DC United are on fire at the moment. Adding Wayne Rooney has lit a spark under this team, and they have been tearing through the competition in recent weeks. It seems they were stuck at the bottom of the Eastern Conference a lifetime ago at this point, and they now have a decent chance of making the playoffs. Doing that would complete an improbable turnaround for a team that everyone had given up on just two months ago.
This week they will face a tough test when they travel north on I-95 to take on New York City FC. NYCFC have struggled in recent weeks and aren’t as formidable as they once were at Yankee Stadium, but this is still one of the top three teams in the Eastern Conference.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Yankee Stadium in New York City, New York at 4:55 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 8, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on Twitter and Univision.
MLS Betting at BookMaker.eu
D.C. United +337
New York City FC -140
Draw +325
Over/Under 3 and 3.5
Odds Analysis
NYCFC seem to be in the middle of another late season swoon. This would be the third straight season that NYCFC have gotten off to a hot start only to cool off dramatically once the temperature starts to drop. Not too long ago, this team had aspirations of earning a first-round bye, but now they are looking to just host their first playoff game at this point.
In their last seven games, NYCFC have just one win and two draws. Only earning five points has cost them big time as arch rivals New York Red Bulls and Atlanta United have now surpassed them in the standings. Their home struggles have been a big problem, as NYCFC drew with Vancouver and the Red Bulls at home last month. The club was hoping to change its luck on Wednesday night against the New England Revolution, but instead they suffered a 1-0 defeat despite taking 28 shots.
Things have gone much better for DC United in recent weeks. Rooney’s arrival in mid-July helped spark a turnaround that has this team just six points out of the playoff picture, and they have played three less matches than sixth-place Montreal.
It took a few games for Rooney to become a fixture in the starting lineup, but since that point DC United have not looked back. This team is 5-1-2 over its last eight matches, and Rooney has been spectacular. He has notched four goals and four assists during this run, and he was magnificent against Atlanta United last weekend.
In that match, Rooney scored once and assisted twice to have a hand in each DC United goal in a 3-1 victory. DC United would love a similar performance here.
Key Absences
Both sides have a pretty long list of injuries to note prior to this meeting. DC United will not have the services of defensemen Taylor Kemp, Nick DeLeon, and Chris Odoi-Atsem for this match. Additionally, goalkeeper David Ousted has been ruled out as he rehabs from elbow surgery. Midfielder Yamil Asad is 50-50 to play with an ankle injury, while forward Dane Kelly is probable.
NYCFC won’t have midfielders Yangel Herrera and Jesus Medina, defender Cedric Hountondji, and forward Jo Inge Berget for this match. Defender Alex Callens might not be able to play either due to a knee injury.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
It’s that time of year again. NYCFC keep falling apart at this juncture of the season, and at some point you have to wonder whether or not its systemic. The oddsmakers have adjusted to this somewhat, but I don’t think it’s enough. I like DC United to pick up a result here.
Major League Soccer Odds: New York City FC 2, DC United 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!
