With just two games left to go in the MLS regular season, the New York Red Bulls are just one point behind Atlanta United for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. These two teams have been the best in the MLS all throughout the regular season and one of the two will claim homefield advantage throughout the playoffs and the Supporters’ Shield. It will be an uphill battle for the Red Bulls to finish first, and they need a win over the Philadelphia Union this week to have a chance at claiming the top spot on the last day.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Talen Energy Stadum in Chester, Pennsylvania at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 21, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN Plus.
MLS Betting at BookMaker.eu
New York Red Bulls +158
Philadelphia Union +157
Draw +253
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
Odds Analysis
For just the third time in their history, the Philadelphia Union have qualified for the postseason. The Union have put together a good stretch of play over the last month or so, and that has led to the club rising to fourth in the standings. The Union did lose the US Open Cup Final to the Houston Dynamo, but they have shined aside from that with a 3-1-0 record in their last four MLS matches. Philly hammered the hapless Minnesota United 5-1 in their last match with three goals inside of 23 minutes.
The Red Bulls know they will be a heavy favorite against lowly Orlando City in their season finale, but they must win this game to stay even with Atlanta. The Red Bulls have looked sharp over the last few months too. They are 10-3-2 since mid-July, and that blistering mark has helped the club distance itself from Eastern Conference rivals. This club picked up a needed win at home against Atlanta United three weeks ago to put itself a point back, and now NYRB are out to capitalize.
Key Absences
Whereas most teams are dealing with a plethora of injuries at the tail end of the regular season, the Union have been relatively unscathed. Philadelphia has no season-ending injuries to report, and the Union might have a full squad available for this game. Defenders Josh Yaro and Matt Real are both questionable, but that’s it.
The same can’t be said for the Red Bulls. Midfielders Florian Valot, Vincent Bezecourt, Ben Mines, and defender Tommy Redding have all been declared lost for the year. Additionally, it will still take some time for defender Kyle Duncan to get healthy after he tore his ACL in late March. The only good news is on the status of Tyler Adams, who has been declared probable with a back injury.
Player to Watch
If it weren’t for Josef Martinez, Bradley Wright-Phillips would be just one goal off the pace for the MLS Golden Boot, and he would have a decent chance at being named MVP. The 33-year-old has already won two Golden Boots in his career, and he has shone little sign of slowing down. He is one of three players with 20 or more goals this season, and he has notched four goals in his last three starts.
MLS Prop Bet – New York Red Bulls to win to nil +342
This game only matters in terms of positioning for the Red Bulls. They have already punched their postseason ticket, and they may bring out their ‘B’ team just to ensure they are fully healthy for a playoff run. I think the Red Bulls will care enough about winning to bring out most, if not all of their starters, and that makes this a nice bet.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Check the starting lineups before you bet this one, as I do expect Philadelphia to sit a number of starters. At this price, I’m more than willing to give the Red Bulls the benefit of the doubt though.
Major League Soccer Odds: New York Red Bulls 2, Philadelphia Union 0
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!
