2021 MLS Cup Lines - Portland Timbers vs. New York City FC Odds

2021 MLS Cup Betting

Is this the year that New York City FC finally wins an MLS Cup? NYCFC have made a habit of coming up short in the playoffs over their short history. They finished the regular season in the top three in the Eastern Conference for four straight seasons from 2016 to 2019, but they failed to make it out of the quarterfinals. They were routed by Toronto FC in 2016 before suffering tough losses to the Columbus Crew and Atlanta United the next two years. NYCFC were knocked off by Toronto again in 2019, and the club failed to make it out of the first round of the playoffs last year. The Bronx Blues have had their best playoff run yet in 2021, and they can claim their first major trophy against the Portland Timbers in the MLS Cup Final.

The 2021 MLS Cup between the Portland Timbers and New York City FC will take place in Providence Park in Portland, Oregon, on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at 3 p.m. ET on ABC.

MLS Betting Odds

MLS Cup Final - Saturday, December 11

Portland Timbers +182

New York City FC +160

Draw +234

Total 2.5

Odds To Win MLS

Portland Timbers -106

New York City FC -124

*Odds as of Wednesday, December 8, 5:00 PM ET

Both the Portland Timbers and New York City FC finished the regular season as the fourth best teams in their conference. Portland overcame an early deficit to knock off Minnesota United FC in the first round 3-1, and a Larrys Mabiala strike in the 90th minute gave them a 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids in the Western Conference semifinals. The Timbers cruised to a 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake in the Western Conference Finals to make their first MLS Cup in three years.

NYCFC knocked off Atlanta United FC 2-0 in the first round thanks to goals from Golden Boot winner Valentin Castellanos and Alexander Callens. The Bronx Blues never trailed and made the most of their chances to win in penalties over Supporters’ Shield winners New England in the Eastern Conference semifinals, knocking out the favorites to win the MLS Cup. From there, they beat the COVID-19 ravaged Philadelphia Union 2-1 on the road after surrendering an own goal.

These two teams didn’t meet in the regular season as the MLS limited travel between non-conference opponents. Portland has the edge and the history in their favor though. The Timbers won the 2015 MLS Cup, finished runner-up here in 2018, and they won the 2020 MLS is Back Tournament. They also have long-time veterans Diego Chara and Diego Valeri, and both players know what it takes to win here.

MLS Cup Finals History

The Los Angeles Galaxy are the most decorated team in the history of the MLS. They have claimed five MLS titles, and they were the second club to win three titles in the span of four years earlier this decade. This club has reached the MLS Cup Final nine times over its long history, and the Galaxy fell in their first three finals (twice in extra time) before winning their first title in 2002.

D.C. United were the first superpower in the history of the MLS. The capital club made it to the finals in each of the league’s first four seasons, and D.C. United won three of the first four MLS titles. Their last title came in 2004 though, and the club has fallen on hard times since that point.

Three of the MLS’ original ten teams have yet to win a title. The renamed New York Red Bulls and FC Dallas have each made it to one MLS Cup Finals, but neither team has yet to lift the cup. However, the most hard-luck club in the history of the MLS is certainly the New England Revolution. The Revolution have made it to five MLS Cup Finals without a victory, winning the Eastern Conference in 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2014 before falling short in the final.

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