Minnesota United FC are hoping that they can make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. The Loons have failed to make the postseason in their first two years, instead watching expansion partner Atlanta United hoist an MLS Cup. They are currently in playoff position, and they are hoping to give themselves some breathing room when they take on FC Cincinnati this weekend. Cincinnati have a 3-12-2 record this season and they are currently five points behind the next-worst team in the league.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Allianz Field in St. Paul, Minnesota at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 29, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN.
MLS Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Minnesota United FC -185
FC Cincinnati +474
Draw +308
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
Odds Analysis
FC Cincinnati are feeling the expansion woes. They started off their first month strong, winning two of their first four matches and giving their fans hope that they might immediately contend for a playoff spot. However, they have since crashed all the way back down to Earth by losing 10 of their last 11 matches. The defense in particular has been a problem, with FC Cincinnati allowing 17 goals in their last five matches. That has them as the favorite to win the Wooden Spoon this season.
The Loons have been solid in their new home, posting a 3-1-3 record this season. They had previously played in the University of Minnesota’s football stadium, and they are happy to have their own home. MUFC were in much better shape last month, but prior to the start of the break they lost three straight matches. Defeats to teams like Atlanta United and the Philadelphia Union are one thing, but a loss to the Colorado Rapids in their last match really stung.
Key Absences
Injuries have played a part in Cincinnati’s struggles. Midfielder Jimmy McLaughlin is sidelined for the rest of the season after tearing his ACL, and midfielder Roland Lamah will miss this match with a hamstring issue. Defender Greg Garza is out with a calf injury, while forward Fanendo Adi is questionable with a hamstring problem.
Goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth will miss this match for Minnesota United with a knee injury, and defender Carter Manley is questionable with a left leg problem.
Matchup to Watch
Minnesota’s hopes this season largely rest on the shoulders of Angelo Rodriguez and Darwin Quintero. They are the two best attacking options on the team, but there has been some disharmony between the duo. There was a bit of a tiff between the two in MUFC’s last match, as frustrations have boiled over since neither player has scored in five straight games. They will look to alleviate those worries against a Cincinnati side that is giving up more than two goals per game.
Prop Bet of the Week – Minnesota United FC to Win to Nil +147
I was hoping to get better odds on this prop, but I’ll still take it at this price. FC Cincinnati are in search of an identity. They have scored fewer goals than any team in the MLS, and they are allowing the second-most goals in the league. A coaching change after a slow start has seemingly caused further regression, so I’ll stay away from Cincy.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
In addition to liking MUFC in this match, I think the under is a sharp bet too. The struggles of Rodriguez and Quintero seem to be real, and I don’t see Cincinnati scoring more than one goal in this match.
Major League Soccer Odds: Minnesota United FC 2, FC Cincinnati 0
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