I am not a coward. I am not quitting on MLS in Vegas just because I got carried away and lost 400 monopoly dollars in round 6. The blog has been light on content as I’ve not been able to keep up and, consequently, this series has suffered. I want nothing more than to get back into the money and make up for week 6 with some shrewd picks, so let’s dive right into my week 9 MLS Bettor’s Advice.
Week 6 Results:
As you can see below, week 6 was pure carnage. Perhaps the success of week 5 got to my head, or perhaps these games are just hard to pick.
- LOSS $200 on FCD to win = ($200)
- LOSS $200 on POR to win = ($200)
- LOSS $150 on NE to win = ($150)
- LOSS $100 on NYRB to win = ($100)
- HIT! $150 on LA at -125 = (100/125) * 150 = $120
- HIT! $100 on SKCvRSL draw at +230 = $130
WEEK 6 TOTALS
Winnings = $250
Losses = $650
Net = ($400)
2015 SEASON TOTALS
Picking Winners: 5/11
Picking Draws: 2/5
Total Earnings: ($255)
After a wretched week 6, I am bringing back the Stay Away games section. I think it serves as a nice starting point for making weekly picks and helps me narrow my focus as a gambler. Unless I list the dangerous lines in the Stay Away section, all bets are “off” as they say, and I’m liable to place a silly wager on an absolute Stay Away match.
HOU v. DAL, BBVA Compass Stadium, 5/1, 7pm CST
Houston +125
Dallas +210
Draw +220
Thoughts: Dallas have won four in a row in the series, two of those coming in MLS play and two in USOC play. However, they’ve not fared well in Houston for the most part. Both of these clubs are tough to read at this stage in this season, not to mention it’s a rivalry game.
POR v. VAN, Providence Park, 5/2, 9:30pm CST
Portland +120
Vancouver +220
Draw +220
Thoughts: Rivalry game and both clubs have had their unpredictable moments in 2015.
RSL v. SJ, Rio Tinto Stadium, 5/1, 9pm CST
RSL -115
San Jose +320
Draw +230
Thoughts: RSL will be looking to put last week’s 4-0 drubbing at the hands of New England in the rear-view with a win at home, but I am not so sure.
DC v. CLB, RFK Stadium, 5/2, 6pm CST
DC +140
Columbus +180
Draw +220
Thoughts: I had to put something in this section, and I think this is a tough one to pick. When I struggle to pick a winner, a draw is never a bad decision.
PHI v. TOR, PPL Park, 5/2, 3pm CST
Philly +120
Toronto +230
Draw +220
Thoughts: It seems like PPL Park is to 2015 what Toyota Park was to 2014 – home of the draw.
NYC v. SEA, Yankee Stadium, 5/3, 6pm CST
New York +190
Seattle +135
Draw +220
Thoughts: Seattle seem like good value at +135, but the fact they aren’t heavier favorites, even on a coast to coast road trip, makes me suspicious.
NE v. NYR, Gillette Stadium, 5/2, 6:30pm CST
New England +110
New York +240
Draw +230
Thoughts: A rivalry game, but NYRB is due for a loss and NE have been in a good run of form. NYRB played a midweek game on Wednesday night. NE are decent value at +110, but this could just as easily be a stay away game.
LA v. COL, StubHub Center, 5/2, 9:30pm CST
LA -175
Colorado +500
Draw +275
Thoughts: +500? WHAT?!?!?!? If I was in Vegas I’d throw a $20 at the Rapids to win, but for this series, that makes me think the Galaxy are smart money in this one. Bare in mind, Colorado played at New York Red Bulls on Wednesday night, and are now tasked with their second road match against a Cup contender in the last four days. Look for LA to win in my official picks section.
SKC v. CHI, Sporting Park, 5/3, 4pm CST
Kansas City -150
Chicago +375
Draw +260
Thoughts: Chicago have won three straight and had a nice early season break to integrate all of their new talent. But they still haven’t done anything terribly impressive, with those three wins coming at home against sub par opposition. SKC have struggled to lock up the three points with regularity this season, but I like their chances on Sunday.
***Official Week 9 Picks***
- $400on LAG to win at -175
- $200 on SKC to win at -150
- $100 on SEA to win at +135
- $100 on PHIvTOR draw at +220
Soccer Therapy 