[High3rEl3m3nt]

Been a fan of the league and there's no need to tell me that it's nothing compared to other leagues...I agree wholeheartedly. With that being said, I don't know, nor have I been able to follow any other leagues to the same degree that I have been able to consistently watch MLS this and last year (I live a little further that stone's cast from Real Salt Lake's stadium). I see some great value plays this upcoming weekend and am hoping that others, who have a good take on the league, can add to the conversation of these or other plays that they like.

Two that have been on my radar all week long are:

Salt Lake vs. Houston and Toronto vs. Chicago. Real Salt Lake still has name recognition from their past success, but they're simply a shell of their former selves with the injuries and poor focus. On the flip side, though Houston settled up against New England with a Draw (NE's goal occurred within the first 10 minutes of play and things aligned themselves perfectly for the goal) Houston was CRISP. Salt Lake has struggled on the road and I think their problems continue in Houston. Besides the well storied ongoing injuries, Will Johnson (RSL) is out. I think Houston continues their hot streak, but am going to play pk, -.5 -102, because I see RSL either folding or this being a draw (0-0...possibly 1-1).

Toronto vs. Chicago...I really like Toronto +.5 +130. This is not the same Toronto team that started the season and they are playing great ball. Chicago looked good against DC, though they continued their draw streak, but part of that can be chalked up to the lackluster and disappointing effort of DC. It's been a while since I have seen a team make so many poor touches and simple giveaways in the midfield, which complimented Chicago's counterattack. I see this weekend ending in a draw, or Toronto walking away with the road upset. I locked in the Houston play, but am interested in hearing what others' take on this game is.

Looking forward to some good discussion!

[Matches Malone]

Follow the league as well. I gotta believe the Fire break the win-less streak against Toronto FC this weekend. Chicago has created numerous goal scoring chances in their last two matches. I also like the Red Bulls to snap out of it this weekend too.

[cogiditopapa]

MLS is growing and becoming a good league to bet on.


Salt Lake vs. Houston , I agree 100%, RSL has become a horrible road team, nothing like last year. I think Houston will take this game at least 1-0, RLS has tough time scoring away from home. Toronto's game was the best example when they lost 1-0.

My possible picks in here will be:
Under 2.5
Houston draw no bet (the price is low 1.63, but just in case RSL decides to get lucky with a draw).

Toronto vs. Chicago I think this game will be very similiar to the DC united Game. Toronto has become a good road team, like you said they are playing great ball. I have watched their last 4 games, beside they are playing good they are scoring (which is the most important thing )

I may pick:
Toronto DNB at 3.75 (sportsbook.com), I agree very much with your bet, but my book doesn't offer that option.
Not sure about the under/over yet.

GL with your picks.

[cogiditopapa]

Follow the league as well. I gotta believe the Fire break the win-less streak against Toronto FC this weekend. Chicago has created numerous goal scoring chances in their last two matches. I also like the Red Bulls to snap out of it this weekend too.

Toronto is playing good and they are scoring.
Fire is creating plays but they are not scoring enough to win.

Toronto is one of the best road teams in the last 5 matches they have played (even in concacaf), I find hard to believe that Toronto will not even take a point from Chicago, they are on a good streak away from home.

[High3rEl3m3nt]

Follow the league as well. I gotta believe the Fire break the win-less streak against Toronto FC this weekend. Chicago has created numerous goal scoring chances in their last two matches. I also like the Red Bulls to snap out of it this weekend too.

It's so hard to gauge Fire's last home game because so many of the opportunities should be chalked up to DC's horrid play...very uncharacteristic for one of the league's supposed best road team. With that being said, Chicago's Oduro is constant threat and if he just relaxes and doesn't put so much on the ball, he'd score more of those wide open opportunities. It will also be fun to watch Eckersley handle Chicago's counterattack...the more I think about this play, the better +.5 +130 looks. Hate to say it for Fire's fans' sake, but I think this game ends in a draw.

[Matches Malone]

Toronto is playing good and they are scoring.
Fire is creating plays but they are not scoring enough to win.

Toronto is one of the best road teams in the last 5 matches they have played (even in concacaf), I find hard to believe that Toronto will not even take a point from Chicago, they are on a good streak away from home.

I know all signs point to FC coming away with at least a point, but it just seems to obvious. The Fire have to win at some point and maybe Toronto is looking past them this weekend. What are your thoughts on the Galaxy and Chivas USA going over the total? Does Keane make an impact, does he even get in the game at all?

[High3rEl3m3nt]

I locked in Toronto +.5 +130...really feel like this is a soft line...hoping Eckersley & CO. can prevent the speedy Chicago front from doing what they did last week to the DC slouches . Also, I still think that the public hasn't caught on to the new and improved Toronto squad...these guys can play. Also, I'd hold off on a Galaxy bet until Keane gets more face time with the team....just my gut

[Matches Malone]

I agree with Toronto coming on as of late, but the Fire also had ample chances against the Red Bulls prior to that. Full disclosure, I'm from Chicago so I want to see them win, but the gambler in me also feels like the draws have to end at some point. Also just realized the Galaxy are playing San Jose, not Chivas. Also thinking there is some value in Seattle on the road in Dallas. Dallas with a let down maybe after their historic win against Pumas earlier this week.

[cogiditopapa]

I know all signs point to FC coming away with at least a point, but it just seems to obvious. The Fire have to win at some point and maybe Toronto is looking past them this weekend. What are your thoughts on the Galaxy and Chivas USA going over the total? Does Keane make an impact, does he even get in the game at all?

I agree that the fire has to win at some point, but let's hope is not this weekend . I cannot pass the Toronto Draw no bet at 3.75, If I lose I will gladly lose that unit.

The Galaxy Game: I will have to assume that if he plays he will make a difference on the offensive power of the Galaxy (usually he has made a good impact right of the back on all teams he has played in England), he is agressive and is always ready to go forward.
I think that the Galaxy should win at least by 2 goals. San Jose, will probably try to defend as much as possible (San jose has a hard time scoring away from home), I think the Galaxy has enough to win this Match 3-0, Hopefully Kaene is the difference between the over and the under.

My pick on this game will be Galaxy -1.5 at 2.50 and Galaxy -2 at 4.00, If galaxy wins 2 - 0 I cash one and push one, the Game still on the under, If galaxy wins 3-0 I cash both. Think there is better value on this bets than just playing the over or the under.

I will take a look at the chivas game tomorrow. I live in DC, is 3 am here, time to go to bed. Let's discuss tomorrow.

GL

[cogiditopapa]

I locked in Toronto +.5 +130...really feel like this is a soft line...hoping Eckersley & CO. can prevent the speedy Chicago front from doing what they did last week to the DC slouches . Also, I still think that the public hasn't caught on to the new and improved Toronto squad...these guys can play. Also, I'd hold off on a Galaxy bet until Keane gets more face time with the team....just my gut

GL man, this is like having poket KK going all in and someone calls you with AK...let's hope the A's don't show up

[cogiditopapa]

I agree with Toronto coming on as of late, but the Fire also had ample chances against the Red Bulls prior to that. Full disclosure, I'm from Chicago so I want to see them win, but the gambler in me also feels like the draws have to end at some point. Also just realized the Galaxy are playing San Jose, not Chivas. Also thinking there is some value in Seattle on the road in Dallas. Dallas with a let down maybe after their historic win against Pumas earlier this week.

Dallas is by far one of my favorite teams on the league. I will take a look at the game tomorrow.
The Dallas win over Pumas was a mix or Dallas playing like they always do (with all their starters) and Pumas playing with a mix of young players that haven't made it to the 1st team yet and some regular players from the 1st team. Pumas uses this Tournament to give their young players minutes of some real competition. Do not expect Pumas to do well at all on this tournament. I learned this about 2 years ago when I lost couple of bets on Pumas.
I cashed the play at Dallas +1
64) BET ID=356699882 Straight Wager08/17/11 16:57 ET

bet 50.00 to win 35.71 (paid 85.71) Result: Wager Won(4025) - CONCACAF Champs Lg - Adjusted Line - 90 Min OnlyPumas Unam (MEX) 0
FC Dallas (USA) 1 08/17/11(22:00 ET)
FC Dallas (USA) +1 (1.71)

[High3rEl3m3nt]

GL man, this is like having poket KK going all in and someone calls you with AK...let's hope the A's don't show up

hahaha...well said!...at least I am not going all-in lol. BOL on your plays...might be fun to post some commentary in here if you and others watch any matches tomorrow or Sunday...so we can use the information for the following week. Going to watch RSL/HOU and CLB/PHI.

[cogiditopapa]

hahaha...well said!...at least I am not going all-in lol. BOL on your plays...might be fun to post some commentary in here if you and others watch any matches tomorrow or Sunday...so we can use the information for the following week. Going to watch RSL/HOU and CLB/PHI.

For sure, we can use your thread to discuss and comment MLS games.
I post my bets from time to time on my thread, I just posted some for tomorrow.

BOL to you too

[Krtica]

Me too like LA Galaxy tonight, they were very superior in previous CONCACF game few days ago shooting all over that Motagua.
San Jose not a treath away.
-1.0 should be fine

[High3rEl3m3nt]

Some late game magic helps me cash the Houston play. Was not able to watch the first 60 min, caught Houston's nice comeback win though! Pending my Padres play...their up 14-1, I'm running at over 60% for August (27 winners and 17 L's)

[cogiditopapa]

Some late game magic helps me cash the Houston play. Was not able to watch the first 60 min, caught Houston's nice comeback win though! Pending my Padres play...their up 14-1, I'm running at over 60% for August (27 winners and 17 L's)

same here!!!!

[High3rEl3m3nt]

http://www.justin.tv/cholillo_830 LA Galaxy stream...very nice quality

[High3rEl3m3nt]

Was wondering if anyone watched the Galaxy game last night? In my opinion, San Jose got the worst of the calls and actually played pretty good considering all things...was pretty impressed with them overall.

[Matches Malone]

Was wondering if anyone watched the Galaxy game last night? In my opinion, San Jose got the worst of the calls and actually played pretty good considering all things...was pretty impressed with them overall.

Had the over. Yeah I thought LA would just blow them off the field, but the Earthquakes hung tough. What's the consensus for tonight's games boys? Leaning towards the Fire and the over in the KC/DC game.

[High3rEl3m3nt]

Well, I'm on Toronto +.5 +130...I am laying off DC/KS, but I like Kansas pk, -.5 -127....maybe will put half a unit on this if the Pirates can hold their lead for me ...been on a tear lately...maybe I'll do a heat check.

[High3rEl3m3nt]

Well, I'm on Toronto +.5 +130...I am laying off DC/KS, but I like Kansas pk, -.5 -127....maybe will put half a unit on this if the Pirates can hold their lead for me ...been on a tear lately...maybe I'll do a heat check.

Never mind, heat checked on the pirates/reds game

[cogiditopapa]

Hey boys,
I watched the Galaxy Game yesterday. Galaxy played like they didn't want to score at all.
San Jose kept possesion of the ball but those guys couldn't score anything, they need a #9 to finish their plays. Galaxy, push the gas 2 times and got two goals. It looked like they play to keep the under 2.5.

[cogiditopapa]

I still don't think that the Fire will break their draw streak. I think that Toronto has what it takes to keep them on check today.

Here are my bets for this game:
Toronto +1 at 1.67
Toronto DNB at 3.75

[cogiditopapa]

On the KC - DC game, I think that both teams will score (DC is a good team on the road), but I am sure that KC will come out to try to get the 3 points from them, let's see if KC can take it...... this could be a replay of the Colorado--ChivasUSA game, great game final score 2-2.

My picks for this game:

Over 2.5 at 1.80
Both teams to score at 1.83

[High3rEl3m3nt]

Lost the Pirates bet...think I am going to sit out on the DC/KC game, though I'm going to watch it. DC can't afford to slack off and walk away with a draw. Two games on the road within a week...a poor outing last week...could be that DC was looking ahead to tonight's game. I really think Kansas takes it, but would only be comfortable betting pk, -.5.

[High3rEl3m3nt]

Here's something that I'd like your guys' take on. I play at 5dimes and I am assuming that there is not a lot of action on MLS and I also wonder how confident the line makers are with this league. Do you guys think that juice movement with this and other sportbooks (constantly moving it seems) is more of a reflection of actual bets, rather than the books expected outcome on the game? Not sure if I am putting this into words correctly, but what I am trying to get at is do a lot of the sportbooks handle MLS differently than other major leagues/sports?

[Matches Malone]

Here's something that I'd like your guys' take on. I play at 5dimes and I am assuming that there is not a lot of action on MLS and I also wonder how confident the line makers are with this league. Do you guys think that juice movement with this and other sportbooks (constantly moving it seems) is more of a reflection of actual bets, rather than the books expected outcome on the game? Not sure if I am putting this into words correctly, but what I am trying to get at is do a lot of the sportbooks handle MLS differently than other major leagues/sports?

I wonder what type of volume MLS gets, betting wise, across the world. I think here in the US, it's probably miniscule. Sometimes the lines seem incredibly off to me when it comes to MLS, but then again the books aren't into this thing of ours to lose money, so maybe I'm the one who's completely off.

As for tonight's action, I'm taking the over of 2.5 in the Fire / Toronto clash. Decided to lay off the DC / KC game. Best of luck boys!

[High3rEl3m3nt]

http://www.psntv.net/p/canal-1.html -nice stream if anyone's interested (toronto/chi). So far, Toronto's defense has been formidable...we'll see if they can contain the gazelles.

[Matches Malone]

Frustrating 1st half. Plenty of chances for the Fire, but as usual, they fail to capitalize. Should have at least two on the board by now.

[High3rEl3m3nt]

Congrads Fire fans....looks like this one's sealed

[cogiditopapa]

Congrads Fire fans....looks like this one's sealed

Good for Fire, they just need to put more balls through the net.

[Matches Malone]

Good for Fire, they just need to put more balls through the net.

Tell me about it. I talked myself out of taking the Fire and settled on the over. So many chances to score. What a disappointment.

[cogiditopapa]

Look at our MLS teams winning on Mexico's soil.
Seattle's strategy worked, with a big help from Monterrey (so many lost chances to score).

Looks like the under is the play when MLS teams go out to play the concacaf league.

[High3rEl3m3nt]

Watched that game last night and was thrilled that Seattle came through for MLS...overcoming the obstacles of playing games within the same week and traveling to Mexico.

Tonight, I am taking Chivas, with their now, more adjusted ex-galaxy attacker, to have success in Portland, OR (my old stomping grounds). Portland will be without one of their better defenders (Danso). Both teams are hungry, but a Chivas hungry team is different than a Portland hungry team, which is more storied than real. Portland has a horrible habit of letting up and allowing late goals. I see chivas taking this game outright or walking away from Jen-Wen Field with a draw. Also, I see this game going over 2 goals.

Locked in Chivas pk, +1/2 -109 1 unit
Over 2 1/2 -106 .75 units

[cogiditopapa]

Watched that game last night and was thrilled that Seattle came through for MLS...overcoming the obstacles of playing games within the same week and traveling to Mexico.

Tonight, I am taking Chivas, with their now, more adjusted ex-galaxy attacker, to have success in Portland, OR (my old stomping grounds). Portland will be without one of their better defenders (Danso). Both teams are hungry, but a Chivas hungry team is different than a Portland hungry team, which is more storied than real. Portland has a horrible habit of letting up and allowing late goals. I see chivas taking this game outright or walking away from Jen-Wen Field with a draw. Also, I see this game going over 2 goals.

Locked in Chivas pk, +1/2 -109 1 unit
Over 2 1/2 -106 .75 units

Agreed with your plays. both steams can score over should hit. Like you said Chivas is a more consistent team, they should be good for the +1/2.