Five for Friday was a massive disappointment, as we only went 1-4. Luckily, all three of my baseball bets hit to salvage a .500 record for the day, but that’s beyond the point. The point is that we’ll try and make up for it with a slate of MLS matches, as we’ve got 10 options on the docket for the final day of the month. Here’s what I like for July 31.
NEW ENGLAND ML, +185
Reason: I tried this logic yesterday with Columbus, and it went pretty badly, as NYCFC routed a team that had already bested it twice and was in great form because MLS. But based on the information we have available, New England offers great value going to New York. The Revolution have already beaten the Red Bulls twice and scored three goals each time, so if you feel daring, I’d play New England and over at +300. But taking the win is just fine too: the Revs have won three straight and RBNY hasn’t won in its past three.
CINCINNATI-D.C. UNITED BOTH TO SCORE, -125
Reason: Everyone who comes to TQL Stadium as a visiting team leaves with one thing: a souvenir goal. Cincinnati has yet to shut out anybody in its new stadium, having shipped nine goals in five matches since it opened the facility. D.C. has scored in five straight matches and both teams have scored in four of Cincinnati’s past five contests, so there’s a good chance this one happens.
SPORTING KANSAS CITY ML, -165
Reason: There’s a reason FC Dallas is on the outside looking in at the postseason: it’s because the Toros haven’t earned so much as a draw away from the Metroplex in 2021. Dallas has lost eight straight road matches dating to last year, and they’ve been shut out in six of them. So why am I not gambling on SKC to win to nil? Because I don’t trust the Sporting defense. Sporting has conceded in eight of its past nine contests, including four straight at home. I’m happy to just take the win, although I might play SKC -1.5 at +155, given that Dallas has lost four of its past five road matches by two or more.
VANCOUVER-MINNESOTA DRAW, +270
Reason: Minnesota made me look good earlier this week, as the Loons rescued a point against Los Angeles FC. Minnesota hasn’t been a great road team this year but has been decent, sharing the spoils in three of their past five trips away from Saint Paul. With Vancouver having played out two straight draws, another level score feels right in this one.
