Happy April, friends! It is hard to believe that 2016 is 25% over. Now that the international break is finally behind us, it is time to get down to business with MLS.
Many of us in the U.S. are giddy about our national team beating Guatemala, but c’mon, if we can’t beat them right now….
Some stats as we move on to the weekend action:
After just 33 MLS matches:
- 58% of the matches have gone over 2.5 goals
- The average goals per match is 2.91
- Home teams are winning 48% of the games
- Both teams have scored in 55% of the matches
- There have been 19 goals scored in just four Houston matches
- Fourteen goals have been scored in 4 NYCFC matches
So, its is still very early, and we should still look at MLS as a goals league.
On to this week’s MLS action:
Bronze Spike — FC Dallas vs. Columbus
FC Dallas won a third match this season by multiple-goal shutout, rolling to a 3-0 win against D.C. United. Michael Barrios scored two goals in a game for the second time in 30 appearances in his MLS career.
The Crew are one of the biggest disappointments of the season, scoring just two goals in three matches. I wonder about the Columbus faithful; they didn’t have a good crowd in Columbus for the US – Guatemala matchup on Tuesday. This may not be close. Dallas home win is the play!
Silver Spike – New England vs. New York Red Bulls
Last year, the MLS Original rivals met three times, with the home team winning each – the Revs won a pair of 2-1 contests at Gillette Stadium, and the Red Bulls won 4-1 at Red Bull Arena.
The home team has won each of the last four meetings in league play (two for each club). The teams have met 77 times in all competitions over their history. These two play to many over trends, and I have to think that 3 goals is in the cards again. Over 2.5 goals
Golden Spike – Chicago Fire vs. Philadelphia Union
The Union are the closest MLS team to my home, and I get more news about them than any other team. They are coming off a second consecutive victory, a 3-0 win vs. the New England Revolution a few weeks back.
Philly have won back-to-back games in league play for the first time since May 17-24, 2015. Chris Pontius and CJ Sapaong have found the goal scoring touch, and I think we will see both teams light up the nets. Over 2.5 goals is the play!
Things are heating up; I wish you all the best with your wagers!
