WITH the MLS playoffs about to get underway, those looking to invest a few dollars with the bookies will be monitoring the teams in form in both the Eastern and Western Conferences.
The favorites to lift the MLS Cup and be crowned champions are New England Revolution, the side managed by former national team coach, Bruce Arena. They broke the single-season points record with a game to spare, overhauling the previous total of 72 set by LAFC’s 2019 team.
Sportsbooks like Caesars or Draftkings have them priced up at 10/3 (+333) to lift the MLS Cup – bet $3 with betting promos to win $10 if they are successful; last season’s runners-up, Seattle Sounders, are second favorites at 6/1 (+600), with Sporting Kansas City trading at 8/1 (+800).
Those looking for a value bet may find it in the shape of New York City FC, a side who have already beaten New England this season. They appear to be finding form just at the right time and in the shape of Valentin Castellanos have one of the best strikers in the MLS in their ranks.
NYCFC are available in the betting at odds of around 20/1 (+2000), and on their day they are capable of being a match for the best in either the Eastern or Western Conference.
Another interesting side is Nashville SC, who are priced at 10/1 (+1000) to win the playoffs. Despite Revolution’s successful campaign, Nashville are a side Bruce Arena has never beaten – drawing at home and losing 2-0 in Nashville – and Gary Smith’s team have the best defence in the league.
And Arena shows no signs of stopping, the Brooklyn-born legend of soccer now in his 48th year in soccer coaching after starting out as an assistant at Cornell University in 1973.
The former LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls head coach has turned around New England’s fortunes since taking charge in May 2019. He replaced goalkeeping legend, Brad Friedel, one of US soccer’s best exports, who was sacked after winning just two out of 12 games at the start of the season.
Arena has effectively created a new side during his time in charge, around 15 players have been jettisoned, with the 70-year-old bringing in faces he knows and, more importantly, trusts to do a job.
One addition is Emmanuel Boateng, a player Arena coached at LA Galaxy, and it was the 27-year-old himself who was the driving force behind making the move to New England.
“There was only one guy I wanted to play for,” said Boateng, who was at DC United and Columbus Crew last season, before becoming a free agent in December, “He gives you the best chance to win. He cares about his players.
“He’s a coach that everybody on the team respects. Guys just tend to do the right thing because he’s in charge.”
They have certainly been doing the right thing this season, breaking records along the way as they have turned the Eastern Conference into a procession, whereas the Western Conference has been a much tighter affair.
The success of their league season means they have homefield advantage throughout the Audi-sponsored playoffs, support at the Gillette Stadium no doubt key to their end of season campaign.
After winning the Supporters’ Shield for the best overall season record, Revolution have secured their place in the 2022 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League, marking a return to continental competition for the first time since the 2010 SuperLiga.
