New York City FC Shorten to Single Digits at +620 to Win MLS Cup
- New York City FC (8-8-3) are fifth in the Eastern Conference
- Atlanta United (11-3-8) are MLS Cup defending champs
- LA Galaxy (12-1-8) are second in the West
New York City FC had a slow start to the season but found the momentum to put them in fifth spot in the Eastern Conference.
NYCFC didn’t win its first match until April 21 against DC United and went on an 12-match unbeaten streak. Since April 15, the club’s average odds have been shortened by nearly 50-percent when they were +1500. Less than a month ago their average MLS Cup odds were +1000. That number has since shortened to an average of +620.
There are 15 games left on the schedule for NYC, seven of those are on the road.
2019 MLS Cup Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles FC | +240 |
| New York City FC | +550 |
| Atlanta United | +650 |
| LA Galaxy | +1200 |
| DC United | +1400 |
| New York Red Bulls | +1600 |
| Seattle Sounders | +1600 |
| Philadelphia Union | +1600 |
| San Jose Earthquakes | +1800 |
| Portland Timbers | +2000 |
| New England Revolution | +3300 |
*Odds taken July 22, 2019
NYCFC’s odds have shortened, but the defending MLS Cup champs, Atlanta United, are second in the East and paying slightly better at +650.
LA Galaxy have won five championships in the last 20 years, the latest in 2014. The Galaxy are a game ahead of Atlanta United and have odds of +1200.
NYCFC Is Strong, but LA Has Ibrahimović
New York City has a talented team with goal-scoring prowess, led by Héber and Maximiliano Moralez.
With a strong arsenal and only three losses on the season, it’s easy to see why the odds have shortened.
24 Takeaways from @MLS Week 20:https://t.co/A5CxT8h1iZ
— Bobby Warshaw (@bwarshaw14) July 22, 2019
Despite sometimes struggling to capitalize on their opportunities, Atlanta have a championship in their back pocket and +650 odds would provide a better payout than NYC who’ve not won a championship.
The Galaxy wins ugly, but a win is a win. They also have the MLS Player of the Week, Zlatan Ibrahimović. Ibrahimović had a hat trick last Friday to push the Galaxy past the top team in the West, LAFC.
At +1200, the Galaxy would be offering a much bigger return and have four more wins on the year than NYCFC.
you knew it was coming pic.twitter.com/wUCVpYSv5T
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) July 22, 2019
Playoff Picture
The Audi MLS Cup Playoffs are a different format this season. A total of 14 teams will have a chance at the Cup. The top team in the conference receives a first-round bye and the other 12 teams play single-game elimination.
The higher seeded club will host each match and there is no re-seeding in the playoffs. NYCFC have only won six matches at home.
The Galaxy and Atlanta United have each won nine home matches so far this season, which is more than the number of matches NYCFC has won all season. Either side could give you a better return for an MLS Cup futures bet.
Lindsey graduated with a Masters in Broadcast and Digital Journalism in 2016, and since then has served as a commentator for men's and women's college sports, a contributor for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, and works as a local radio traffic anchor.
