The defending MLS Cup champions will kick off the 2019 MLS Playoffs when Atlanta United FC welcome the New England Revolution to Mercedes-Benz Stadium this Saturday. The Five Stripes are the biggest favorites to advance to the conference semifinals of any team playing this weekend with MLS betting odds of -475 to move on.
Toronto FC will host DC United north of the border in the other Eastern Conference first round game this Saturday with the winner facing No. 1 seed New York City FC on Wednesday, October 23. The Philadelphia Union host the New York Red Bulls on Sunday to close out the first round of action.
MLS Eastern Conference First Round Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Atlanta United FC -212
New England Revolution +486
Draw +375
Over/Under 3.5
In an interesting twist, these two teams met in the regular season finale. Atlanta United knocked off the New England Revolution 3-1 with Darlington Nagbe opening the scoring in the third minute, and the Five Stripes put the visitors away in the second half.
These teams play completely different styles. The Revolution have relied on their back line and a stingy defense since Bruce Arena took over midway through the season, and they only push forward to counter. Meanwhile, Atlanta United have opened things up more after Frank de Boer initially had the 2018 champions playing rather defensively to start the campaign.
Josef Martinez led the Eastern Conference in scoring with 29 goals this campaign, and he set a league record by scoring in 12 straight matches from July to September. Martinez was incredible against the Revolution two weeks ago with a goal and two assists, and he’ll be the likely difference maker again.
Toronto FC -178
DC United +445
Draw +327
Over/Under 3
The 2017 MLS Cup winners are back in the playoffs once more after missing out on the postseason last year, but they will be facing one of the best road teams in the MLS. DC United were one of three teams to finish the regular season with a winning road record and a positive goal differential, and the only two teams ahead of them were the No. 1 seeds in both conferences.
Toronto enter this match on an impressive 10-match points streak, but the two previous meetings between these two teams were indecisive. They battled to a scoreless draw in Toronto in May, and they played to a 1-1 draw in the American capital in late June.
Wayne Rooney might be playing his last game in the MLS as the DC United forward is set to return to England at the end of this season. He has turned around this moribund franchise’s fortunes, and he will be missed if this is it.
Philadelphia Union +106
New York Red Bulls +234
Draw +264
Over/Under 3
Philadelphia lost three of its last four matches to end the regular season, slipping to the No. 3 seed in the East because of the downturn. One of those losses was in New Jersey to the New York Red Bulls, and the Union will want to rectify that.
The Union have never advanced in the playoffs, so they are seen as the home team most likely to be upset by the oddsmakers per the MLS betting odds. This is their 10th season in the league, and they are facing a battle-hardened New York Red Bulls side.
Daniel Royer and Brian White have been the difference makers for the Red Bulls this year, while Kacper Przbylko has come on strong for the Union. White is questionable to play due to an ankle injury, and his absence would loom large.
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