Goals weren't in short order last year when D.C. United and New York City FC played against each other. There were seven strikes between the two matches, and that could be a sign of a higher scoring match on Sunday night to round out Match Day 10 for these two Eastern Conference contenders.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
D.C. United +120
New York City FC +207
Draw +260
Over/Under 2.5 (over -153)
ODDS ANALYSIS
Immediately, you'll notice just how high this total is at 2.5 and -153 vig on the over. These two teams have the ability to race up and down the pitch, and if last year's games are any indication, we could be in for a cracker of a fixture.
D.C. United is favored by basically the value of home field advantage and little more at +120. The justification for that is simple. These two teams are literally level with one another on points with 10 through nine matches, a mark good enough to leave them both right on the good side of the cut line for the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.
KEY INJURIES
Chris Rolfe won't be eligible for this match for D.C United after he was suspended by the disciplinary committee.
NYCFC could have some issues with Federico Bravo and Mikey Lopez, both of which are one yellow card away from a mandatory suspension for caution accumulation. Both men should play in this one, but Patrick Vieira could be concerned later on in this fixture if things get chippy.
City's only certain injury is to R.J. Allen, who has a sprained ankle which will probably cost him a few more weeks. Keep an eye on Frank Lampard, who has been in and out of training all week with various minor knocks.
D.C. United is now on its fourth keeper. Bill Hamid has a torn meniscus, Andrew Dykstra has a back problem which might cost him the rest of the season, and Charlie Horton is still recovering from a concussion. Worra did play for the Red and Blacks last season a little bit as the reserve goalie, but he had been playing with Richmond Kickers of the USL prior to his recall from loan.
LIVE BETTING
To Worra's credit, he hasn't been awful in net. He allowed a goal against Chicago on the road last week in a 1-1 draw, and he was masterful in a shutout of New England at home on April 23. If United can continue to get play like that at the back, it'll inevitably ultimately find the back of the net more often.
NYCFC ended a seven-match winless streak last week against Vancouver in a big 3-2 win. It was a match which could've really gone sideways for the Sky Blues in a hurry after allowing a goal in the opening minute. However, a David Villa brace over a span of just six minutes turned the tide and could be a key for live bettors in this match as well.
QUICK PICK
Villa has been a brace god early this season, as he already has three braces under his belt. He and Andrea Pirlo seem to be in perfect sync with each other as if they've been playing together for their entire careers.
We're just not all that sure D.C. United is going to be able to hold up at the back with all of the pressure NYCFC is going to apply on Worra. If the youngster isn't a man amongst boys in the pipes, this soccer match could end up getting a little ugly, especially if Villa is in tip top form as he was last week. We'll take the dogs for an upset and would certainly take the half ball on the Asian Handicap.
MLS Odds: New York City FC 2, D.C. United 1
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here, so start betting with BookMaker today! The fixture between D.C. United and New York City FC will take place at 7:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, May 8, 2016 at RFK Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on FOX Sports 1.
