It’s been a long time coming. The Portland Timbers will finally be able to return home this weekend after spending the first three months of the season on the road. Providence Park has been undergoing much-needed renovations, and without another suitable venue in the area, the Timbers were forced to go on the road. They performed about as well as they could given the circumstances, and now they will be at home for 17 of their last 22 regular season games. However, their return home could very well be spoiled by the best team in the MLS, Los Angeles FC.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Providence Park in Portland, Oregon at 10:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, June 1, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN2.
MLS Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Portland Timbers +195
Los Angeles FC +122
Draw +270
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
We’re nearly halfway through the season, and LAFC have been the best team in the league by a mile. They are 10-1-4, and they are averaging almost 2.3 points per game. LAFC have a six point lead on the Los Angeles Galaxy in the league standings, and their goal differential is absurd compared to every other team. No other team has a positive goal differential in double digits, but LAFC boast a +25 goal differential. Last week, LAFC scored the first four goals in a 4-2 win over the Montreal Impact.
The Timbers have done a pretty good job considering the circumstances. Portland has been competitive throughout this road stretch at the start of the year, and the club is 4-6-2 in 12 road games. They tallied a surprising win last week over the Philadelphia Union, with Brian Fernandez scoring twice and Diego Valeri clinching the three points at the end.
LAFC dominated the first meeting between these two clubs. They ended the day with a 4-1 victory, as four different players tallied goals. The blowout loss frustrated Diego Chara, who received his second yellow and was tossed after tripping someone behind the play.
Key Absences
Goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic has yet to play for Portland after being sidelined due to a tibial stress fracture shortly after he was signed. That has left the club short-handed in net, and reserve goalkeeper Kendall McIntosh’s injury further strains the depth at the position. McIntosh is questionable with a strained thigh, while midfielder Cristhian Paredes is questionable due to a strained quad.
Defender Steven Beitashour has been declared out by Los Angeles FC ahead of this match due to a strained hamstring, while midfielder Alejandro Guido is questionable with a strained quad.
Player to Watch
It’s hard to oversell the impact that Carlos Vela has had on LAFC this year. Vela is averaging 1.6 points per game, and he is on pace to lead the MLS in both goals and assists. His 15 goals are five more than anyone else thus far this campaign, and his nine assists are tops too. He is the centerpiece of Bob Bradley’s attacking plans. Vela looks like a lock to be named league MVP provided he stays healthy.
Prop Bet of the Week – LAFC to Score 2 Goals +232
I don’t think LAFC will run roughshod over Portland on the road, but I think they will get a couple goals. This offense is so difficult to stop with the number of ways that it can attack. Vela, Diego Rossi, Adama Diomande, and Mark-Anthony Kaye have great chemistry together, and the creativity on display in LAFC’s games is somewhat Barcelona-esque.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
This could be an early preview of the Western Conference Finals, as the Timbers should make a strong run now that they have a home. LAFC will be too strong in this one though.
Major League Soccer Odds: Los Angeles FC 2, Portland Timbers 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!
