Sporting Kansas City is looking to hold on to the top spot in the Western Conference. They have a one-point lead on FC Dallas with just six games left to play, and they don’t want to surrender their advantage. Sporting KC has a challenge ahead of them this week when they face the Philadelphia Union on the road though. The Union look certain to make the playoffs out of the Eastern Conference, with an eight-point margin of error. Playoff seeding is on the line for them though, and you would always rather play at home than on the road when the postseason starts.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Talen Energy Stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 23, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN.
MLS Betting at BookMaker.eu
Sporting Kansas City +133
Philadelphia Union +181
Draw +276
Over/Under 3 and 3.5
Odds Analysis
Ahead of this match, Philadelphia are 5-1-1 over its last seven matches. That has helped them rise in the standings and wins over New England and DC United really helped separate them from the rest of the pack in the East. The Union are riding high entering this one too after stopping Seattle’s MLS record nine-game winning streak on Wednesday night. Philadelphia defended well on the road before Fafa Picault latched onto a soft pass from Seattle’s goalkeeper and beat him one-on-one for a 1-0 win in extra time.
Over the last month-and-a-half, Sporting KC have been incredible. The club has won six of its last seven matches, and that has helped it grab a slight edge over FC Dallas. Three of those wins came on the road too, showing that this team can win away from Children’s Mercy Park. In their last match, Sporting KC clobbered San Jose 5-1 on the road, racing out to a 4-0 lead before the Earthquakes could muster a goal.
Key Absences
The Union will be without defender Matt Real for this game. Real has been out for a few weeks with a left knee sprain. Midfielder Ilsinho is questionable with a quad strain.
Sporting KC have two players on the injured list. Defender Jimmy Medranda just underwent knee surgery and is out for the season, while midfielder Cristian Lobato continues to be sidelined with a quad injury.
Player to Watch
Midfielder Borek Dockal has been fantastic for Philadelphia this season. The Czech international is currently leading the MLS with 15 assists in just 26 games, and he has certainly made his mark. Dockal is a 12-year professional, but this is his first season in the MLS after arriving on loan from Chinese club Henan Jianye.
Dockal has tallied assists in three straight starts and has nine assists in his last nine starts. That’s some incredible consistency, and he will be rested after sitting out against Seattle on Wednesday.
MLS Prop Bet – Philadelphia Union Under 1.5 Goals
This is a tough spot for Philadelphia. Although the Union are playing at home, they are going to be somewhat fatigued after traveling cross-country for a Wednesday night game in the Emerald City. Additionally, they are likely to have their eye on their next game. Philadelphia is squaring off against the Houston Dynamo for the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, and they are desperate to win their first trophy as a franchise. They have come close but fallen short twice before, and this is probably their best chance yet.
I think manager Jim Curtin will make some tactical decisions to have his team more ready for that game than this one, and Sporting Kansas City’s rock solid defense will help make sure the team total stays under for Philadelphia.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Sporting Kansas City are on the road, but they have had extra rest and will perform well in the City of Brotherly Love. Look for them to get the win.
Major League Soccer Odds: Sporting Kansas City 2, Philadelphia Union 1
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
