Group Stage Bets for MLS is Back Tournament 7/8 – 7/10
Major League Soccer will pave the way for other major sports leagues to return from the COVID-19 stoppage when it resumes its season with the MLS is Back Tournament this week in Orlando, FL. For sports bettors who are starved for action, the MLS is Back Tournament is ripe and ready to be devoured.
The tournament will run very similar to the World Cup. The teams have been split into six groups, A-F, and they will all participate in three Group Stage games. From there, 16 teams will advance to the Knockout Stage, where the tournament becomes single elimination for all games through the quarterfinals and semifinals. The MLS is Back Tournament champion will be crowned in the final on August 11th.
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July 8th – 10th Games Overview
The first three days of the tournament will feature teams from Groups A-C. The action gets underway Wednesday night with the “host†squad Orlando City SC in action against their new in-state rival, Inter Miami CF. You can check out the grouping breakdown and a schedule below.
Unfortunately, COVID-19 is already leaving its mark on the MLS return tournament. After 10 players tested positive for the virus, FC Dallas was removed from the tournament altogether. Group B will now play with only three teams. The second match of what was supposed to be an opening night doubleheader has also been postponed. Nashville SC and Chicago Fire FC will now play at a later date after five Nashville players tested positive for the coronavirus.
It’s reasonable to expect more postponements and updates to the tournament schedule moving forward. With betting purposes in mind, it will be very important to stay up to date on all MLS news and headlines as the tournament unfolds. After considering all available information, here are the betting angles I like for each game over the first three days.
Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook
Orlando City SC vs. Inter Miami CF
The tournament opener is also the first match between the new Florida state rivals. With the top three teams in Group A assured a spot in the Knockout Stage, both teams will have their sights set on starting the tournament off on the right foot.
Orlando City opened the 2020 season with a draw and one-goal loss before the pandemic pause. Nani leads an offensive attack that will aim to be more consistent this season, and both Dom Dwyer and Mauricio Pereyra are also proven contributors. The signing of keeper Pedro Gallese should help fortify what was a shaky defense last year.
Inter Miami is still seeking their first win in MLS play. The expansion franchise dropped each of its first two matches prior to the COVID-19 break, losing both by a one-goal margin. David Beckham’s franchise has generated a lot of buzz, but the club will be without a key piece in defender Roman Torres.
Henry’s Picks: Moneyline: Orlando City SC (+175) | Total Goals: Over 2.5 (-148)
New York City FC vs. Philadelphia Union
The first wave of Group A action continues on Thursday morning with New York City FC and the Philadelphia Union doing battle. The MLS is Back Tournament will feature several morning start times in order to avoid the brutal afternoon humidity that is part of a typical Orlando summer.
NYCFC dropped a pair of 1-0 defeats to open the season back in early March before the shutdown. After a first-place finish in the Eastern Conference last year, the team figures to be in the MLS Cup conversation once again after bringing back 92% of their on-field minutes. Maxi Moralez is among the league’s best playmakers.
Philadelphia opened the 2020 season back in March with a draw and loss in their first two games. The team rode a strong group of young players to the Eastern Conference semifinals last season. Alejandro Bedoya leads the way for a team that will look to use the MLS is Back Tournament as a springboard to more success this season.
Henry’s Picks: Moneyline: New York City FC (+128) | Total Goals: Under 2.5 (+140)
Montreal Impact vs. New England Revolution
Thursday night’s Group C match between the Montreal Impact and New England Revolution will actually be the second time the teams have faced off this year. Montreal claimed a 2-1 home victory in the MLS season opener for both teams back in March.
2020 is Montreal’s first season in over half a decade without three-time All-Star Ignacio Piatti. It’s also the club’s first with Thierry Henry as head coach. The team will need time to build a new identity in the face of such turnover, but midfielder Saphir Taider and attacker Bojan are both capable players to lead such efforts.
New England is loaded with offensive weapons. Charles Gil earned the MLS Newcomer of the Year award in 2019 after scoring 10 goals and registering 14 assists. Gustavo Bou and Adam Buksa round out the big three. The Revolution are capable of making real noise in the tournament and beyond in Bruce Arena’s first full season as coach.
Henry’s Pick: Asian Handicap Game Spread: New England -0.5 (-106)
Seattle Sounders FC vs. San Jose Earthquakes
With the withdrawal of FC Dallas from the MLS is Back Tournament, Group B finds itself with only three teams. The top two are still set to advance, so both the Seattle Sounders and San Jose Earthquakes figure to be in a good position. Friday night’s showdown will be critical to determine which side will win the group.
Seattle opened the 2020 season with a win and draw in their first two games back in March. The defending MLS champions are once again a real threat to win both the tournament and league this season. Nicolas Lodeiro, Raul Ruidiaz, and Jordan Morris are the three big names.
The Earthquakes opened their 2020 season with a draw and three-goal loss. This year could be the last for hometown hero Chris Wondolowski. He is joined by Cristian Espinoza, who established himself as one of the best wingers in MLS last year. San Jose implements a fast-paced style of play that could be tough for opposing teams to contend with after the COVID-19 layoff.
Henry’s Picks: Total Goals: Over 2.5 (-167) | Game Props: Goal Scored 0:00-14:59 Yes (+180)
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Henry John is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Henry, check out his archive and follow him @HankTimeSports.