After two years in the wilderness, Minnesota United are well on their way to establishing themselves as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. The Loons were one of the worst teams in the MLS through their first two seasons, finishing in ninth place and tenth place in the Western Conference, but they broke through to make the playoffs for the first time in club history in 2019. They are out to top that feat in 2020, and Minnesota United look to be a powerhouse through the first two weeks of the season. The Loons will look to continue their winning ways when they play their first home game of the year against the New York Red Bulls.
Don't miss the Major League Soccer action from Allianz Field, St. Paul, Minnesota at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday, March 15, 2020. Catch every moment of the match live on FS1.
| TEAM | ODDS |
| Minnesota United | -110 |
| New York Red Bulls | +267 |
| Draw | +279 |
| Over/Under | 3 |
Odds Analysis
The Red Bulls have made the playoffs for ten straight seasons. They have topped the Eastern Conference in the regular season in four of the last seven years, but an MLS Cup has been elusive for the franchise. NYRB are one of three original members to have never won the MLS Cup.
The club is crossing its fingers that the 25th time is the charm, and the Red Bulls enter this game in good shape. In their home opener, the Red Bulls cruised to a win over FC Cincinnati, beating the second-year club 3-2. Kyle Duncan and Kaku scored in the first half for NYRB to take a 2-0 lead into halftime, and Daniel Royer added the eventual game winner after Cincinnati showed signs of life in the second half. They nearly picked up a road win against Real Salt Lake last week, but an extra time goal from Damir Kreilach cancelled out Cristian Casseres Jr.’s 13th minute goal for the result to be a 1-1 draw.
Minnesota United has been the most prolific team in the league through the first two weeks of the regular season. The Loons went into Portland and knocked off the Timbers 3-1 in their opener behind a brace from Kevin Molino and a goal from Luis Amarilla, and they followed that up with a 5-2 thrashing of San Jose last week. Ike Opara bookended the scoring with a brace, while Amarilla, Jan Gregus, and Robin Lod all scored in the first half.
Key Absences
Defender Aaron Long is probable to play through a hamstring injury for the Red Bulls this week, and reserve goalkeeper Ryan Meara is probable with a groin issue.
Molino suffered a strained hamstring in last week’s victory over the Earthquakes, but he is optimistic he will see the pitch on Sunday. He isn’t expected to practice with the team this week in a bid to be healthy.
Player to Watch
If Molino is unable to take the field on Sunday evening, that will leave the Loons without their best playmaker, and another player will have to step into the role. Jan Gregus would be the player most likely to do that as one of Minnesota’s two designated players. Gregus has a goal and two assists through the first two games, and his services have been on point early in the year. His crosses on corner kicks are lethal, making it dangerous to give up too many set pieces to the Loons.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
The Red Bulls have not been very convincing in the back line, so look for the Loons to exploit that weakness on Sunday.
Major League Soccer Odds: Minnesota United 2, New York Red Bulls 1
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