i80 Sports MLS Toll-Booth- Week 15
We reached a big milestone this past week as we push our winning on the season up to 30 (!) units. Last week's results are below- as always skip to the dotted line to see this weekend's picks.
(For consistency's sake with Major League Soccer, we are skipping from week 13 to week 15. The match days don't line up with our calendar because of mid-week games, so we are "skipping" week 14. )
MLS Toll-Booth Week 15 Picks
Match- Colorado Rapids host Sporting Kansas City
Pick- Sporting KC +190
Sporting Kansas City has been the cream of the west- sitting atop the league with a 10-3-4 record while beating LAFC, Seattle, and Colorado, all in their last 7 matches.
The Rapids, on the other hand, have played well but have been missing players due to international break, including Kellyn Acosta who looked TERRiFIC for the US Men's National Team, but probably deserves the week off.
Key to the Game-
This match will be decided by big players stepping up and playing in the moment. Can Sporting get an early lead and survive the late game altitude induced push by Rapids? I believe they can because of a potent attack.
Sporting KC has scored 11 more goals this season than the rapids thanks to two outstanding players- Daniel Salloi and Alan Pulido (10 goals and 7 goals, respectively). Colorado just doesn't have that kind of firepower just yet.
In my opinion Colorado is one consistent goal scorer away from being an MLS cup contender, and unfortunately they are also one consistent goal scorer away from contending in this match.
Match- Chicago Fire host Red Bull New York
Pick- Red Bull +190
Chicago and New York are collectively at 6 draws and 4 losses in the last five weeks of Major League Soccer. They face off this weekend after both playing to 0-0 draws in their midweek game.
Chicago leads the league in scoring 7.9 goals LESS than expected while landing only 30% of their shots on target. For New York, that number is even worse- with only 27.5% of their shots finding the frame.
Key to the Game-
I originally had this game picked for Chicago because of their aerial ability against the lack of RBNY center-back depth, but had a change of heart when combing over stats about Chicago's poor finishing. The chances they DO put on frame- probably handled easily by RBNY's shining star of the season Carlos Coronel.
On the other hand, Red Bull have put together some impressive performances and near-finished. I think Klimala and Fabio can combine for a pair in this game and leave Chicago with a MUCH needed away win.
Match- FC Dallas hosts Austin FC
Pick- FC Dallas +110
This match features two teams in the running for what supporters are calling Copa Tejas- the MLS battle for Texas.
FC Dallas has had a sudden change of luck winning 2 and tying 1 in their last three matches, while Austin FC continues their up and down (but mostly down) season.
Quality favors FC Dallas- who used youngsters Paxton Pomykal and Jesus Ferreira to beat league-leading Sporting KC just a few weeks ago, while Austin has been struggling to score anything all season.
Key to the Match-
FC Dallas will take this game because they have the bigger depth of talent. Ricardo Pepi has already scored 8 goals in 2021 and players like Jesus Ferreira, Jadier Obrian, and Franco Jara can make a difference in the starting 11 OR off the bench.
The crowd will PROBABLY be heavily in favor of the away team, but watch for FC Dallas to take them out of the equation with possession football and healthy dose of attacking football.
As always, i80 Sports suggests you check local laws before placing any sports wager. The odds you see here are from legal sports betting outlets in the state of NJ. It is your responsibility to know and to follow the law.
Although we try and give accurate predictions and up-to-date information as we know it, i80 Sports cannot be held responsible for inaccurate information posted on our website. Contact us at i80sportsmedia@gmail.com if you find information you believe to be incorrect or misleading.
These picks are made in conjunction with information provided and are not influenced by anyone outside the i80 Sports team. While we hope they are correct (and we help YOU have success), i80 Sports, its writers, or contributors cannot be held liable for any gambling losses.
