Gambler’s Guide to Major League Soccer Week 7

A solid rebound last week, with the Rapids and RSL proving to be moneymakers while the PRO officials were determined to cost us all the Orlando City bet.

Seriously, if it came out these refs were gambling, I wouldn't be surprised.

We'll shake that off, though, and build on the momentum to keep the winnings coming in.

Now, for the usual intro.

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For the uninitiated, odds are generally presented in three forms — a "spread," a "moneyline," and a "total."

The spread is the goal difference expected. For example, if the spread for Orlando City is +1.5, you'll want them to win, draw, or lose by one goal to win the wager. Losing by two or more goals would result in losing the wager.

The moneyline is my personal favorite. A moneyline is simple — odds are presented, and you select the outcome you expect — Team A win, Team B win, or Draw. The total is the total number of goals scored this game.

Odds are presented with a number preceded by either a + or a -. When the number is presented after a +, this means that selection is an underdog. The number following the + is the amount of money the odds pay out for every $100 risked. When the number is presented as a -, this means that selection is a favorite. The number following the – is the amount of money you will need to risk for odds to pay out $100.

To improve your odds, you can always play what's called a "parlay." A favorite of mine, with this option you can select winners across multiple games, and watch your payouts soar. The risk, however, is if you miss any one contest on your parlay, you've lost the entire bet.

(Note: These odds were pulled from BetDSI, and may not reflect lines posted by your sportsbook of choice.)

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Easy Money

There aren’t a lot of big favorites to pick out this week, but there does look to be a favorable match-up when the Montreal Impact (-140) host Toronto FC (+375). Montreal has been untouchable at home, 2-0 with a +5 goal differential against New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew.

Toronto can be dangerous, having scored all six of its goals on the road this season, but should not be able to keep pace with the Eastern Conference-leading Impact. The Pick: Montreal Impact.

Feeling Lucky?

Columbus Crew (-125) welcome the Houston Dynamo (+350) in a battle of disappointing clubs. Combining for fewer points than over half of the Western Conference, and allowing over two goals per game apiece, look for this to be ugly but exciting. The Dynamo hasn’t won on the road all year, but they’re capable of scoring goals, and there’s a chance they’ll cash in big against the Crew. The Pick: Houston Dynamo.

My Play

I’m going to take the Impact, but I’ll shy off the Dynamo this week — I’m not feeling real lucky. Philadelphia Union (-105) welcomes New York City FC (+290) in a meeting between Eastern Conference playoff hopefuls. The Union are undefeated at home, allowing just one goal (you may remember it) in their building while averaging 2.5 of their own per game. NYCFC can always find ways to score with that firepower, but the truth is, Andre Blake just might be the best goalkeeper in MLS right now. The stars of New York are averaging 1.9 shots per game, but Blake is making 4.2 saves per game.

The Union are a dangerous team as long as Blake and C.J. Sapong are on — and they are more often than not. The Pick: Philadelphia Union.

When FC Dallas (+190) travels to Vancouver (+135), they play the role of surprising underdogs. They haven’t lost in six straight, they’re at the top of the table, and have earned six out of nine possible points on the road this season. Whether it’s Chris Seitz or Jesse Gonzalez in net, I know what play I’ll be making. The Pick: FC Dallas.

2016 Record

Easy Money — 6-8

Feeling Lucky — 2-10

My Play — 9-15