The best team in the MLS this season has been Los Angeles FC. LAFC have played a daring, attacking style that is pleasing to the eye and difficult for opponents to stop. They are the highest scoring team in the league, and they have recovered after a little blip in the results. LAFC are currently five points ahead of the next closest team in the Western Conference, and they are the frontrunners to win the Supporter’s Shield as well. That’s why they are heavy favorites against a good FC Dallas club this weekend.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, California at 10 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 16, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN2.
MLS Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Los Angeles FC -255
FC Dallas +608
Draw +403
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
FC Dallas are currently in position to make the playoffs with a 5-4-2 record. Unfortunately, they haven’t been in good form in recent weeks. They haven’t picked up a victory since upsetting defending MLS Cup champions Atlanta United 2-1 on April 20, and they have lost two in a row. Losing the Texas Derby stings, but failing to defend their home turf against the New York Red Bulls last week hurts even more. FC Dallas lost 3-1 at home to an NYRB that successfully countered throughout the match.
This Los Angeles FC squad is on pace to be considered the best in MLS history. LAFC have an 8-1-3 record, and they are one of two clubs averaging more than two points per game. How they’ve been doing it is particularly impressive though. LAFC are blowing opponents out of the water, and they have a +21 goal differential through 12 games. That +21 goal differential is better than eight of the last 11 Supporter’s Shield winners, and it has the club on pace to finish with a goal differential around +60, which would be totally bonkers. LAFC blew a very good defensive team out of the water last week with a 3-0 win over the Columbus Crew in Ohio.
Key Absences
Forwards Dominique Badji and Santiago Mosquera are out with undisclosed injuries for the side of FC Dallas. It appears that dynamic midfielder Paxton Pomykal will miss another match due to a strained hamstring, while forwards Francis Atuahene and Cristian Colman, as well as midfielder Carlos Gruezo, are considered questionable.
Defender Danilo Silva will miss this match for LAFC due to a strained right hamstring. Midfielders Javier Perez (strained groin) and Alejandro Guido (strained quadriceps) have been ruled out too.
Player to Watch
Carlos Vela has set the league on fire this season. Vela already has 12 goals on the year, and unlike some of the other goal scorers, he only has a single goal by way of penalty. Additionally, he is constantly setting up his teammates. He is tied for the league lead in assists with six on the year, and he is well on his way to being named the MVP of the MLS this year.
Prop Bet of the Week – LAFC to Win Both Halves +189
I’m a full believer in LAFC. This has been the best team all year, and we haven’t even seen them in their final form yet. Adama Diomande and Lee Nguyen are still working their way back into form, and now that they are back, they are truly terrifying. They can pick apart an FC Dallas back line that has struggled lately.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
LAFC are going to dominate here. I see them winning this match by multiple goals.
Major League Soccer Odds: Los Angeles FC 4, FC Dallas 1
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