MLS Soccer Predictions – THURSDAY, APRIL 15, 2010 – Philadelphia United: (1-1-0) at Toronto FC (0-2-0)
Did you know Major League Soccer Odds are live and ready to be bet on today!!!
The MLS began its 15th season this year and we’ve finally decided it’s time to give this league some handicapping love and provide some free SOCCER gambling analysis every week.
Onto the week’s MLS preview and prediction for the week.
ESPN2 and ESPN HD – MLS Betting Odds – Philadelphia United vs Toronto FC:
Philadelphia United +300
Toronto FC -115
Draw: +240
The expansion Philadelphia United will make their first trip north of the border to kick off against Toronto FC on Thursday night at BMO Field at Exhibition Place in Toronto.
Toronto has lost two consecutive road games being outscored by the opposition 6-1. They opened the season being shut out 2-0 at the Columbus Crew then lost 4-1 at the New England Revolution. Veteran midfielder Dwayne DeRosario put Toronto in the lead in the 28th minute against the Red Bulls, who eventually lost it giving up three goals in an 11-minute span early in the second half. Not the way new Boss Preki envisioned beginning his reign in Toronto.
Meanwhile, new kid on the block the Philadelphia Union bounced back from a 2-0 shut out in their inaugural match at Seattle with a 3-2 home win over DC United last week. Seattle Sounders transplant Sebastian Le Toux’s hat trick including the go–ahead goal at the 80th minute, lifted Philly to their first win in franchise history. Le Toux played only 11 games last season with Sounders who kept him out of the starting eleven because of his inability to find the back of the net. The Union will now focus on starting their upcoming four-game road trip with a win in Toronto. 
Toronto’s defense woes from last season seem to have carried over to 2010. They allowed 46 goals last season, with only San Jose (50), New York (47) and FC Dallas (47) surrendering more. Unless they can tighten up defensively and find a way to score goals it will be tough for Toronto to earn many points. Considering they have only produced five shots-on-goal in 180 minutes, they need to score now. Look for O’Brian White and Martin Saric to test the goal more often this week.
The Union benefited with the return of veteran midfielder Fred, who missed the matchup with the Sounders due to a one-game suspension for a red card he received in last season’s finale against Kansas City. Fred scored 11 goals in 72 appearances with D.C. United over three years, and his experience should help on a long trip for Philadelphia, which won’t play at home again until May 15.
Despite the home crowd, Union Boss Piotr Nowak will have his team ready for the hostile environment that is BMO Field. Neither team appears to be strong defensively so a 3 or 4 goal match seems likely as Union use their momentum to carry them to a 2-1 road win over Toronto.
There you have it, this week’s Philadelphia vs. Toronto MLS rundown. Watch for more of my soccer betting odds, predictions and tips here at Capperpicks.com.
Our soccer articles will you give you the inside scoop on comprehensive coverage of all MAJOR tournaments in all countries around the world, as well as here in North American (The MLS).
Why you ask??? Well it’s simple. We openly admit to not being soccer betting experts here, but we do admit to loving the sport. And we figure our readers do to, based on our Soccer handicapping forums, and survey responses we’ve conducted on our soccer betting blog.
