First place in the Eastern Conference could be on the line when DC United host the Philadelphia Union in the nation’s capital this weekend. These two teams have combined to be on top of the conference for nearly the entire year. DC United started off the season strong, and after they tailed off a bit, Philadelphia took the reins. Both teams have been a bit out of sorts in recent weeks though and are out to get back on track.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Audi Field in Washington, D.C. at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, August 4, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
MLS Betting at BookMaker.eu
D.C. United +132
Philadelphia Union +194
Draw +235
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
The hosts are just 2-3-7 in their last 12 games, and that shows the East is wide open. DC United’s only two wins during this stretch have come against Orlando City and expansion club FC Cincinnati, and their inability to rack up wins (especially at home) has led to them missing a golden opportunity.
DC United are happy to be back home after three straight road games. In their most recent road tilt, they played to a 0-0 draw with Chicago. The game was pretty even and there were a number of shots, but only a few ended up on goal.
In their last two road games, Philadelphia have been crushed. The Union lost 4-0 to Real Salt Lake City in mid-July, and they lost 4-0 to Montreal last weekend too. While the former loss saw three goals scored in the final 20 minutes, the latter loss saw goals scored throughout, and that’s a bitter pill to swallow. The Union have had some real defensive woes, and their 36 goals allowed is tied for the fifth-highest mark in the conference.
Key Absences
Defender Oniel Fisher is a long-term injury for DC United. He underwent knee surgery last October, but he should return before the end of the season. Midfielder Russell Canouse will miss the match as well after suffering a collapsed lung last week.
There are quite a few injury concerns for Philadelphia. Defender Olivier Mbaizo is out with an LCL sprain, goalkeeper Matt Freeze is out with a strained quad, midfielder Jamiro Monteiro is out with a sprained ankle, and forward Sergio Santos will miss the match with a high ankle sprain. Forward Michee Ngalina is questionable with a lower body injury.
Player to Watch
Wayne Rooney is not scoring at quite the pace he was last year, but he is still far and away the top scorer for DC. Rooney has 11 goals in 22 matches, yet he has not had the same chemistry he did with Luciano Acosta last season. It looked like this duo was set for a breakout campaign this year, and instead there has been a lot of disconnect between the two stars.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
These sides met in the U.S. Open Cup in mid-June and DC United emerged with a 2-1 win. Neither team was able to score for the first 90 minutes, and the game seemed set to go to penalties before there were three goals in the final 10 minutes. Philly’s Anthony Fontana looked to net the game winner in the 113th minute, but Chris McCann leveled in the 118th before Rooney put the Union away two minutes later.
I think the draw is a good option here. Both sides have disappointed lately, but I think the Union can buckle down and earn a point on the road.
Major League Soccer Odds: Philadelphia Union 2, DC United 1
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