The MLS playoffs continue on Monday night with two more matches as the Conference semi-final first legs keep on coming. We have a match in both conferences on Monday with each of the number one seeds in action.
This series hasn’t been particularly high scoring so far but there is a feeling that this is the night where that could all change which whets the appetite for what should be a cracking night in Major League Soccer.
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New York Red Bulls vs Toronto FC
The action begins at the Red Bull Arena where the New York Red Bulls take on the Supporters’ Shield winners Toronto FC in a standout Eastern Conference clash.
The Red Bulls finished sixth in the regular season but that didn’t stop them going to Chicago in midweek and thrashing the Chicago Fire and they will be looking to build on that victory in this match. Toronto FC were last seen in a cracking match at Atlanta to end the regular season and as the best side in the league over the 34 matches they’re under pressure to deliver here.
I expect this to be a wide open game. I don’t think the Red Bulls can go to Toronto and win this tie if they are not winning after this first leg. We saw in midweek that their strength is attacking and that is the case with Toronto too. Generally when these two sides meet there are plenty of goals. I don’t see that changing here.
Houston Dynamo vs Portland Timbers
The pick of the matches in the Conference semi-finals from a style point of view looks to be this Western battle between the Houston Dynamo and the Portland Timbers and we should be in for quite some first leg.
Houston are fantastic at home and they will be confident heading into this match having seen off Sporting Kansas City in the knockout stage. They needed extra time but they got the job done in the end. With Portland’s home form I would be amazed if Houston don’t go at the Timbers in this match to ensure they take a lead to Oregon with them.
I don’t think their home form matters to Portland. They know no other way than to just go for it and that is exactly what I expect them to do here. Houston like to counter attack while Portland like to be on the front foot so both sides should be happy with how this plays out and as a result I’m expecting to see goals.
Tips
HALF WON – Back New York Red Bulls vs Toronto FC – Over 2.75 goals for a 4/10 stake at 1.90 with BetVictor
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Back Houston Dynamo vs Portland Timbers – Over 2.5 goals for a 4/10 stake at 1.80 with Boylesports
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