Columbus Crew Second in MLS Eastern Conference: Now Odds of 14-1 to Win 2019 MLS Cup
- The 4-2-1 Columbus Crew are second overall in the MLS Eastern Conference
- Despite this, sportsbooks still list Columbus at +1400 to win the 2019 MLS Cup
- Columbus won its only MLS Cup title in 2008
As long as there’s been MLS, there’s been a Crew in Columbus. An original founding MLS franchise in 1996, Columbus has played in just two MLS Cup finals. The Crew won their only title in 2008.
Columbus is off to a solid 4-2-1 start to the 2019 MLS season and currently is situated second overall in the Eastern Conference.
But sportsbooks aren’t on board with the Crew as legitimate contenders in the MLS Cup odds.
2019 MLS Cup Odds
| Team | 2019 MLS Cup Odds |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles FC | -450 |
| LA Galaxy | +600 |
| Seattle Sounders | +900 |
| DC United | +900 |
| Atlanta United | +900 |
| Toronto FC | +1000 |
| New York Red Bulls | +1400 |
| New York City FC | +1400 |
| Columbus Crew | +1400 |
| FC Dallas | +1800 |
Odds taken on April 16, 2019.
One sportsbook puts the Crew down as tied for the seventh-best MLS Cup betting choice at odds of +1400.
#DCU may be top right now, but #ATLUTD just got their first win. Who's your favorite in the East? pic.twitter.com/h5OCc6Vn0A
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 15, 2019
Columbus most recently played in the MLS Cup final in 2015, losing 2-1 to the Portland Timbers on their home pitch at MAPFRE Stadium.
Columbus, Toronto FC (2016) and the New England Revolution (2002) are the only teams to lose the MLS Cup final at home.
Forging a New Identity
When Crew coach Greg Berhalter left to take over the helm of the US Men’s National Team, former Portland Timbers coach Caleb Porter was hired.
Whereas Berhalter liked to preach about building through the process, Porter has instituted a new, results-driven mandate.
He encourages the team to regularly study the MLS standings, and to confidently talk about winning the MLS Cup.
You won’t find a Columbus player anywhere in the top 10 of an MLS offensive category.
Last season, Columbus finished fifth in the East and lost to the New York Red Bulls in the conference semifinals.
The East is Not in Crew’s Control
As much as their start is impressive, there’s plenty of evidence available to suggest that what the Crew is achieving is based more on smoke and mirrors than actual excellence.
You won’t find a Columbus player anywhere in the top 10 of an MLS offensive category.
The Crew give off the impression that they are an effective side by playing a very safe, high-possession brand of soccer.
Too much English on the ball helps the French Canadians this time ? pic.twitter.com/qd93cDZ9Tk
— Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) April 13, 2019
The fact of the matter is that Columbus can’t score.
The Crew lost their most recent game 1-0 at Montreal to an Impact team that recently was lit up for seven goals by Sporting Kansas City.
⁉
?
?#MTLvCLB | #Crew96 pic.twitter.com/Dve6fHW6Wt— Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) April 13, 2019
They are on pace to score 34 goals in a 34-game season and averaging one goal per game won’t win a championship.
Just Say Goodbye Columbus
Columbus is 1-2 on the road, the only Eastern team with a winning record and a losing away slate.
Unless the Crew can find a proven finisher to complement their solid possession game, this team will continue to look better than they really are.
Don’t throw your money away betting on them to go all the way. Either of the LA teams – the Galaxy or LAFC – are more solid MLS Cup wagers.
An industry veteran, Bob literally taught the course on the history of sports at Elder College. He has worked as a Sports Columnist for Postmedia, appeared as a guest on several radio stations, was the Vice President of the Society For International Hockey Research in Ontario, and written 25 books.
