DC United have almost completed their ascent from Eastern Conference cellar dweller to playoff team. It’s been an incredible ride for DC United. The club was down and out of the playoff picture this season until Wayne Rooney arrived, but now they are just two points behind the Montreal Impact for the last playoff spot in the East, and they have a game in hand. They will look to surpass Montreal this week when they face on the New York Red Bulls.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Audi Field in Washington, DC at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, September 16, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN.
MLS Betting at BookMaker.eu
New York Red Bulls +140
D.C. United +176
Draw +255
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
The Red Bulls are locked in a battle of their own. They clinched a playoff spot back in August, but they have been dueling with Atlanta United for the top spot in the East. Currently, the Red Bulls have a one-point edge on Atlanta, but they have also played one more game.
August was very good to the Red Bulls. They played six matches during the month and finished with four points and two draws, making up the ground they needed to on Atlanta. However, they could have done themselves and DC United a favor in their last match two weeks ago. Instead, they suffered their first loss in over a month, losing 3-0 to Montreal.
DC United have been on a warpath since late July. That’s when their climb up the standings began, and they have looked very good in that time. They started it off with four wins and one draw over five matches from late July to mid-August, but then they dropped games to these same Red Bulls and the Philadelphia Union at the end of the month.
The good news is that the club has rebounded after that two-game skid. They surprised many people by thumping Atlanta 3-1 at home, and then picked up a draw against New York City FC last weekend. Their last match came on Wednesday when they took on Minnesota United. DC United were able to erase a 1-0 deficit in that one to pick up another win and move closer to a potential playoff spot.
Key Absences
Unfortunately for DC United, this team is dealing with a plethora of injuries. Defenders Taylor Kemp, Nick DeLeon, Chris Odoi-Atsem, and Vytas have been ruled out due to injuries along with goalkeeper David Ousted. Midfielder Yamil Asad is listed as questionable due to an ankle injury, and the impeccably named Frederic Brilliant is also questionable due to a hamstring issue. Defender Oniel Fisher is probable with a hamstring injury, but he is almost a lock to be available given this team’s injury issues in defense.
There are a number of injuries to report on the side of the New York Red Bulls too, but most of those are of the season-ending variety. The midfield has been hit especially hard with Florian Valot, Vincent Bezecourt, and Ben Mines all being declared out for the year. Defender Tommy Redding is also out for the year, and Kyle Duncan is not slated to return anytime soon.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
These teams met just a few weeks ago, and the Red Bulls were able to pull out a victory. The game was pretty even between the two sides, but Alejandro Romero’s goal in the 56th minute proved to be the game’s lone score.
DC United are hopeful that a venue change will lead to a different result, but the draw is the most likely option. Both teams are too banged up to have confidence in one side or the other, and neither team would be too disappointed with a point.
Major League Soccer Odds: New York Red Bulls 1, DC United 1
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