We have now reached the third weekend of fixtures in 2022 MLS. Only four teams have maximum points from the first two matches of the season. New York Red Bulls and DC United have won both fixtures in the Eastern Conference and Austin FC and Los Angeles Galaxy have made the perfect start in the Western Conference. However, it will take a few more matches for the table to take shape.
Montreal Impact, Charlotte FC and Cincinnati are pointless in the East while Seattle Sounders have come up empty in the West. It’s early days at both ends of the tables to judge the effect of drafted players, changes in coaching personnel and retirements. So, with so little evidence to date, we are referring to form from last season and results this season in making our MLS picks.
Portland Timbers vs Austin FC
| Bet | Odds |
| Portland | -115 |
| Draw | +275 |
| Austin | +300 |
MLS Pick – Austin FC to beat Portland at (+300) with Pointsbet
Portland is the only major city in the United States with only two franchise team from the four main professional sports in North America. The Timbers are their representatives in MLS and the Portland Trail Blazers play in the NBA. However, the city does not have an interest in the NHL in ice hockey and NFL in American Football, despite teams in minor leagues in those sports.
In their 11 year MLS history the Timbers won the Cup in 2015 and were runners-up in 2018 and last season. They had home advantage against New York City last December but lost on penalties. Despite the passionate crowd, Portland look vulnerable when Austin are in town this Saturday. The visitors have scored 10 goals in two matches at home and that form can secure a road trip win.
New England Revolution vs Real Salt Lake City
| Bet | MLS Cup Odds |
| New England | -175 |
| Draw | +300 |
| Salt Lake | +475 |
MLS Pick – New England (-1) to beat Real Salt Lake City at (-105) with Pointsbet
New England Revolution won the Eastern Conference by 19 points last season. They won 12 more points than Colorado who were the leaders in the West table. New England were favorites to win the MLS Cup ahead of the playoffs but lost to New York City at home in the last eight. However, they have maintained the nucleus of that squad and have won and drawn one of two fixtures in 2022.
Salt Lake City clinched the final and seventh play-off place in the Western Conference. They won 25 points less than their opponents in this fixture at the weekend. Even so, they progressed through two playoff rounds on the road. Portland eliminated the side at home in the last four. However, they were so far inferior to New England that we make the Revolution the pick with a one-goal handicap.
DC United vs Chicago Fire
| Bet | Odds |
| DC United | +110 |
| Draw | +245 |
| Chicago | +245 |
MLS Pick – DC United vs Chicago Fire Under 2.5 goals at (-105) with Pointsbet
We are focusing on 2022 form in assessing this match. DC United have won both their fixtures without conceding a goal. Chicago have played out two goalless draws which suggests where they are strong. The four fixtures involving these opponents this season so far have produced just four goals. Those results suggest that the respective defences are effective in not conceding. Therefore, the logical conclusion is under three goals in this meeting.
