There isn't a heck of a lot separating all of the teams in the Western Conference in the MLS through a couple months of the season.
Matches like this one between the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City could end up going a long way towards determining playoff positioning down the stretch of the campaign.
Soccer Odds at BookMaker.eu
San Jose Earthquakes +100
Sporting Kansas City +220 Draw +230
Over/Under 2.5 (under -120)
ODDS ANALYSIS
The total in this match is the interesting number to follow. The over/under base of 2.5 isn't the big surprise here. It's that the vig is way down at -120, a far cry from the +120 or so we usually see in most MLS matches.
Home pitch advantage is always massive in the MLS, so it shouldn't be surprising that the Quakes are the even money moneyline favorites.
KEY INJURIES
San Jose's injury list is far too long for this early in the season. The team isn't missing any of its superstars, but not having a list which includes Marc Pelosi, Cordell Cato, Jordan Stewart, Chad Barrett, Clarence Goodson and Mark Sherrod is very problematic.
KC's injury list is only four deep with Justin Mapp, Soni Mustivar, Kevin Ellis and Chance Myers out. Paul Nagamura is back at practice after suffering a calf strain.
LIVE BETTING
The results for the Quakes have been pretty predictable of late. The team has been iffy on the road, losing at Portland 3-1 and managing just a draw at FC Dallas in a 2-2 result two weeks ago. Meanwhile here at home, San Jose has been remarkable. The team has already beaten the Red Bulls, Timbers and Rapids this season en route to a 3-1-0 record on their home turf.
Sporting started off this season in fantastic form, picking up wins over Seattle, Vancouver and Toronto FC, but these last two matches against Colorado and FC Dallas haven't been good. In both cases, SKC allowed two goals in 2-1 defeats in games which it probably will wish it had back.
QUICK PICK
Chris Wondolowski has been fantastic this season for the Earthquakes, scoring six goals already on the young campaign. That said, Wondo isn't alone as a big time scorer in this match. Dom Dwyer has had his share of fantastic moments as well with four goals to lead Sporting KC.
The history between these two teams is all San Jose. The Earthquakes have won three of their last four against Sporting, including sweeping the season series last year.
We've just got too many issues here with SKC. The team hasn't played well on the road, and it hasn't won a match here in San Jose since 2000. In those 15 meetings, the Quakes are 10-5-0.
Yes, there are a lot of injuries here on the San Jose side, but this is a match which we think is still there for the winning. Sporting hasn't played well down the stretch in games, as it has allowed far too many opportunities. It was punished against FC Dallas by giving up the game-winner, and we could find ourselves in a similar spot here as well.
MLS Odds: San Jose 1, Sporting Kansas City 0
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 the San Jose Earthquakes and Sporting Kansas City will take place at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 24, 2016 at Avaya Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.
