MLS

The 2019 campaign will be the 24th for Major League Soccer and fittingly, as the MLS gets ready for a new season, there's a new team. The inclusion of expansion franchise FC Cincinnati brings the MLS up to 24 clubs in the loop. Atlanta United are the reigning champions, beating the Portland Timbers 2-0 in the MLS Cup final to win their first title in the history of the franchise.

And then there were two. Following the final leg of the MLS playoffs, only two teams remain in pursuit of Philip F. Anschutz Trophy: The Portland Timbers and Atlanta United. They will square off in the MLS Cup Final, with Atlanta playing host in its Mercedes Benz Stadium. Oddsmakers have already made their decision about which team will win. Should you follow their lead, or is this year's MLS Final primed for an upset?

Whichever team emerges as MLS Cup champions, it's a certainty that they will be new title holders. That's because the defending champions Toronto FC didn't even qualify for postseason play. But is the race wide open? Is there a clear favorite emerging to cop the cup? Which underdogs are worth consideration? Read our MLS playoff preview and find out where the smart money wagers are being placed.