MLS 2010 Playoff Gambling Series Predictions – New York vs San Jose
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.
MLS 2010 Playoff Gambling Predictions
Matchup: New York red Bulls (15-9-6) v San Jose Earthquakes (13-10-7)
Dates and Times: October 30, 10 pm (EST): at San Jose; November 4, 8 pm (EST): at New York
TV: October 30 on TeleFutura; November 4 on ESPN2.
MLS Fixture Betting Lines and Odds Game 1 from Bodog
Money Line: New York (+175) San Jose (+140) Draw (+220)
Just one year after finishing dead last in the league, the Red Bulls have had an awesome year.
First, they get a new stadium, sign international superstars Thierry Henry and Rafa Marquez, and then cap it off by winning the Eastern Conference and enter the postseason as one of the heavy favorites to win the 2010 MLS Cup.
There’s only one hitch — the San Jose Earthquakes.
Led by English-born Canadian and former professional footballer Frank Yallop, this motley group of underdogs slid into the postseason finishing sixth in the Western Conference, for the No. 4 seed in the East. They are feisty, and have proven themselves adept at winning tight matches.
New York should not take lightly this group of blue-collar misfits, as they will make the would be destined to make the same mistake the Yankees did in this year’s ALCS, underestimating a rag-tag group of Texans.
The 4-0 thumping they received by the Quakes back on May 8 should serve as a reminder.
However, the Red Bulls would avenge the loss with 2-0 reversal on August 28. 
The Quakes may have dodged a bullet as French star Henry has been ruled out of at least the 1st leg this weekend, but could ready for the second leg of the home-and-home series on Thursday.
The Eastern Conference champions also lost striker Salou Ibrahim and rookie midfielder Tony Tchani to hamstring injuries.
Nevertheless, the New York bench is deep, and with the likes of midfielders Dane Richards, Joel Lindpere and forward Juan Pablo Angel, the side will be more than capable offensively.
Defensively, they will have to contain this year’s Golden Boot recipient, forward and Major League Soccer MVP candidate, Chris Wondolowski.
Wondolowski finished the regular season with a career-high 18 goals through 28 games and was the main catalyst in propelling the Earthquakes to their first playoff appearance since the team rejoined the MLS just two short years ago.
He will be a key piece in San Jose’s postseason success and has likely already caught the attention of the Red Bulls backline.
New York has a clear talent edge at almost every position, especially in attack. In fact, the 34 goals San Jose recorded as a team, is the worst of any playoff side in MLS history.
The Quakes will need to play tight in defense and be opportunistic on attack. They cannot afford to force their upfront push but they are also not a side that can come from behind, as its record is 1-10-1 when opponents score first. They will also need to make the most of the home leg, where they have not been impressive over the past month.
Prediction: Even without Henry, New York is well equipped. You can expect a scrappy series with New York winning on a 3-2 aggregate.
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.
BET ON SOCCER TODAY AT Betus.com!!! More Leagues, MLS, Champions League, World Cup, English Betting Odds, Prop Bets & More. JOIN NOW CLICK HERE!
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.
