MLS Week 11 Picks: Philadelphia Union Look to Remain Top of East

• Week 11 of the MLS season continues this weekend
• Has Columbus found their scoring touch?
• Is a goal-fest in the cards in Seattle?

Major League Soccer’s Week 11 schedule continues with 12 matches from Friday-Sunday.

It’s been a busy week with the closure of the primary transfer window and two more head coaches being relieved of their duties in Cincinnati and New England. Thus, bringing the total to three this year already. Colorado previously parted ways with Alan Hudson last week.

We take a look at a few of the top matches from the MLS Week 11 slate and provide some expert betting advice.

Philadelphia Union vs Toronto FC Odds

*Odds taken 05/10/19

Union Lead East

Philadelphia and Toronto both reside near the top of the MLS Eastern Conference standings. In Philly’s case, they hold the top spot, by virtue of goal-differential.

They look to increase their four point lead over fourth place TFC when they travel to BMO Field in Toronto on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 3:00 pm EST.

These two met in the season opener back on March 2, where Toronto ran out to a 3-1 win.

TFC captain Michael Bradley had two goals before a Marco Fabián PK in the 73′ minute cut the lead to one and a stoppage time insurance marker by Toronto’s Nick DeLoen in the 94′ minute.

TFC played without striker Jozy Altidore that day and will once again be without their American designated player who’s recovering from injury.

Fabián has been out with an injury of his own recently, but has been declared 100-percent fit by head coach Jim Curtin.

With the primary transfer window closed, @GarethWheeler explains why the Reds stood pat and what the future could hold.#TFCLive pic.twitter.com/JEMNPEtV5M

— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) May 9, 2019

Last Saturday’s 2-0 road win in Orlando was just the second time all season both teams have not scored in a TFC game. Wednesday was the third in TFC’s 2-0 loss in Atlanta. Toronto’s previous seven matches all saw over 2.5 combined goals.

The Union are fresh off a 6-1 demolition of New England last weekend and have 12 goals in their past four games. In five road matches they’ve only kept one clean sheet though. That came in a match to struggling expansion side FC Cincinnati. Philly also look to be down to third-string keeper Carlos Miguel Coronel.

Best Bet: Both team to score & Over 2.5 goals (-120)

Columbus Crew vs LAFC Odds

Big Price on Travelling LAFC

For the second time this week Columbus Crew will entertain an LA-based side as they welcome LAFC to MAPFRE Stadium on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 7:30 pm EST. Earlier this week they won 3-1 at home to the LA Galaxy on Wednesday.

Columbus had previously been struggling hard. The L’s have been piling up this past month with five straight losses. Prior to Wednesday’s match, they had scored two goals in five matches. In last weekend’s 3-1 loss to DC, their lone goal came off a clear mistake by the United keeper during a corner kick.

Prior to Wednesday’s match, Columbus had scored two goals in five matches.

The three-goal outburst against the Galaxy was the first time they’d scored three this year and just the first time they’d scored multiple goals since March 30.

With the closure of the primary transfer window on Tuesday, the Crew front office was busy trying to rectify the situation. Oft-moved Justin Meram who had zero points in 2019 was shipped to Atlanta, while winger David Accam was acquired from the Philadelphia Union. Accam has four goals and two assists this year.

A special moment post-match in the #Crew96 locker room ?

Game ball ➡️ #Maestro ? pic.twitter.com/BDulpKNkfy

— Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) May 9, 2019

LAFC have been the class of Major League Soccer thus far in 2019. They sit at the top of the Western Conference standings and lead the Supporter’s Shield race.

Their 26 goals scored compared to just eight conceded is by far the best in the league. LA are 2-2-1 on the road scoring 12 times and allowing just four.

However, they’ve now won just once in their past four matches – drawing in each of their last two against Chicago Seattle.

“The way to shut down any player is to be good at playing the football we want to play."

Bob Bradley is ready for Saturday. pic.twitter.com/JT65UyFveq

— LAFC (@LAFC) May 9, 2019

Teams may have begun to figure them out and are condensing their formations defensively. The Crew aren’t bad defensively, but they’ll need to muster some offense against Los Angeles.

You won’t often find LAFC at plus-money and these odds seem just too good to pass up.

Best Bet: LAFC to win (+155)

Seattle Sounders vs Houston Dynamo Odds

Matchup of West Contenders

It’s third versus fourth in the Western Conference when the third place Houston Dynamo travel to Seattle’s CenturyLink Field on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at 10:00 pm EST. Each team has 19 points and trail second place LA Galaxy by three points, with Houston holding the goal-differential advantage.

Houston are undefeated in two and have won five of their past six, scoring multiple goals in each of the wins. In fact, the Dynamo have scored in every single match this season. However, they’ve only kept one clean sheet along the way.

"Now we have a very good test against a very good opponent."

Cabrera on shifting the focus to Saturday's match in Seattle. #ForeverOrange pic.twitter.com/taikhU4641

— Houston Dynamo (@HoustonDynamo) May 7, 2019

That’s somewhat concerning considering they’ve enjoyed a rather comfortable schedule, having played a league-low two road games all year. Those matches saw them win 4-1 at Colorado and lose 2-1 in LA to the Galaxy.

Only a 2-0 home win over Columbus on April 27 stands out as a time both teams didn’t score in a Dynamo match.

The Sounders are riding a streak of three-straight draws with scores of 2-2, 1-1 and 1-1.

Seattle has failed to take points just once this season, only losing to LAFC on April 21. While they haven’t lost again since, they also haven’t won. The Sounders are riding a streak of three-straight draws with scores of 2-2, 1-1 and 1-1.

Last week’s 1-1 draw with Minnesota was a wide-open match, which in truth, very easily could’ve seen more goals.

#TBT: #SEAvHOU Memories

One of the most memorable nights in club history ? pic.twitter.com/X5OEa3QEgh

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) May 9, 2019

The last four matches between the Sounders and Dynamo have seen a combined 18 goals with five in each of the last three. Though the last encounter was in preseason, where Houston won 3-2 at home.

Seattle should also have designated player Raúl Ruidíaz back in the lineup after missing time due to injury which will aid in their attack.

Best Bet: Both teams to score & Over 2.5 goals (-105)

MLS Week 11 Parlay Bet

For those wanting to bet some Sunday action, I’d look to small parlay with Atlanta United to win and a DC United double chance (win or draw) parlay.

Don’t look now, but last year’s MLS Cup champs have now won three in a row and four of five after a shaky start. They’ve never lost to Orlando in six meetings – winning the past three.

"I know we're looking forward to stepping up and competing." #ATLvORL | #FaceOfCity pic.twitter.com/dQxtrdGFuR

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) May 10, 2019

DC is tied with Philly and Montreal atop the East, but the bet is also playing against a SKC side who’s winless in four road matches. Sporting haven’t won a match since March 30, have allowed 13 goals in their last four MLS games and have been dealing with multiple injuries.

Parlay Bet: Atlanta United win & DC United double chance (+105)