New York City FC continues to stay right there with city rival New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United in their quest for home field advantage and a crucial first round bye in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Currently, NYCFC is a point behind Atlanta United for the top spot in the East, but they have a game in hand on their counterparts. The script is flipped a bit on them when it comes to the Red Bulls, as they have a two-point lead on them but have played one more match. NYCFC will look to stay in the vanguard when they head cross-country to take on the Seattle Sounders.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington at 5 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 29, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN
MLS Betting at BookMaker.eu
New York City FC +213
Seattle Sounders +124
Draw +252
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
Odds Analysis
This is the best that the Seattle Sounders have looked all season. Seattle was expected by many to win the Western Conference after winning the conference last year and getting stronger in the offseason, but they struggled through the first part of the season. They have been able to pick up a result in all five of their matches so far this month though, and they were sound on defense in a 1-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday.
In that match, Raul Ruidiaz scored the deciding goal in his MLS debut. Ruidiaz had looked great during his time in the Liga MX, and with the club seemingly bereft of offensive options, they decided to acquire him in a transfer. Picking up a road win was huge for Seattle, as the club is now seven points behind Real Salt Lake for the last playoff spot in the West.
NYCFC picked up a road win of its own on Thursday against Orlando City. The club had only managed to win two games away from home prior to the victory, so that gives them a bit of confidence before they travel cross-country on just two days rest to face Seattle.
The match against Orlando City was decided by halftime. Maximiliano Moralez scored in the 40th minute thanks to some luck and sloppy play, and Anton Tinnerholm doubled the lead just before half after rushing up from his right back spot to fire one home.
Key Absences
NYCFC got some good news prior to their match against Orlando City. Forwards Ismael Tajouri-Shradi and Jo Inge Berget were questionable, but both were cleared to play and able to come on as second half substitutes in that match. The club hasn’t had many problems scoring this year and getting back those two players will help matters. However, star forward David Villa is still considered questionable because of a lingering knee issue. Defender Cedric Hountondji is unlikely to play due to a hamstring issue.
The Sounders are going to be without the services of midfielder Handwalla Bwana in this one. He sprained his foot in late May, and we have not seen him in action over the last two months. Midfielder Victor Rodriguez is considered questionable to play due to a strained hamstring.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
This is a tall task for any team, even one as good as NYCFC. The club will have only two days rest and 3,000 miles worth of travel before taking on a Seattle team that is red hot. The Sounders need to make up points in a big way, and they won’t be content with a draw against their opponents. Seattle will play for the win, and they will be able to get it in rather impressive fashion thanks to the circumstances.
Major League Soccer Odds: Seattle Sounders 3, New York City FC 0
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