Minnesota United will be the newest team to open a brand new stadium this Saturday when Allianz Field sees its first game. The Loons had played at TCF Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Golden Gophers, while they were waiting for their own soccer-specific stadium to be built. They will be looking to break in the new grounds right with a win over the visiting New York City FC.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Allianz Field in Saint Paul at 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, April 13, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN2.
MLS Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Minnesota United -111
New York City FC +268
Draw +280
Over/Under 3
Odds Analysis
Given their first two seasons in the league, the Loons are off to a great start this year. That’s especially the case since their first five games were on the road as they waited for construction on Allianz Field to finish. Minnesota United scored three goals against two teams on a West Coast road trip, earning wins against Vancouver and San Jose. They pulled off a stunning upset of NYCFC’s arch rival, New York Red Bulls, last week too. The Loons got goals from Abu Danladi and Romario Ibarra to win 2-1.
NYCFC have gotten off to a hot start in each of the last three seasons. That hasn’t been the case in 2019 though. David Villa’s decision to leave the team and finish his career in Japan has hurt more than anyone thought it would, and the Bronx Blues are 0-4-1 this year and are averaging under a goal a game. They have been held scoreless in three of their five matches.
Key Absences
Chase Gasper is set to miss this match for Minnesota United due to a hamstring injury. The defender was the club’s first round pick this season, and the Loons are eager to see him in action. Midfielders Kevin Molino and Miguel Ibarra are questionable to play with Molino bothered by a knee issue and Ibarra hampered by a hamstring. Forward Darwin Quintero is questionable due to a groin injury.
The visitors are set to be without two players for Saturday’s match. NYCFC won’t have midfielder Maxi Moralez in the lineup because of a calf injury, and defender Alexander Callens is recovering from a hamstring injury.
Matchup to Watch
Alexander Ring is the only player on NYCFC with multiple goals this season. He took over the captain’s armband from David Villa in February, and he has been the club’s main source of offense. That’s a little concerning considering he is usually more of a holding midfielder, so other players on the Bronx Blues need to set up and get things going. Not having Moralez has certainly hurt, and new designated player Alexandru Mitrita has yet to make a real impact.
The Loons have not been stellar in defense this season, but they have been better than what we have seen in the past. Minnesota United have allowed eight goals through five games, so it will be interesting to see if they can keep NYCFC at bay.
Prop Bet of the Week – Under 2.5 Goals +139
NYCFC have two very good defensive midfielders in Ring and James Sands, and I think they can hold Minnesota in check with a banged up Quintero not as effective as usual. I don’t see the Loons allowing too much either, so under an alternate total looks to be a good play.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
This feels like a relatively low-scoring draw to me. I wouldn’t be surprised to see another 0-0 score line with NYCFC already playing two games to nil this year.
Major League Soccer Odds: Minnesota United 1, New York City FC 1
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!
