MLS Odds: Bottom-table DC United Face Favorites Toronto FC

Toronto FC (-225) vs DC United (+525), Draw (+320)

Eastern Conference leaders Toronto FC (8-5-2, 29 points) host the bottom-table DC United (4-3-7, 15 points) this Saturday (June 17th), adding to an action-packed weekend of MLS games.

Toronto suffered a setback last week after they lost 3-0 to the New England Revolution, ending their eight-game unbeaten streak. Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore were out on international duty, and their absence was greatly felt. Without their star midfielder and leading goal scorer, Toronto struggled to string together any real scoring opportunities and appeared disjointed throughout the game. Striker Sebastian Giovinco made his return from injury but failed to have much of an impact on the game.

When they face DC United this weekend, they’re expected to have the full squad at their disposal. Bradley and Altidore will start, and Giovinco should be completely recovered.  With a fully-stocked lineup, Toronto is one of the most dangerous teams in North America. After a narrowly missing out of the MLS Cup last year, Toronto FC returned stronger than ever with an extremely well-built squad. They have arguably the deepest team in the MLS this season, and they’re the favorites for both the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup.

DC United have only won one of their last six games and are dead-last in the East. They have one of the worst goal differentials in the league, but they’re only five points away from a playoff spot. They haven’t had a good season so far, but finishing in the top six is still a real possibility.

United rely heavily on the through-ball and quick attacks down the wings. Toronto can be vulnerable to counter-attacks so DC will probably try to catch them off guard. However, even though they tend to generate a lot of shots on goal, they remain the lowest-scoring side in the league.

Toronto are undefeated at home this season and currently have the strongest and most creative side in the East. DC have come up with some upsets this season, but it’s never a good idea to pick against Toronto at home when healthy. 

Pick: Toronto FC (-225)