Week 1 was interesting. I put my eggs in the right basket when I bet $250 on FC Dallas, who cruised to a 2-0 win. But Colorado couldn’t manage the draw in San Jose and Seattle blew a match they should have won 1-0 in front of 40,000 fans. Let’s see how the wagers turned out:

WEEK 1 REVIEW
LOSS $50 on SJvCOL to draw = ($50)
HIT! $250 on FCD to win at -$170 = $147
LOSS $110 on SEA to win = ($110)
Weekly Total = ($13)

NEW 2016 SEASON TOTALS
Picking Winners: 1/2
Picking Draws: 0/1
Total Earnings: ($13)

So it could be worse, but I am obviously disappointed about the $110 wasted on Seattle – silly bets like that are the difference between good and bad weeks. Looking at week 2, at first glance, there are no surefire bets. This is likely because most of the better teams in this week’s matchups are playing on the road, and of course, it’s still very early in the year. Either way, I can’t help myself and there are a few decent values out there.

SATURDAY

• 3:00 ET – NE (-175) vs. DCU (+425), Draw (+305)
• 4:00 ET – MTL (+145) vs. NYRB (+170), Draw (+245)
• 4:00 ET – RSL (+115) vs. SEA (+230), Draw (+230)
• 7:00 ET – COL (+185) vs. LAG (+135), Draw (+240)
• 7:30 ET – CLB (-200) vs. PHI (+475), Draw (+330)
• 8:30 ET – SKC (+115) vs. VAN (+235), Draw (+230)
• 8:30 ET – HOU (+165) vs. FCD (+160), Draw (+225)

SUNDAY

• 4:00 ET – NYC (+135) vs. TOR (+170), Draw (+265)
• 6:00 ET – SJ (+140) vs. POR (+185), Draw (+225)

Real Salt Lake v. Seattle

I am not so convinced that RSL are a good bet in this one, but I think a Seattle win combined with the draw might offer good value. Both wagers pay out at better than 2-1, and theoretically, there is a 67% chance one of those outcomes occurs (especially given that Seattle are the stronger side). Get your MLS match preview, including injury and disciplinary reports right here.

Colorado v. Los Angeles

I know LA are on the road, and the Rapids will be buoyed by a strong crowd for their home opener, but to get the Galaxy at +135 against a shabby side like the Rapids seems like a fine opportunity. Whether LA blows them out or breaks their hearts in stoppage time, I just don’t see a way for the Rapids tonight.

Columbus v. Philadelphia

There will be a time this season where I don’t bet against Philly every week, but that time is not now. The Union looked inept against FC Dallas in week 1, creating few chances as they integrated six new players into their starting XI. A more serious concern than the chemistry has to be that there just aren’t enough difference makers on the pitch in Philly – guys that scare teams. Columbus are basically the antithesis of the Union. They had minimal turnover from 2015 to 2016, they have difference makers and flair all over the pitch, and they’ll be at home thirsty for blood after losing a tough season opener in Portland. Even at (-200), the Crew are an absolute no brainer this week.

Houston v. FC Dallas

FC Dallas have been pulling Houston’s pants down for about two years now. But one of the major forces behind all of those pants-ings was forward Fabian Castillo, who is questionable at best going into Saturday. FC Dallas are still intriguing as they pay out at (+160) for the win and have dominated in Houston of late. This one is probably a stay away.

San Jose v. Portland

San Jose have a nice new stadium but Portland have been on fire for quite some time now. This one feels like the Rapids v. Galaxy game this week. Anytime you get good odds on a good team playing a bad team, you have to consider it. When I see the champs at (+185) playing against a shabby San Jose side, I am intrigued.

***Official Week 2 Picks***

• $100 on LAG to win at +135
  
• $250 on CLB to win at -200
  
• $100 on PTFC to win at +185