MLS 2021 Season Betting Predictions
When it comes to MLS futures, the list of contenders is a short one. In fact, since 2015, just five clubs have played for the MLS Cup. This entitled group includes the Seattle Sounders (four times), Toronto FC (three), Portland Timbers (twice), Columbus Crew (twice), and Atlanta United (once). Oddsmakers are projecting a breakthrough into this group in 2021. Los Angeles FC is opening as +400 favorites in the MLS Cup predictions.
- Los Angeles FC are +400 favorites to win the 2021 MLS Cup
- Defending champions the Columbus Crew are the +500 second betting choice
- Only five teams have played for the MLS Cup since 2015
It would be wrong to suggest in assessing the MLS futures that the MLS Cup is a closed shop. It only seems to be that way lately. Over the history of the league, 16 different teams have played in the MLS Cup final and 13 of them have captured a championship.
Preseason is in full swing!
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 4, 2021
Check out the full preseason schedule & results. ⤵️
In recent history, though, the MLS betting tips suggest narrowing that search, because only a few clubs have earned this right. Since 2105, the Seattle Sounders have played in four MLS Cup finals and won twice. Toronto FC played in three of those MLS Cup finals against Seattle, winning once. Atlanta United, the Portland Timbers, and Columbus Crew each won an MLS title over the past six seasons.
| Team |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles FC | +400 | +500 |
| Columbus Crew | +550 | +600 |
| Seattle Sounders | +700 | +650 |
| Toronto FC | +900 | +850 |
| New York City FC | +1200 | +1100 |
| Orlando City | +1200 | +1600 |
| Philadelphia Union | +1200 | +900 |
This season, though, the Vegas MLS odds are backing a new team to enter into this fraternity. The MLS Cup predictions are showing Los Angeles FC as the +400 favorites to win the title. In its MLS playoff history, Los Angeles FC has never played in an MLS Cup final.
Another LA Title?
The other MLS soccer team in LA, the Los Angeles Galaxy, have won a record five MLS Cup titles. Meanwhile, their cross-city rivals remain in search of championship No. 1.
🇺🇾 x 3️⃣
— LAFC (@LAFC) April 6, 2021
⏪ Two years ago today, Diegol dominated DC. #LAFC
pic.twitter.com/xSeYjITukb
Fate was unkind to Los Angeles FC in 2020. The club lost the 2019 MLS MVP and Golden Boot winner, Carlos Vela, to injury for all but four starts. Back and paired with Uruguayan international Diego Rossi, 2020 winner of the MLS Golden Boot, the two figure to be a deadly finishing force.
Crewing A Repeat Performance
Is it possible that the defending champion Crew got even better during the offseason? MLS Cup MVP Lucas Zelarayan is back in midfield. U.S. international Darlington Nagbe has beaten the MLS odds by earning MLS Cups with Portland, Atlanta and Columbus.
Right on target from @AidanZMorris! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/7IrxryyeFz
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 2, 2021
Since winning the title, Columbus added free agent Kevin Molino, who scored 13 goals last season and Bradley Wright-Phillips, the sixth-leading scorer in MLS history. The Crew will also be opening a new stadium on July 3.
Sounders Always A Sound Investment
Death, taxes, and the Sounders in the MLS Cup final. Life's three certainties - or so it seems that way. Seattle has played for the championship in four of the past five years, doing so even after regular seasons where the club looked nothing like contenders.
Again this season, there's plenty of reason to write off the Sounders in the MLS betting tips. Jordan Morris is out for the season. His pace and finishing ability will be missed.
⬥ The Jimi Hendrix Kit ⬥
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) March 25, 2021
Inspired by a matchday tradition, honoring a Seattle icon. pic.twitter.com/DNJUGCWDIn
Several other veterans also departed and little in the way of moves to replace them have materialized.
Still, count out the Sounders from the MLS picks at your own risk. That strategy has frequently proven to be bad betting advice in recent seasons.
One Last Hurrah For Toronto?
With three MLS Cup final appearances since 2016, Toronto FC is another side that should never be taken for granted in the Vegas MLS odds. In midfielder Alejandro Pozuelo, they suit up the reigning MLS MVP.
However, MLS veterans Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, and Omar Gonzalez are all in their 30s and Jonathan Osorio is nearing that milestone. How much soccer is left in those aging legs?
Work don't stop 💪 #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/nPtWZGFQcd
— Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) March 31, 2021
There's also a new coach, as Chris Armas replaces Greg Vanney.
Where To Bet On MLS Futures
There are a number of leading online sports betting sites that will provide bettors with the chance to place a wager on MLS futures. The best bet you can make is to shop around in advance and seek out the right deal before joining one of these sportsbooks. Check out BetUS and MyBookie as examples.
The signup bonus offers that are in place at all of these recommended sites will prove advantageous to the bettor. And since you'll get a good deal wherever you go, why not check out several sites and find the ideal fit for your needs?
Do you want a risk-free first bet as a signup bonus? Perhaps you find a no-deposit bonus to be enticing. Or maybe you simply like the feel of cold, hard cash in your account and you want to go for a matching first deposit bonus. Whatever option you choose, you're already a winner.
A shootout to win the first Western Conference title! 🏆
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 6, 2021
Celebrating the first-ever MLS game by looking back at @LAGalaxy's dramatic win over KC.pic.twitter.com/I4cOqWL01h
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