MLS: Seattle Sounders vs. Austin FC Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Seattle Sounders meet with Austin FC, in arguably the most important game of the year for this crew. Brian Schmetzer and his unit have to win three points here, otherwise, they could disappear from the playoff contention. That would be a great blow for the CCL champions, who delivered the most significant success for MLS football over the last two decades. Austin has no pressure, they are way above the expectations playing appealing and efficient events. The franchise from Texas is second in the West, with a substantial gap between them and the rivals.

Preview

Seattle Sounders (-105) have mediocre displays in the previous month, winning only one game in the last six, and that was the latest one, against Dynamo in Seattle, 2-1. Prior to that event, the Sounders had four defeats and one game without winners, delivering terrible football in the moments when they needed to accelerate to reach the playoffs.

The CCL champs play efficient football, with eight of the previous nine games ending with three or more goals. Both teams have scored in the same number of clashes throughout that interval. Seattle has a solid attack, but the defense has been beneath the expectations.

Lumen Field is one of the most hostile places in the US, when talking about sports. It was one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL, and it appears that the atmosphere is the same when the Sounders play, as they won six of the previous 10 games here.

Austin FC (+250) saw 102 goals in their 29 games. They are really joyful to watch, but Austin FC’s fans experienced some frustration in the recent few weeks. Their favorites lost three of the past four events, which set off the alarm in Texas, but the situation isn’t as serious as some might think.

Only two contests in the previous ten haven’t been with either three goals or both teams netting. As said, the FC’s games have been the most efficient in the West, and they really play offensive-minded football.

Latest News

Paulo, Roland, Thomas and Vargas all have issues with injuries.

Urruti was the only one missing from Austin in their previous game due to an injury, and he is doubtful right now.

Head to Head Games

The first game of the year was in Austin, back in March, and it ended without winners, 1-1. Bruin was the scorer for the guests, but Fagundez leveled the result.

The previous two saw Seattle winning on the road, 0-1, and a goalless draw at Lumen Field.

Prediction

The hosts have to chase the result, and there is no debate about it. Austin doesn’t have such an imperative as Seattle, but they will try to make a surprise and win. Our best pick for this event would be over 2.5 goals, due to the offensive-minded approach both units have.

Right now, the odds on that are -195, and that is OK for the moment because the risk isn’t high at all. The other pick would be two or more goals in the second half. Odds on that one are -125.

Pick: Over 2.5 goals