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2020 MLS Cup Odds After Decision Day Favor Philadelphia and Seattle

Quinn Allen

by Quinn Allen in Soccer News

Updated Mar 3, 2021 · 1:48 PM PST

Talen Engery Stadium
Philadelphia Union's spectacular Talen Energy Stadium plays host to the Round 1 playoff tie against New York Red Bulls. Photo By Jamie Sned (Wiki Commons)]
  • After winning the Supporters Shield for the best record in the MLS, the Philadelphia Union currently have the best odds to win it all this season at +350
  • Current title-holders Seattle aren’t far behind at +450 after winning the MLS Cup in 2019
  • Who is the best bet to take home the title? Get the odds, preview, and pick below

After Decision Day concluded on Sunday, we now await the 2020 MLS Playoffs, which are set to begin on November 20th after the international break. Aside from the play-in round which will determine who #1 Philadelphia and #2 Toronto will face in the first round of the playoffs in the Eastern Conference, the stage is basically set.

Philly continues to impress after a surprising run in the MLS is Back Tournament, where they made it all the way to the semifinals. They’ve continued their good form, boasting the finest record in the league at 14-4-5. Sporting KC meanwhile led the way in the West, going 12-6-3.

MLS Cup 2020 Odds

Team Odds
Philadelphia Union +350
Seattle Sounders +450
LAFC +500
Orlando City SC +600
NYCFC +700
Toronto FC +700
Sporting KC +800
Portland Timbers +1100
Columbus Crew +1800
Minnesota United +3000
FC Dallas +3300
New England Revolution +7500
Colorado Rapids +8000
New York Red Bulls +10000
Nashville SC +12500
San Jose Earthquakes +15000
Inter Miami CF +20000
Montreal Impact +20000

 

Odds taken Nov 9 at DraftKings

The current MLS Cup odds favor the Union at +350, followed by Seattle at +450 and LAFC at +500.

Philly Eyeing MLS Cup

The Union was seen as a side who could be at the top of the East prior to this season after bringing in several players to bolster their squad. They’ve fully lived up to expectations through all competitions this year so far, making a tremendous run to the semis in the MLS is Back Tournament and now, they’ve captured the Supporters Shield.

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Strike duo Kacper Przybylko and Sergio Santos have led the way up top for Jim Curtin’s men, both netting eight times this season. Midfielder Anthony Fontana also bagged six goals as Philly went on to score 44 goals in 23 matches this season while conceding just 20 times. Heading into the playoffs, the Union have lost just twice in their last ten appearances. Although it’s still unknown as to who their opponent will be in the first round, this team will be ready to go as they start their road to capturing the MLS Cup.

Can Seattle Do It Again?

The Sounders have won the Cup twice in the last five years and will be looking to repeat as champions after beating Toronto FC in the finals last season. They exited in the Round of 16 in the MLS is Back Tournament to their exact opponent in the first round of the playoffs later this month: LAFC. Seattle will be ultimately looking for revenge, but it will not be an easy match by any means. They will be playing on home soil, however, at CenturyLink Field.

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Just like Philly, Brian Schmetzer’s squad had a clinical attack this season with Raul Ruidiaz and Jordan Morris scoring 12 and 10 goals, respectively. Nicolas Lodeiro was the heartbeat of their midfield as well, bagging seven goals and also assisting another six. After a strong year, the Sounders will certainly be heading into the playoffs with confidence but their first round opponent shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Teams to Watch

Sporting KC is a side who’s seen their odds go from +1800 to +800 after winning the Western Conference. They enter the postseason in solid form, winning their last three fixtures while allowing no goals in the process. Striker Johnny Russell enjoyed a quick start to the campaign with six goals, but he hasn’t scored in his last eight appearances. Sporting will take on a gritty San Jose squad in the first round.

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LAFC may have finished in seventh place, but they’re always a team to keep an eye on due to their lethal attack. Uruguayan Diego Rossi won the scoring title with 14 goals to his name as they went on to score an MLS-best 47 goals. Bradley Wright-Phillips is always capable of finding the back of the net as well. Although Bob Bradley’s side beat Seattle in the MLS is Back, they were knocked out by them in the Western Conference Finals in 2019. This will definitely be a match where an upset is possible.

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Orlando City SC fed off the advantage of playing at home in the MLS is Back, advancing all the way to the final only to lose to Portland. They’ve continued their momentum into the season, finishing in fourth spot in the East. Their odds have shortened to +600 in regards to the MLS Cup after being at +800 a month ago.

NYCFC bagged nine goals in their last two games and enter the postseason in immaculate form. Expect to see a first round thriller between them and Orlando which could go either way.

Best Bet

It’s hard to look past Philadelphia’s consistent form over the last number of months. They were good in the tune-up tournament in Orlando and also in the season. There weren’t many slip-ups by this side and Philly have proven they can beat the best clubs around. Seattle and Portland are both teams who could do some damage from the West, but I believe the Union are the current best bet to win the MLS Cup.

Pick: Philadelphia Union (+350)

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