While we await news of how Phase Two of the return to action is going to look for the MLS, we can still get to enjoy the MLS is Back Tournament for another couple of weeks. The group stage is now complete, and we will head into the Round of 16 starting on Saturday, July 25. The points earned by teams in the group stage will count toward the regular season standings, but the knockout phase of the tournament is mostly for fun, although the winner of this event will land a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League next season. The 16 teams in this round are made up of the top two teams from each group, as well as the 4 best third place finishers. There are two games set for Saturday, so let’s take a closer look at both so you can plan ahead your bets against their MLS odds.
MLS Betting Analysis for July 25th Games
Orlando City Vs Montreal Impact
If truth be told, not very much was expected of Orlando City heading into this tournament, but they ended up putting together a very solid performance in Group A. They started things out with a bit of a shaky performance, needing a late goal to beat Inter Miami 2-1. They looked a whole lot better in Game 2, running out 3-1 winners versus NYCFC. They had already punched their ticket into the Round of 16 at that point, so settling for a 1-1 tie with Philadelphia was enough to keep them on top of Group A, which meant a more manageable draw in this round.
It looked to be the end of the road for the Montreal Impact after losing their opening 2 games of the tournament, but they pulled off a bit of a surprise result with the 1-0 win over DC United in the final group game. Despite that win, they still needed to wait to see if they had done enough to land one of the third-place spots, which they did, courtesy of their -1 goal difference.
Montreal has won 3 of the last 4 meetings between these two teams, but you get the feeling that things might be a little different this season. I like Orlando to win a close one and move on.
- Pick: Orlando City 2 Montreal Impact 1
Philadelphia Union Vs New England Revolution
Group C proved to be one of the tightest of the bunch, with a number of draws helping keep things close. The New England Revolution made it through the group unbeaten, but a pair of draws kept them to 5 points, the same total as Toronto, the group winners. They were involved in a trio of tight games, scoring 2 and surrendering just 1, but it was that lack of goals that cost them the top spot.
The Philadelphia Union also finished second in their group on goal difference, losing out to Orlando City. Had they been able to hold off Orlando in the final Group A game, they would have had a much easier tie than what they have here. That said, they are uneaten in their last 5 (won 4 drawn 1) meetings with New England, so they probably feel a little confident heading into this one.
I don’t think we are going to see a ton of goals here, and it may well be a single strike that decides it. A slight edge to Philadelphia.
- Pick: Philadelphia Union 1 New England Revolution 0
