It’s been neck and neck between the Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference for much of the season, with the two sides drawing 1-1 just days ago.
It’s set up for an exciting end to the season and one in which the Timbers could finally get their hands on the MLS Cup for the first time in five years.
They were triumphant in the MLS is Back Tournament earlier in the year, but can they get the big one?
Exploring the odds, it looks a really intriguing market to look at, with plenty of punters certainly enjoying the odds and offers as seen on sites such as The Bookies Offers for this one. That’s because there are plenty of contenders, with perhaps eight teams well in with a chance.
Below you’ll find some of the biggest contenders alongside the current odds being offered with them…
Portland Timbers
The Timbers are currently being priced at +1200 which seems a long shot given they have been impressive all season. The likes of Jeremy Ebobisse has been a real threat in front of goal and has backed nine across the season so far, while Diego Valeri and Sebastian Blanco are among the top assist makers of the season.
They proved they can hack it with the best when they faced Seattle just days ago and we rather thing the Timbers could be a dark horse between now and the rest of the season.
Los Angeles FC
Los Angeles FC are favorites currently with most sportsbooks pricing them at +450. They currently sit fourth in the Western Conference but drew with the Timbers just a few days ago with it taking a late equaliser to do so.
They beat the Sounders recently though and will be up there come the end of the season with the likes of Carlos Vela, Christian Torres and Bradley Wright-Phillips in their squad, but we’d be surprised if they did go all the way and lift the MLS Cup.
Philadelphia Union
At +600, Philadelphia Union look like they could be a real team to be reckoned with. They are flying high in the Eastern Conference and have some real quality in their ranks, including Sergio Santos who has been in great form of late.
They’ve never won the MLS Cup and the best they’ve ever finished is third in the conference and fifth overall. We think 2020 is going to be a strong year for them and they could come out cream of the crop.
Toronto FC
It’s certainly a toss-up between the Union and Toronto FC for first positioning in the Eastern Conference come the end of the season and you’ll find the same odds on them as the Union.
Toronto FC won the MLS Cup back in 2017 and took fourth place in the conference last year. They have a good squad and plenty of attacking threat, including Jozy Altidore. They make up a strong contingent of sides priced at +600, with the Seattle Sounders and Orlando City also given a similar chance to the current Eastern Conference leaders.
New York City
New York City are at +900 and it’s perhaps a matter of time before they do seal an MLS Cup win. The club are only five years old and have strong ties with Manchester City in the English Premier League.
This season may be a bit too much for them though and despite a strong squad, they have a pretty mixed record in the Eastern Conference this season and may even slip out of the post-season slots.
