The “MLS Is Back” tournament featured almost 50 matches over five weeks, as the first division in soccer for the United States and Canada served up a midsummer tournament as a preview for a shortened 2020 regular season.
Portland and Orlando City both started this tournament at 28/1 odds to win this tournament, so if you had the savvy to pick them back at the start, your side is about to pay off — if they can win one more match. Portland picked up a terrific 2-1 win over a Philadelphia Union team that looks ready to maintain its elite status. Orlando City also has a terrific story as a dark horse, upsetting the overall favorites (LAFC) in the quarterfinals and then trouncing Minnesota United in the semifinals. Orlando City is essentially the “home” team here, even in the absence of fans in the stands, and perhaps that is giving the club a sense of momentum.
No matter where it’s coming from, they are still here, one win away from a title, and a slot in the next round of the CONCACAF Champions League.
Take a look at our soccer betting preview of Tuesday night’s final as you plan your midweek MLS betting.
MLS Is Back Final: Orlando City SC vs Portland Timbers (August 11)
When: Tuesday, August 11, 2020, 8:30 pm ET
Where: ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Orlando, FL
TV: ESPN / ESPN Deportes
Radio: None
Live Stream: fuboTV
Soccer Odds: Orlando City SC +145 / Portland Timbers +175 / O/U 2.5 | Check the Odds
Why should you bet on Orlando City SC?
Orlando City is in the final thanks to the play of their captain, Nani. He has three goals and four assists and posted a brace in the semifinal win over Minnesota United. If Orlando City can win the title, he is the shoo-in for tournament MVP. Chris Mueller scored three goals in the first two matches for the Lions, but he has not found the back of the net over the last four contests.
Mueller’s offensive falloff matches that of the rest of the team. They won their first two group stage games by a combined score of 5-2. Then they finished group play with a 1-1 draw. Their first two knockout games were a 1-0 win and a 1-1 draw that ended up going to penalties. Then they won in the semis by that 3-1 score, although that third tally came in extra time at the end of the second half, when Minnesota had pushed forward and given up on defense. They tied LAFC in the quarterfinals in the 90th minute. Of their 11 goals in this tournament, seven of them have come in the 60th minute or later. So they’re coming through in the clutch — but will that continue against Portland?
Why should you put your money on the Portland Timbers?
Portland put up a 2-1-0 record in their group stage, winning Group F against the likes of LAFC, the LA Galaxy and Houston. In the knockout rounds, they barely survived woeful FC Cincinnati, needing penalties after a 1-1 draw through regulation. Then they figured out their offense again and beat NYCFC, 3-1 in the quarterfinals and ousted the Union, 2-1. In that win over Philadelphia, they had a 2-0 that was somewhat artificial, as Sergio Santos missed a PK for the Union near halftime. The Union did get a goal back in the 85th minute to make things very interesting down the stretch, but Portland held on.
Portland’s offense has operated in fits and starts but has generated goals in every game so far in 2020, including the few matches before the shutdown and in all six games in this tournament. In the MLS Is Back tournament, they have scored 12 goals in six matches, with five different players scoring. Jeremy Ebobisse has four of the 12 goals so far in the tournament; he scored 11 goals in 2019. Sebastian Blanco has three goals and five assists in the tournament, and his tally in the 70th minute against Philadelphia turned out to be the game-winning score. If you like Portland, you see that combination of postseason experience and offensive persistence paying off in a title.
The Final Word
The “over” seems like a smart play here, as both teams are likely to score. Portland had the tougher group, but Orlando City has had the tougher road to the final after getting into the knockout rounds. Portland offers slightly more value in what seems to be a toss-up, so I’m predicting a 3-2 win for Portland — but I feel more secure about the “over” than I do about picking the side to win.
Orlando City SC vs Portland Timbers
