best Bets: Portland Timbers ML (+121) BetOnline

Back in May, these teams squared off in Salt Lake City and played to a scoreless draw. Then in July, the visitors won 1-0 in Portland when the Timbers hosted. Now they meet again in the MLS Wild Card. Let’s talk about current form.

The Timbers lost their last two, and were winless in their final five matches with three losses. In fact, they had just one outright win in their final 10 contests, and three in their final 17. They melted down but still ended up No. 8 in the Western Conference. Real Salt Lake were unbeaten in three of their last four, but ended on a draw and a loss. Their final draw was almost a win, but an 88′ minute equalizer from St. Louis City lost them a couple points, but it was still enough to make the postseason.

But sadly, tonight it comes to a close.

Both teams had a negative goal differential throughout the regular season, but the Timbers have been here before. I think they are worth a stab on the moneyline. Real Salt Lake was just 3-4-10 on the road this year, despite one of their away wins being over Portland. At home, the Timbers were 7-6-4 with two shutout wins at Providence Park. Tonight I think they get the job done in 90 minutes, in a much needed revenge spot at home.

Prediction: Portland Timbers Win 2-1 (+850)

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