New York City FC is looking like a potential powerhouse in the East. NYCFC is tied with Columbus atop the Eastern Conference and has showed good form without superstar David Villa in the lineup. That’s great news for manager Patrick Vieira as NYCFC has struggled without Villa available in the past.
Now, it’s time for NYCFC to put itself to the test in its first West Coast road trip of the season. They will travel to take on the San Jose Earthquakes, who have only played two games in the first month of the season.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Avaya Stadium at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 31, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN2.
MLS Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
New York City FC +185
San Jose Earthquakes +135
Draw +253
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
Odds Analysis
Winning on the road in the MLS is extremely difficult. The distance teams have to travel takes a toll, and most teams have pretty sizeable support at home, making the challenge even tougher.
That being said, New York has been solid on the road this year. NYCFC picked up a 2-0 win on the road against Kansas City in the opener and pulled a draw on the road against New England last week.
Recent Form
San Jose has not been in action much thus far. The Earthquakes played in the opening week, knocking off lowly Minnesota United at home 3-2, and were defeated by the same margin on the road against Sporting KC two weeks later.
Earthquakes manager Mikael Stahre said that he would have San Jose on the attack this season, and he has certainly been right on about that. Last year, San Jose played a boring brand of soccer, notching a scant 39 goals in 34 games, but this season has been wide open through two games.
That can be a bit concerning though. San Jose was up 3-0 on Minnesota in the opener and looked like it would cruise, but some back line issues led to Kevin Molino notching a brace and Minnesota nearly picking up a point.
The back line failed San Jose again against Sporting KC two weeks ago. The home side notched three goals in the first 70 minutes and held on for the win even though Chris Wondolowski made it close at the end.
As for NYCFC, this team has had no problem scoring goals and have been solid at the back too. NYCFC knocked off Sporting and Orlando City 2-0, and they have allowed just three goals in four games.
Key Absences
NYCFC will still be without two key players for this match. Defenseman Ronald Matarrita is going to be sidelined with a hamstring injury, while midfielder Alex Ring was hurt in the draw with New England and will be out for the next month with a knee issue.
The side may be getting a big boost though. David Villa has missed the last two matches with a calf injury, but he looks like he may be able to return here. Villa is officially listed as questionable, yet he is back in training. He has 66 goals in 100 caps in the MLS, so having him back would be huge.
As for San Jose, the time off has given the Earthquakes time to heal. No one is listed on the injury report this week.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The total for this game is too low. San Jose is committed to playing a flowing game of football under its new manager, and NYCFC won’t be afraid to match them. NYCFC has one of the most potent attacks and will have some great chances against San Jose, especially if Villa is in the lineup.
Major League Soccer Odds: San Jose Earthquakes 2, New York City FC 2
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