Surging Real Salt Lake See 2019 MLS Cup Odds Shorten to 33-1

• Real Salt Lake (12-4-10) are fourth in the Western Conference
• LAFC (18-4-3) are the first team this season to clinch a playoff berth
• Atlanta United (14-3-9) is the top team in the East

Real Salt Lake has been one of the league’s hottest teams this past month. They find themselves in a home playoff spot right now in fourth place in the West.

The club lost its most recent match 2-0 to the top-seeded LAFC who clinched the first postseason playoff berth. Prior to the loss Real Salt Lake was on a six-game unbeaten streak.

Salt Lake’s average MLS Cup odds have shortened from +6600 on July 22 to +3300 today. In May their average odds were +14000.

2019 MLS Cup Odds

*Odds taken 8/20/19

Saturday’s loss was their first loss in MLS play since July 6, and just their second since that time if you count a defeat in the Leagues Cup. Maintaining a home playoff spot will be crucial as they’ve been especially strong at Rio Tinto Stadium, winning nine of 13 matches.

With just eight games remaining, they have an even split of home and away games. However, five of their eight opponents currently own a record of .500 or better, so the stretch run won’t be easy. They’ll also need to continue their strong play, now under the guidance of interim head coach Freddy Juarez, after the recent dismissal of Mike Petke.

Back at the RioT with the 🐐

08.24 // 8PM MT // RSLvCOL pic.twitter.com/H156HEiXXb

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) August 20, 2019

When looking at some other contenders for MLS Cup, Atlanta has made a great run in the latter half of the season, and now sit first in the East with 45 points. They are still 13 points behind Supporter’s Shield leading LAFC, while RSL is 18 points back.

LAFC are the clear favorites to win the MLS Cup, with odds of +150. They are led by Carlos Vela who has a league-leading 24 goals on the season.

How Does RSL Stack up Against the West?

While LAFC may be out of reach at this point, RSL is only one point behind the third-place LA Galaxy and two back of second-place Minnesota. So climbing further up the table is certainly within their capabilities.

However, it’s a tight race in the West and with the new playoff format, only the top-seeded team in the East and West will receive a first-round bye. Each game is do-or-die, making the format more favorable to teams who have a strong regular season to be able to clinch home advantage (top four).

24 Takeaways from @MLS Week 24:https://t.co/uKmHLsEfQH

— Bobby Warshaw (@bwarshaw14) August 20, 2019

They won’t be alone in fighting for that home playoff spot though, with the Seattle Sounders even on points with them at 40. As many as three other sides (San Jose, Portland, and Dallas) are also all within striking distance at three points back or less. With Dallas outside the playoff positions right now, RSL could still find themselves out of the playoff picture by season’s end.

LAFC seems the safe bet for MLS Cup, but teams like NYCFC at +900 odds or Atlanta United at +800 odds are worth the wager at better value.

Why Atlanta or New York?

Atlanta has proven they can come out the gate screaming. They can win big matches and are the defending MLS Cup champs. They’re also recent winners of the Campeones Cup and will play in the US Open Cup final later this month. In the 2018 playoffs, Atlanta United won the first game of the series in the Eastern Conference semifinals and finals before reaching the championship match.

A month ago, NYCFC was in fifth place in the East, and have since climbed the ladder to third. On April 15 NYCFC’s odds were +1500, their odds were shortened to an average of +620 last month, and have lengthened to +900 – the strength of LAFC weighing heavily on the odds.

In the last meeting with NYC, Atlanta won 2-1 on home turf in a tough-fought battle. Atlanta held a 2-0 advantage, both goals scored by Josef Martinez before NYCFC’s Héber scored in the 81st minute.

Atlanta has the greatest payoff for the strength of its team and chance at winning the 2019 MLS Cup.