Well the Group Stage was tough on ya boy Barney Footy in terms of a match-to-match basis. It was a daily grind. However, I did well on predicting on which teams would go onto the Knockout Round, going 10/16.

knockout round

Now we are onto the fun part of the tournament. The do-or-die games that remind you of that World Cup atmosphere. Doesn’t matter if you haven’t tuned in to the to the MLS yet, and I know other “real” sports are back, but the Knockout Round is Playoff sports. The first of it’s kind since Covid shut the world down, so give it a betting chance and mix it in with your MLB/NBA/NHL wagers as well.

Side Note: not all the lines have been posted for these games, so check accordingly before placing anything. I’ll be updating this with lines as the games move along.

 

Saturday, July 25th

Orlando City SC v. Montreal Impact

The first game of the Knockout Round is unfortunately not going to be a star-studded match, but it will be a close one. Montreal somehow snuck in the Knockout Round with only 1 win. They’re just lucky enough to be in the Knockout Round, and there is not way they advance to the next round. Taking Group A winner Orlando on the money line at -110.

Philadelphia Union v. New England Revolution

The nightcap of the opening Knockout Round is going to be an absolute barn-burner. Bruce Arena has that New England Revolution side playing staunch defensively, but it’s the Union’s time. You know I have to stay with my club. Union ML at +170, DOOP!

 

Sunday, July 26th

Toronto FC v. NYCFC

NYCFC is another 1-win team that weaseled their way into the Knockout Round. I understand that a few teams dropped out which increases everyone’s odds by default, but having 1 win and advancing through is pathetic. Taking Toronto ML +120.

Sporting Kansas City v. Vancouver

Vancouver is one of those teams that has been banged up with injuries and covid concerns, but they gritted it out to advance to the Knockout Round. Unfortunately for them, their Cinderella run will be crushed by Sporting KC, who looked extremely strong in the group stage. Sporting KC -1.5 is the play here.

 

Monday, July 27th

San Jose v. Real Salt Lake

The Earthquakes created massive fault lines in opponents defenses during the Group Stage, and they’ll keep that unique style-of-play going against a RSL side that has been goalless the past 2 matches. Taking San Jose ML at EVEN odds.

Seattle Sounders v. LAFC

This could’ve easily have been the Western Conference Finals if the season had continued normally. Both sides had uneasy starts, but eventually pulled it together and showed the league why they are favored to win the MLS Cup. I’m taking a regular-time draw (+300), and the over of 3.5 goals (+105).

 

Tuesday, July 28th

Columbus Crew v. Minnesota United

The Dummy of the Year Award goes to me for doubting the Columbus Crew. They’ve scored 7 goals since the restart, and have conceded 0. The win streak for Caleb Porter’s Crew will continue on Tuesday against a Minnesota United side that is the most depleted team in the tournament. Crew ML +125.

Portland Timbers v. FC Cincinnati

Similar to the Crew, I was wrong about FC Cincinnati. So to the state of Ohio, I sincerely apologize for slandering the soccer ability of your state. FC Cincinnati is the little soccer engine that could in this MLS is Back Tournament, but that train has ran out of steam. Expect Portland to win this one comfortably. May even take them at -1.5 at +185 too.

Keep a look out for lines to start coming in on some of these games that are a few days away. As always, kick it easy lads.

TLDR:

Orlando ML -110

Philly ML +170

Toronto ML +120

Sporting KC -1.5 +110

San Jose ML EVEN

LAFC/Seattle Regulation Tie +300

LAFC/Seattle Over 3.5 Goals +105

Columbus ML +125

Portland ML -130

Portland -1.5 +185

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barnes
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