The Eastern Conference doesn't have quite as much drama involved in it as the Western Conference does in the MLS, but "Decision Day" still has a lot left to decide on both sides. D.C. United and the Columbus Crew are fighting for one last bye in the East, and the winner of this one will earn that coveted extra few days off while the other has to fight it out in an all-or-nothing 90 minutes against another postseason club.
WHAT'S AT STAKE
Heading into the final match day of the season in the MLS, D.C. United sits second best on the table in the East. A win, and it's off to rest and wait for a home-and-home meeting with a lesser club starting next weekend. A loss, and the Red and Blacks have to get ready to play in the opening round of the playoffs in just a few short days at home at RFK Stadium.
Columbus' situation is similar. A win will send it on a bye. Any other result will see it host either Toronto, Montreal, New England or Orlando in the opening round of the playoffs on Wednesday or Thursday.
In the event of a draw, both teams could be in some trouble. Columbus would surely be stuck without a bye on 51 total points. Fifty-two could be enough for D.C. United to still get a bye. However, a draw parlayed with a Toronto FC win by more than two goals against Montreal in a match running concurrently would put the Reds in control of the last bye spot.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The outcomes are virtually the same for both of these teams, and not surprisingly, it's a close call who will win this one in 90 minutes as well. Columbus has the slight edge for home field advantage at +110, but that doesn't mean much when D.C. United is only +230 for the three points.
The total has opened at 2.5 and -120 vig on the over.
KEY INJURIES
Columbus won't have either Chad Barson or Kristinn Steindorsson in this match or likely for the rest of the playoffs. Reserve goalie Matt Lampson is likely not available as well thanks to a concussion.
United won't have the services of either Davy Arnaud or Chris Korb.
The big issue here though, won't be injuries for either side. Columbus won't have either Federico Higuain or Kei Kamara for this match due to suspension, and the timing for these two offensively threats couldn't be worse. The Crew will have huge holes to fill without them in the fold, and we're not sure they're capable of doing so.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Who is going to be scoring goals in this match for Columbus? With Kamara and Higuain both sidelined, that's 30 goals which aren't in the lineup. Ethan Finlay has scored 10 times this year, but the rest of the team has been virtually silent from a scoring perspective.
Yes, Columbus has that crucial home field advantage on its side, but one has to wonder if its attention is going to be more on Wednesday or Thursday instead of this match on Sunday.
D.C. United has a virtually full side at its disposal. The team's bad road form at 4-3-9 is concerning for sure, but we still think that, at worst, a draw is going to take place. We want the half ball on the Asian Handicap on our side, but we think the Red and Blacks will find a way to send the Crew home without a point to show for their work on "Decision Day."
D.C. United 1, Columbus 0
BookMaker has live MLS odds for every clash of the season. BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. The Columbus Crew opened as +110 favorites. The first offering of the total came in at 2.5. Live wagering during the match offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer match now!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The fixture between the Columbus Crew and D.C. United will take place on Sunday, October 25, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. at MAPFRE Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1.
