MLS Betting Matchday 35 | While European club soccer is in the opening weeks of the 2024-25 season, the Major League Soccer season begins in the spring and ends in the fall.
The MLS Cup playoffs are largely set, but with most teams having between three and five matches to play in their schedules, there is still possible movement in the playoff seeding.
The top nine teams in each conference advance to the playoffs, and the Eastern Conference still has a tight race as the Philadelphia Union sit in ninth – but they are only seven points above the Chicago Fire, who are currently in 14th.
The 9–13 slots in the East only have three points separating five teams. The Western Conference is a little clearer as Minnesota United sit in ninth, five points clear of FC Dallas.
If you plan to include MLS play in your weekend’s sports betting, read our thoughts about these matchups.
MLS Betting Lines: Highlights from Match day 35 | Soccer Odds
These potential matchups though 👀
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 26, 2024
Less than a month till the Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs. pic.twitter.com/dhLIuLtlpA
N.Y. Red Bulls +112 vs NYCFC +218
When: Saturday, September 28, 7:30 pm ET
MLS Line for Draw +265
This Gotham derby has extra significance for both teams as they are challenging for a top-four slot in the Eastern Conference. The Red Bulls are in fourth after drawing with Atlanta United, 2-2. NYCFC are in seventh, but just three points back of their crosstown rivals after a 1-1 draw against Inter Miami. A Red Bull win would guarantee them a playoff spot for the 15th straight season. However, they would be limping into the postseason as they are mired in a five-match winless drought. They’ve only won one of their last six matches at home – but against NYCFC, they’ll play well at Red Bull Arena, with four wins in five meetings – and clean sheets in all four of those wins.
NYCFC’s draw to Inter Miami was impressive given that they had taken a 5-1 beating at the hands of the Philadelphia Union just a few days before. Inter Miami lead MLS in scoring, so holding them to a single tally was an accomplishment. The Pigeons still need six points to clinch a playoff spot for the first time in two years. They have a nine-match winless streak going, but six of those have at least been draws. They have also gone eight away matches without a win – their last such triumph was back in May at New England.
MLS Pick: Red Bulls to win.
^FC Cincinnati -111 vs LAFC +255
When: Saturday, September 28, 7:30 pm ET
MLS Line for Draw +285
This matchup is a possible MLS Cup preview as FC Cincinnati are in second in the Eastern Conference while LAFC sit in fourth in the West. The hosts come in off a 2-2 draw with Nashville SC on Saturday. That draw represented a missed opportunity, as Inter Miami only picked up a single point in their last match – that draw with NYCFC. Also, the Columbus Crew are level with FC Cincinnati on points and have a match in hand. They held possession for 67 percent of the match against Nashville, their highest percentage this season. The defense was the problem, as Nashville only put two shots on goal – but both of those found the back of the net. Without Matt Miazga, the defensive captain, Cincinnati’s back line is a vulnerability.
LAFC are the two-time defending Western Conference champions, but since the end of the Leagues Cup, they have not won a match in five tries. The defense has permitted eight goals over the last three matches, including four in their El Trafico setback against the L.A. Galaxy. LAFC have Denis Bouanga, last year’s MLS Golden Boot winner, and he’s just two goals off the MLS lead this time around. They also have Olivier Giroud, the top scorer of all time for the French men’s national team. They bring the momentum of a Wednesday night win over Sporting KC in the U.S. Open Cup final, but they will also bring tired legs to Cincinnati.
MLS Pick: FC Cincinnati to win.
^Betting MLS Top 5 Teams to Win the Tournament
- Inter Miami +154
- LA Galaxy +650
- Columbus Crew +670
- Los Angeles FC +850
- FC Cincinnati +1175
The race to the postseason is heating up! 🔥
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 26, 2024
Action packed Saturday with 14 games — watch with #MLSSeasonPass on @AppleTV. pic.twitter.com/tPDbd1w4lO
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