L.A. vs. Philadelphia USA Preview | MLS Free Pick (Oct. 7)

MLS Soccer Predictions – THURSDAY Oct 7, 2010 – Los Angeles Galaxy vs Philadelphia Union

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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.

MLS League 2010 Gambling Predictions
Matchup: Los Angeles Galaxy v Philadelphia Union
Date: Thursday, October 7, 2010
Time: Kick-off: 8:00 PM EST
Venue: PPL Park in Chester, Pennsylvania.
TV: ESPN2/ESPND
MLS Fixture Betting Lines and Odds from Betus
Money Line: Los Angeles (EVEN) Philadelphia (+260) Draw (+220)
Spread: Los Angeles -1/2
Over/Under: 2 ½

The Galaxy are fresh off a 2-1 victory over Chivas USA, and with a playoff berth already in hand, are now setting its sights on winning its first MLS Supporters’ Shield since 2002.

Los Angeles (16-6-5) leads the Western Conference with 53 points, with Real Salt Lake nipping at their heels, trailing by just two points in the overall standings.

LA will now take on an expansion Philadelphia Union side that is 7-13-7 (28 points), and although having been eliminated from postseason contention, could play spoiler to the Galaxy’s quest.

The match will feature two of the top scorers in the league in LA’s Edson Buddle who added to his league-high goal total with his 15th, and Philadelphia forward Sebastien Le Toux, who is in a three-way tie for second with 13 goals. Le Toux has scored in each of his last three home matches, and has 10 assists.

The Frenchman scored an amazing goal in last Saturday’s 1-1 tie with Houston and has been a welcome addition to the Union after not seeing much action last year in Seattle.

Le Toux did not play in Philadelphia’s 3-1 loss at Los Angeles on May 1 due to a sprained knee ligament. Buddle scored twice for the Galaxy.

The return of defender Omar Gonzalez to the lineup will help boost the LA back line keeping Le Toux, as well as Danny Mwanga, who has scored seven goals this season, Fred, and Jack McInerney, out of scoring range, as well as keeping pressure off goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts.

The Big Cat from Montego Bay has a 0.85 goals against average, has made 71 saves, with a 76.3 percent save percentage and a 16-6-4 record.

The Union backline is led by Jordan Harvey, Danny Califf, and Michael Orozco; all who have played well but will now face the enormous task of stopping the likes of Buddle, English superstar David Beckham, and team captain Landon Donovan. 

Donovan leads the MLS in assists this season with 14, while Beckham scored his first of the year on a free kick in the 39th minute against Chivas last week and has now played four matches since returning from his torn left Achilles’ tendon. He did leave in the 64^th minute but reports say he will play in Thursday’s match in Philly.

The Union is 2-0-4 in their last six at PPL Park

Prediction: The Supporters Shield implications are too important to overlook, so expect the Galaxy to come out ready for this one, winning 3-1.

We will continue to provide free weekly MLS gambling predictions due to the responses we’ve gotten on ourSoccer handicapping forums, and survey responses we’ve conducted on our soccer betting blog.

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Matt Martz is a sports writer for the Bakersfield Californian located in Central California. Blessed is the gambler who expects nothing, for ye shall not be disappointed.