It’s rare to have stakes this high on Decision Day in the MLS. The No. 1 seed in the Western Conference is still up for grabs and both Los Angeles FC and Sporting KC are out to grab it. Sporting KC has the upper hand with 59 points compared to 57 points for LAFC, and they will be hosting this decisive match. Sporting KC won the previous meeting between these two teams in early August, and LAFC would love to return the favor to finish best in the west.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, Kansas at 4:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 28, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
MLS Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Los Angeles FC +303
Sporting KC -120
Draw +277
Over/Under 3 and 3.5
Odds Analysis
Sporting KC have been one of the top teams in the MLS all season long, but some stumbles in July and October kept them from locking down the top spot. They went 0-3-1 in the month of July, and they grabbed just two points from three matches a few weeks ago to be in danger of not getting a first round bye. However, they responded with two big wins over the last two weeks, hammering the Vancouver Whitecaps 4-1 on the road and beating FC Dallas 3-0 in the Big D. The latter win was crucial because at the time Dallas was a point ahead of Sporting KC, and they needed that victory to move ahead.
Even if they lose this game and fall to the No. 4 seed in the West, it’s impossible to be disappointed if you are an LAFC fan. At the start of the year, the expansion franchise was expected to miss the playoffs, but they have been competitive all year long. They turned it on over the last two months of the season with a 6-1-3 record in their last 10 games to make a real run at the No. 1 seed. All of those wins came against non-playoff teams though.
Key Absences
There are some injury concerns for both teams ahead of this match. For Sporting KC, defender Jimmy Medranda is gone for the season with a knee injury while midfielder Cristian Lobato will miss the match with a quad injury. Midfielder Yohan Croizet is questionable due to a quad injury as well.
As for LAFC, they continue to be without two long-term injuries in goalkeeper Quillan Roberts and midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye. Kaye has been ruled out for the season, while there is an outside chance Roberts returns at some point. Midfielder James Murphy will also miss the match because of aftereffects from a concussion.
Player to Watch
Carlos Vela has had an incredible season for LAFC. The 29-year-old Mexican international came from Real Sociedad as the team’s Designated Player last year, and he has not disappointed in becoming the foundation of the team. Vela has 13 goals and 13 assists in 27 games this season, and he has paired well with Diego Rossi and Adama Diomande. Sporting KC will need to contain him here.
MLS Prop Bet – First half over 1 and 1.5 -128
Given what’s at stake, LAFC can’t be content with just a draw. The club has a chance to be the No. 1 seed in the West and get homefield advantage throughout the postseason, and that will lead to the club pressing early to try to get ahead. Sporting KC have one of the top defenses in the league, so they can’t wait until the second half to throw men forward, and that makes me thik the first half will have some fireworks.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Try as they might, I don’t think LAFC will be able to pick up the road win they need. Sporting KC are just too good, especially at home, and they will get the result they need for the No. 1 seed.
Major League Soccer Odds: Sporting KC 2, Los Angeles FC 2
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!
