Atlanta United had a ton of success during their MLS debut in 2017. The city fully embraced the team, and they led the MLS in attendance during their first season. Atlanta was the first club to bring more people to their matches than Seattle since the Sounders debuted in 2009, and they did it in two different venues. They started the season playing in Georgia Tech’s football stadium, Bobby Dodd Stadium, and were the first team to play in the Atlanta Falcons’ new stadium, Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Coming into their second season, enthusiasm is still high for Atlanta. The team went 11-3-3 at home last year, and it’s clear they have one of the better home field advantages in the league. That will be a problem for DC United, who went 3-12-2 on the road in 2017.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 11, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN.
MLS Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
DC United +500
Atlanta United -173
Draw +305
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
Odds Analysis
Based off of their first games, Atlanta might be a little too much of a favorite here, even with its considerable home field advantage.
Atlanta was dominated in its first game of the year, losing to the Houston Dynamo 4-0. The Dynamo jumped on Atlanta early on with a goal in the fifth minute, and then followed that up with three more in the first half to erase any doubt who the better side was. Houston was content to just hold the ball in the second half and take its well-earned win.
This will be the second road game in a row for DC, who is still kicking itself for not getting the full three points last week. DC jumped on Orlando City in the first half last week and scored a goal in the 32nd minute off of a free kick from Yamil Asad. Things looked even better when Orlando’s PC was sent off at the end of the first half. However, a late stoppage time goal got 10-man Orlando a point in a 1-1 draw.
What to Watch
It will be interesting to see what happens with the hotly debated Video Assisted Review in this game. Many observers and fans hate it and what it has done to the game. Not only can goals be challenged, but red cards given and penalty kicks awarded to, making it a decisive game-changer. Additionally, the fact that it stops the game for minutes at a time heavily disrupts teams when trying to get in a rhythm.
For as long as VAR is in action, the draw is probably going to be a good bet for this reason. Teams will be more hesitant and less likely to attack with VAR in place, and fatigue will be less of a factor too.
Key Injuries
Atlanta will be without two of its players in this one. Midfielder Ezequiel Barco has a right quad strain and is expected to be out for the next four to six weeks, while forward Jon Gallagher will miss this match with an ankle injury. Defender Leandro Gonzalez Pirez is considered a gametime decision at this point after suffering a hip contusion in the opener against the Dynamo.
As for DC, they will be without two players. Midfielder Russell Canouse has a knee injury and is already ruled out. Defender Taylor Kemp will miss the match as well with a groin injury.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
Atlanta may have a great home field advantage, but they looked really shaky in the first game. That means there’s good value in taking either the draw or DC on the three-way line. DC would be content with a draw on the road, so go ahead and grab that.
Major League Soccer Odds: Atlanta United 1, DC United 1
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