A Brief Description of MLS in Vegas:

Soccer Therapy is tracking MLS money lines at the Bovada Sportsbook during the 2015 season. Each Thursday, I’ll post a Bettor’s Advice column before the weekend’s action commences. This column will include two regular sections: The Draw Watch and The Hat-trick – click here to learn more about each section. The Bettor’s Advice column shares my opinions but does not reflect my official picks for the week. My official picks, which I’ll use to track my winnings (or losings) in 2015, can be found at the bottom of each post. I’ll revisit my official picks after each week and track those results throughout the season.

Week 4 Results:

Last week (my first ever picking MLS money lines!) I went 1 for 2 picking draws and 1 for 3 picking winners, netting a loss of -$83. Not to worry, it could have been worse, and I’ve got six months to figure this out! Below you’ll find my week 5 Bettor’s Advice followed by my official picks.

Stay Away Games

ORL v. DC, Citrus Bowl, 4/3, 6pm CST
Orlando        +110
DC                 +220
Draw             +230

Thoughts: I have no idea how to predict the outcome of this one. The possible return of Luis Silva to DC’s lineup makes it even tougher to predict given Orlando are a tough side to beat at home.

VAN v. LA, BC Place, 4/4, 8pm CST
Vancouver      +185
LA Galaxy       +135
Draw                +220

Thoughts: Vancouver have arguably been outplayed in their two matches at BC place this season, a loss to Toronto and a win against Portland. I like LA with those favorable odds in this one, but this one is impossible to predict as Vancouver can score in the blink of an eye and LA are developing a nasty habit of giving up late goals.

SJ v. RSL, Avaya Stadium, 4/5, 4pm CST
San Jose         +140
RSL                  +180
Draw                +220

Thoughts: This is a tough game to pick so I naturally think to stay away. However, San Jose are playing just there second game in their new stadium and should have a nice home field advantage. RSL have looked shaky to start 2015 despite taking all three points against TFC last week. The Quakes are good value in my opinion at +140, but I’m still only lukewarm on this pick.

POR v. DAL, Providence Park, 4/4, 9:30pm CST
Portland       +110
Dallas           +230
Draw             +230

Thoughts: Portland are big favorites in this one but I believe Dallas are a better team. Dallas are unbeaten in 2015 while Portland have yet to win a game. This one seems to have draw written all over it.

COL v. NE, DSG Park, 4/4, 6pm CST
Colorado             +135
New England      +250
Draw                    +220

Thoughts: Until Colorado scores and/or allows a goal in 2015, they will continue to be my top draw pick of the week. In three MLS matches so far this season, they’ve yet to score or allow a goal, becoming the first club in league history to begin a season with three straight scoreless draws.

CHI v. TOR, Toyota Park, 4/4, 2pm CST
Chicago      +140
Toronto      +180
Draw           +220

Thoughts: Toronto’s USMNT duo is coming off a European trip and quite a few minutes played against Denmark and the Swiss. Chicago picked up their first win at home last week and will look to build on that. I like Chicago and maybe a draw here, but would stay away from Toronto.

SEA v. HOU, CenturyLink Field, 4/4, 9pm CST
Seattle             -175
Houston          +450
Draw                +275

Thoughts: Seattle are massive favorites in this one and for good reason – look at those Houston odds! I give Houston and the draw very little shot at happening, but -175 isn’t the kind of odds I look for with winners. Having said that, the outcome of this match is about as certain as any in week 5, so I’ll likely be placing some Monopoly Money on Seattle in my official picks below.

SKC v. PHI, Sporting Park, 4/5, 6pm CST
SKC           -120
PHI            +300
Draw         +240

Thoughts: Two teams going in different directions and my favorite winner pick this week. Philly sucks at the moment and SKC are finding their form four weeks into the season. SKC striker Dom Dwyer is due for a goal and I think SKC should be more like -130 or -140, so I am all over them at those odds this week.

***Official Week 5 Picks***

• $200 on SKC to win at -120
  
• $300 on SEA to win at -175
• $100 on CHI to win at +140
  
• $150 on COLvNE draw at +220
• $100 on PORvDAL draw at +230