The Seattle Sounders have now gone 362 consecutive minutes in the MLS without scoring a goal, the longest mark they have ever gone without a strike in their history. They'll hope to end that Sunday against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
ODDS ANALYSIS
It's quite strange to think that both of these teams could be in trouble this year when it comes to getting into the playoffs.
That said, nine of LA's 10 wins have come here at the StubHub Center this season, and they are generally dominant here in this building. That's why they are -200 favorites to take all three points in this one and are -1 on the Asian handicap.
The total is set somewhat low considering how much offensive firepower is on both of these teams. That said, with Seattle struggling offensively, perhaps a number set at 2.5 with the vig on the over being set at just -120 shouldn't be considered shocking.
KEY INJURIES
The big injury concern for Seattle in this match is that of Obafemi Martins, one of the most potent attackers in the entire league. He's got a right adductor strain and is considered questionable, but he hasn't been in training as of Wednesday night, making him a very likely scratch for this match.
The Galaxy remain without Jose Villarreal and Baggic Husidic, both of which missed out on last weekend's match and the CONCACAF Champions League match against Central FC.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"I'm 26 years old, and I think that here I can find that stability. I have been a part of a lot of teams, and I think that it has helped me a lot to gain experience. I've met various players, different cultures and styles of play, and I think that has made me mature a lot as both a player and a person." – New LA signing Giovani Dos Santos, who figures to make his MLS debut in this match on Sunday
RECENT FORM
The Sounders are in rough shape right now. Not only have they not scored a goal in four straight matches, but they are also on their longest losing streak in the MLS in their history as well. Their last win was a 1-0 victory over D.C. United at CenturyLink Field, and the last time they scored more than one in a match came against FC Dallas back on June 13.
The Galaxy won their first road match in almost a calendar year against Colorado last weekend, but there is a really tough road ahead. This match against Central FC is played on Thursday, and this will be a quick turnaround for a club which has played a ton of soccer of late between the CONCACAF Champions League, the International Champions Cup and regular MLS play.
Recently though, LA has been killing teams at home, beating San Jose 5-2, Toronto 4-0, Portland 5-0 and Philadelphia 5-1 in its last four MLS home fixtures.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
It's really tough to forecast anything but an LA win here, but the Sounders are due to bust out at any minute now.
Even with Dos Santos debuting and Steven Gerrard around for quite possibly a full 90 minutes, the best player on the pitch in our eyes is American great Clint Dempsey.
Dempsey is capable of making something of nothing, and though he has been in tough form of late since the end of the Gold Cup, this could be the game where that changes.
If there is a team which is going to break the hex of Westwood, Seattle is the one for our money. This is a great price on an away victory.
Seattle 2, LA 1
The MLS lines for this contest were first released by BookMaker Sportsbook with the Los Angeles Galaxy lined as -200 moneyline favorites and a total of 2.5. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time moneylines, spreads and totals. Live betting is open during every step of this match!
Need to fund your account before the big game but don’t have your computer? No problem! BookMaker Sportsbook now offers a mobile betting cashier so you can deposit money directly from your smartphone. Don’t miss out on getting paid because you couldn’t bet. Click here and deposit at BookMaker now! The fixture between the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Seattle Sounders is scheduled for Sunday, August 9, 2015 at 4:00 p.m. ET at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA. The match will be televised live on ESPN.
