Things are off to a phenomenal start for the second MLS club in the City of Angels. Los Angeles FC was seen as an also-ran in the Western Conference coming into the year, but instead the club has had an expansion season for the ages. LAFC currently sit in second place in the Western Conference, and they are just one point behind Dallas for the top spot. A win over the Portland Timbers on Sunday could move them into first place.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Banc of California Stadium at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 15, 2018. Catch every moment of the match live on ESPN.
MLS Betting Odds at BookMaker.eu
Los Angeles FC -138
Portland Timbers +332
Draw +320
Over/Under 3 and 3.5
Odds Analysis
The last time that LAFC lost was when they faced Dallas back in early June. The club has picked up a result in seven straight matches since that point, and they have a 4-0-1 record in MLS play over that stretch. Interestingly enough, they will be playing the Timbers three days later at home too in the Quarterfinals of the US Open Cup.
Portland has bounced back in a big way after a sluggish start to the season. The Timbers were a mess through the first month of 2018, but they are now on an incredible run. They have picked up a result in 13 straight matches and have made up significant ground on the rest of the teams in the Western Conference with their strong play.
Last Meeting
Two months ago, these teams met in Portland in a match that the Timbers won 2-1. The home team won the possession battle, but the Timbers were able to effectively counter and had much better opportunities throughout the match. They fired 21 shots on LAFC’s goal and easily could have had a couple more.
Christhian Paredes opened the scoring in the 52nd minute by hammering home a juicy rebound off of a free kick to put Portland up 1-0. However, Carlos Vela was able to equalize in the 74th with a lovely dropshot that was expertly placed outside of Jeff Attinella’s grasp. For a bit it looked like the match would end in a draw, but a powerful strike from Samuel Armenteros gave the Timbers the game-winning goal seven minutes later.
Key Absences
LAFC continues to have a limited bench with four players already declared out for this one. Goalkeeper Tyler Miller has been playing great and will need to avoid any injuries with back-ups Luis Lopez and Quillan Roberts declared out for this one. Midfielder Eduard Atuesta will not be able to play either due to a sprained ankle, while defender Omar Gaber has been ruled out due to a thigh injury.
The Timbers have no one that is definitively out for this match, but they do have two players listed as questionable. Defender Roy Miller has been struggling with an Achilles tendon injury, while Paredes is dealing with a right thigh issue.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
LAFC will have one of their stars back in the lineup against Portland. Carlos Vela has been one of Mexico’s stars for a long time, and he helped El Tri make their seventh straight trip to the knockout rounds at the World Cup. He came off the bench against Orlando City last week, and he looks ready to return to the starting lineup.
However, this price on Portland is too good to pass up. Home teams have been great in the MLS this year, but the Timbers are on a great run and are healthier than LAFC too. Look for Diego Valeri to make a big impact in this one, leading the Timbers to at least a result.
Major League Soccer Odds: Portland Timbers 2, Los Angeles 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!
