Since the dismissal of Adrian Heath, Orlando City has played significantly better soccer, getting back on the right side of the playoff cut line in the Eastern Conference. For the very first time, the Seattle Sounders will be making their longest possible road trip to the Sunshine State.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
Orlando City +120
Seattle Sounders +210 Draw +220
Over/Under 3 (under -115)
ODDS ANALYSIS
It's almost as if the oddsmakers just don't want to recognize the fact that the Sounders just flat out aren't good this year. They're nowhere near the playoffs in the Western Conference and easily have their worst squad in their history this campaign, and they have to travel clear across the country in this one.
OCSC hasn't been fantastic at home, but home field advantage is magnified on a road trip like this one. The Lions are only +120 favorites, somewhat surprising against a team which is 1-2-7 on the road this year.
The total of 3 with -115 vig on the under is this high because of all of the high-scoring games Orlando City has played since Heath was canned.
KEY INJURIES
The depth of Orlando City is really being tested with the notable injuries it is having to fight through. Pedro Ribeiro has been out for a couple months and is really still nowhere near returning to the fold thanks to his back surgery, while Harrison Heath, son of the departed Adrian, is out for another few weeks with a sprained MCL. Rafael Ramos and Tommy Redding are both also out of the lineup at the back.
The Sounders have been playing without Roman Torres and Aaron Kovar for a while now, but the latest injury to Erik Friberg is the most significant of the bunch. Friberg is critical in the midfield for the Sounders, and his sprained ankle has him listed as questionable for this trip to Orlando.
City will also be without Cristian Higuita, who will miss this match due to suspension from yellow card accumulation.
LIVE BETTING
Orlando City had to become a more open team after Heath left the club, and that's exactly what has happened. The team has netted seven goals in its last three matches, though it has to be disappointed to only have five points from those fixtures.
Seattle snapped a three-game losing streak with a 1-1 draw against LA at home last weekend, but time is running out on Sigi Schmid and company. The Sounders only have 13 matches left, and one would like to think they need to amass at least 25 points from those games to have any shot at the postseason.
QUICK PICK
Orlando City was clocked last year when it went up to Seattle, and we think it's going to return the favor here in this one. The Sounders have far too many problems in the middle of the pitch to deal with the strength of this OCSC team.
The more we see Kevin Molino and Cyle Larin working together up front, the more we believe these Lions could be dangerous if they make their way into the second season this year. These two have combined for 20 goals already on the campaign, and we wouldn't be surprised if they added another two tallies to that total between them in this one. Don't be shocked if this one gets a little ugly.
MLS Odds: Orlando City 3, Seattle 0
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